Jodie Davis

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
07-17-2000
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Video
Abstract

Jodie Davis, fish house operator and shrimper, has been immersed in the fishing industry from an early age. The Davis family has a long-standing tradition of involvement in commercial fishing, spanning multiple generations. Davis has been part of the family’s seafood business, transitioning from shrimping to managing various aspects of the operation. Davis is responsible for overseeing the processing and distribution of seafood, including washing and packing shrimp, retailing locally, and wholesaling to markets and restaurants in other states, such as Alabama. His duties extend to handling administrative tasks, such as managing financials and paperwork. 

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Jody Davis, conducted by Matthew Barr, covers Davis's life and work within the commercial fishing industry. Davis discusses his early involvement in the family business, beginning with his experiences on the ocean as an infant and progressing to his full-time role after high school graduation. He details the operations of their seafood business, describing the processing, packing, and distribution of shrimp. The interview highlights the various responsibilities within the business, from catching shrimp to retailing and wholesaling. Davis explains the daily routine of running a fish house, including handling customer orders, managing logistics, and overseeing financial transactions. The conversation also touches on the seasonal nature of the fishing industry, with summer and fall being the busiest times and winter dedicated to maintenance and repairs. Davis emphasizes the hard work and satisfaction derived from providing quality seafood at reasonable prices despite the increasing regulatory challenges facing the industry. Additionally, the interview addresses the close-knit nature of the Davis family, who live and work in close proximity. Davis reflects on the potential future of commercial fishing, expressing concerns over stringent regulations that may threaten the livelihood of fishing families. 


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