Kenyon Ghandi is old-time Florida fisherman. He began fishing in 1948, and has been a commercial fisherman and owns a seafood market. Gandy narrates the evolution of the fishery in Panama City and gives insight on the history of the area. 

Scope and Content Note

In this interview, Kenyon Ghandi shares his extensive experience in the fishing industry starting in 1948 with trout fishing. Ghandi talks about how he purchased a commercial fishing license in 1955 and entered the fishing business in St. Andrews, Panama City. He recalls the city commission's decision to build marinas without informing the fishermen, leading to an opportunity for his family to collaborate with Wallace Copal in developing docks and a fish house in Thomas Drive. They serviced party boats, processed fish for tourists, and offered professional fish cleaning services. Ghandi mentions the absence of fishing regulations at the time in Florida, allowing them to buy and sell fish from various sources.

Ghandi discusses the transition to a local market and the evolution of fishing practices in the area. His family's involvement in running an ice plant led to their decision to sell their interest in the fish market at Treasure Island Marina. Ghandi also provides insights into the changes in fishing and fish trading in Texas, highlighting the state's population explosion and its resulting reliance on fish imports. He describes the process of boats unloading their catch and notes the historical significance of red snapper, tracing its origins to a fish house established by the Wells family in Pensacola during the late 1800s.

The conversation delves into the introduction of fishing regulations and their impact on fishermen and fish dealers. Licensing became necessary, leading to some small-scale producers exiting the business and the closure of several fish houses. Ghandi mentions advancements in fishing practices and technology, including the use of electronic equipment and fish finders. Reporting and data collection became more regulated, with government agents monitoring production.

Ghandi touches on various aspects of the fishing industry, discussing the arrangement between fishermen and fish houses, the presence of an exclusive water street in Apalachicola, and the effects of hurricanes on the industry. He briefly mentions the net ban's impact on fish dealers relying on their own production and the Anderson family's transition from the cattle business to fishing. The growth of Panama City is also mentioned.