Ed Gorchals

Location of Interview
Collection Name

People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Description

People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish showcases the cultural and scientific history of an iconic Wisconsin fish, the lake sturgeon. Throughout the process of writing the book, the authors interviewed community activists, sturgeon-spearing enthusiasts, spear and decoy craftsmen, and scientific researchers associated with the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population. Because of the cultural, social, economic, and scientific knowledge captured in these interviews, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Wisconsin Water Library preserved the audio files as a collection of  oral histories. This collection, People of the Sturgeon, encapsulates perspectives on lake sturgeon as they are reflected in the book. The People of the Sturgeon collection includes interviews with outdoorsmen, scientists, and craftsmen associated with the Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, lake sturgeon population.

The collection was compiled by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Wisconsin Water Library. Audio courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Recordings were collected as part of the research for People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, Wisconsin.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
10-12-2007
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Audio
Transcript
Supplemental Material
Abstract

Dick Koerner interviewed Ed Gorchals for the People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish project. Ed Gorchals was born on October 1, 1928, in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, and has lived in Larsen, Wisconsin, for many years, where he resides close to the lake with a channel at the back of his house. The interview begins with Gorchals recounting his early interest in sturgeon spearing, influenced by friends and the teachings of John Jorgensen’s father, who was instrumental in introducing Gorchals to the sport. He reminisces about the days when there were only a handful of shanties on the lake. He contrasts it with the current popularity of sturgeon spearing, which now sees thousands of participants. Gorchals discusses the evolution of the sport, noting the significant changes in equipment and mobility, including the use of modern four-wheel drives and helicopters. He reflects on the increased regulations aimed at protecting sturgeon populations, mentioning that in the past, seasons would see overfishing due to a lack of restrictions. The introduction of a six-hour fishing day is highlighted as a positive change to manage the growing number of spearers and protect the fish. Throughout the interview, Gorchals shares personal anecdotes from his nearly sixty years of spearing, including memorable moments and challenges. He talks about the communal aspects of the sport, the friendships formed, and the joy of sharing stories and experiences with fellow fishermen. He recalls specific incidents, such as missing sturgeon due to inattention and the camaraderie of fishing with friends who have had similar experiences. Gorchals also touches on the cultural practices associated with sturgeon spearing, including the use of various materials like pulp paper and PVC pipes to attract fish. He discusses the historical and current methods of preparing and enjoying sturgeon meat and caviar, noting the labor-intensive process of making caviar and the traditional recipes passed down through generations. The interview concludes with Gorchals expressing his appreciation for the Jorgensen family, who played a crucial role in his introduction to sturgeon spearing and taught many others in the community. He reflects on the changes in the sport over the decades and his hopes for its future, emphasizing the importance of responsible practices to ensure the sustainability of sturgeon populations.


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