Johnny

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
07-15-2000
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Video
Abstract

Matthew Barr interviewed Johnny for the Wild Caught project. Johnny is a deckhand who grew up in a fishing family and has been involved in the commercial fishing industry since he was a teenager. His father was deeply engaged in commercial fishing, and Johnny's passion for the industry was kindled at a young age, leading him to start clamming and shrimping as a teenager. In this interview, Johnny details his progression in the fishing industry, starting with small skiffs and eventually moving on to larger boats. He provides insights into the seasonal nature of shrimping, explaining the different types of shrimp they catch throughout the year, including spotted shrimp in the spring and brown shrimp later in the season. Johnny also describes the logistics of his work on the boat, where he is responsible for managing the deck, culling, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Johnny reflects on the challenges and rewards of his occupation, emphasizing the need to stay alert and attentive to prevent any issues on the deck. He discusses his aspirations to own his own boat in the future. Currently, he works as a deckhand, collaborating closely with the boat's captain, Mike, who handles steering and navigation. The interview covers Johnny's extensive experience with various types of fishing, including clamming, oystering, and gillnetting. He notes the seasonal and routine nature of the work, with winter months focused on clamming and spring bringing the start of the shrimping season. 


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