Yhambria Simmons

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Jonathan Bennett Boat Stories

Jonathan Bennett is a commercial fisherman based in Brunswick, Georgia. Born into a family deeply involved in the fishing industry, Bennett has been engaged in commercial fishing since birth. His grandfather owned boats and his uncles ran bait businesses, providing him with a rich background in the industry from a young age. After graduating, Bennett began running boats and has since dedicated his life to the profession. He has worked on several vessels, with his most recent being The Flying Cloud, an 85 by 24-foot boat with a twin Caterpillar unit.

Kimberly Singley, Yhambria Simmons Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Cooperative Extension
Johnny Bennett Boat Stories

Johnny Bennett is a seasoned commercial fisherman from Georgia with a rich family history in the industry. His first experience on a boat was at the tender age of two weeks, marking the beginning of his lifelong involvement in fishing. Bennett's passion for the industry is evident in his preference for the solitude and independence it offers. However, he has witnessed significant changes over the years, many of which he attributes to environmental and regulatory shifts.

Kimberly Singley, Yhambria Simmons Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Herbert McIver Boat Stories

Herbert McIver, also known as "Captain Truck," is a seasoned commercial fisherman from McIntosh County, Georgia. His fishing career began at a young age, around eight or nine years old, when he started accompanying his father on fishing trips. Despite initial bouts of seasickness, McIver continued to work with his father every summer, eventually taking on more responsibilities as he grew older. His early fishing experiences were diverse, catching a variety of species including crabs, shrimp, whiting, flounder, and other smaller fish.

Yhambria Simmons, Kimberly Singley Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Joseph Rauls Boat Stories

Joseph Rauls is a seasoned fisherman from Brunswick, Georgia, who has been involved in the shrimping industry for several decades. His journey into the world of fishing began in 1969 when his father bought a shrimp boat. Rauls was drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, who always found ways to make a living, including shrimping. Over the years, Rauls has witnessed significant changes in the fishing industry, particularly in the design and operation of fishing vessels.

Yhambria Simmons, Kimberly Singley Brunswick, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Robert Todd Boat Stories

Mr. Robert Todd focuses on the history of his family’s commercial fishermen legacy. He discusses the boats run and operated by members of the Todd/Sawyer family. He discusses his short film, Trawling Traditions, which covers some histories of commercial fishermen on the Georgia Coast.  He also gives recommendations for the future of shrimping in Georgia. 

Yhambria Simmons, Kimberly Singley Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant