Fritz Amtsburg got an early education in fishing and became a full-time commercial fisherman in 1949. He was introduced to fishing by his stepfather, who fished out of Molokai during the war and later moved to Oahu. Amtsburg learned bottom fishing techniques from his stepfather, who preferred fishing off the Koko Crater or Koko Head. He used a technique called kogo to pull the anchor, and they mostly fished for Paka and Lehi. Amtsburg also engaged in trolling and bottom fishing trips to Waianae and Ka'ena Point. After serving in the Air Force and working in missile tracking systems, Amtsburg decided to pursue fishing full-time. He bought a boat and primarily fished for Uku, using a technique to anchor in deep waters. Amtsburg's fishing expeditions extended to various locations, including Kaula Rock, French Frigate, Raita, Maro Reef, Lisianski, and Pioneer Bank. He also ventured 200 miles north of Laysan Island to fish for swordfish. Amtsburg's most financially successful trip was when he caught 9,000 pounds of fish, grossing $155,000 in eight days. He was known for his intense fishing schedule, fishing 280 days a year for ten years. Amtsburg was critical of those who were critical of the longline industry.  His fishing career was marked by dedication, skill, and a deep understanding of the ocean and its resources.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Fritz Amtsburg covers his early introduction to fishing, his stepfather's influence on his fishing techniques, and his subsequent career as a full-time commercial fisherman. Amtsburg describes learning bottom fishing techniques, including the use of kogo to pull the anchor, and his experiences fishing for Paka and Lehi off the Koko Crater and Koko Head. He also details his transition to fishing full-time after serving in the Air Force and working in missile tracking systems. Amtsburg discusses his fishing expeditions to various locations, such as Kaula Rock, French Frigate, Raita, Maro Reef, Lisianski, and Pioneer Bank, as well as his venture 200 miles north of Laysan Island to fish for swordfish. He shares details about his most financially successful trip, where he caught 9,000 pounds of fish, grossing $155,000 in eight days. Amtsburg also expresses his intense fishing schedule, fishing 280 days a year for ten years, and his critical views on the longline industry and the closure of certain fishing areas. Additionally, he touches on his stepfather's influence on his fishing philosophy, his preference for certain fishing locations, and his experiences with different types of fish. The interview provides a comprehensive overview of Amtsburg's fishing career, techniques, and experiences, shedding light on his deep understanding of the ocean and its resources.