In 2003, Matthew Barr interviewed Johnny Wayne Midgett for the Wild Caught Oral History Project. Johnny Wayne Midgett is a fisherman from Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. In the interview, Midgett discusses his recent shift to becoming his own distributor, a move that became necessary due to plummeting seafood prices and rising fuel costs. He explains that the decision was driven by the need to sustain his livelihood, as traditional sales channels had become unprofitable. This change allowed him to maintain his income despite the economic pressures facing the fishing industry. The conversation touches on broader issues affecting local fishermen, particularly the impact of land development and regulatory changes. Midgett expresses his belief that special interest groups and developers have systematically made it difficult for fishermen to operate, with the goal of acquiring valuable waterfront property. He describes how increased regulations, imports, and property taxes have compounded these challenges, pushing many fishermen out of business. Midgett highlights the historical context of these issues, noting that developments such as the construction of a bridge to North Topsail Beach in 1968 were early indicators of the shift towards tourism and development over traditional fishing. He laments the loss of fish houses in Sneads Ferry, many of which have been sold or are up for sale, predicting that the local fishing way of life is at risk of disappearing entirely. Throughout the interview, Midgett emphasizes the importance of maintaining local fishing traditions and the negative consequences of losing these cultural and economic staples. He discusses the potential role of the state in preserving fish houses as cultural heritage sites to prevent their conversion into condos or other developments. He also reflects on the environmental impact of overdevelopment and the community's changing landscape. Finally, Midgett underscores the need for a balanced approach that supports both economic development and the preservation of traditional fishing practices.