LC Scott

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Description

The goal of the “Fishing Traditions and Fishing Futures” project is to raise awareness of the experiences of commercial fishermen and their changing livelihoods in Georgia by documenting their local fisheries knowledge   and perspectives about the state and fate of Georgia’s commercial fishing industry through the use of oral  histories. Capturing the life stories and experiences of Georgia’s commercial fishermen is especially important since many local communities have depended on the coastal environment for their economic and cultural base  for generations.

Date of Interview
03-24-2018
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

LC Scott is a seasoned fisherman from Georgia, with a wealth of experience and stories to share about his life and career in the fishing industry. He grew up in a community known as Briar Patches, located about 10 miles from Darien, Georgia. Scott's experience in the fishing industry is extensive, having worked in various roles on fishing boats. He learned the ropes from the ground up, starting with tasks such as checking the oil and clutch, filling the radiator with water, and removing the lines before the boat could set off. He also learned how to handle the nets, dump the bags, and head the shrimp. His responsibilities extended to working on the deck, where he would sometimes receive help from the captains. This comprehensive experience on the boat equipped him with the necessary skills to eventually become a captain himself. Despite his love for the industry, Scott has expressed concerns about the future of fishing in Georgia. He believes that the industry is slowly declining, particularly in his home county of McIntosh. One of the main challenges he identifies is the difficulty in finding people willing to work on the boats. He notes that most of the current workers are older men like himself, and there seems to be a lack of younger individuals interested in taking their place. This, he fears, could lead to a shortage of workers in the future, making it difficult for boat owners to operate their vessels safely and efficiently.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with LC Scott, conducted by Angelique Jennings and Scott Clark, provides a comprehensive look into Scott's life and career in the fishing industry in Georgia. The interview begins with Scott sharing about his upbringing in a community known as Briar Patches, located about ten miles from Darien, Georgia. Scott's extensive experience in the fishing industry is a central theme throughout the interview. He details his journey from starting with basic tasks on the boat to eventually becoming a captain. He shares about the various roles he has held on the boat, including checking the oil and clutch, filling the radiator with water, removing the lines, handling the nets, dumping the bags, and heading the shrimp. He also talks about his responsibilities on the deck and how he sometimes received help from the captains. Scott's insights into the future of fishing in Georgia are also a significant part of the interview. He expresses concern about the declining fishing industry in his home county of McIntosh. He identifies the difficulty in finding people willing to work on the boats as a major challenge. He notes that most of the current workers are older men like himself, and there seems to be a lack of younger individuals interested in taking their place. This, he fears, could lead to a shortage of workers in the future, making it difficult for boat owners to operate their vessels safely and efficiently. The interview concludes with Scott sharing his love for the industry and his passion for keeping the boat clean. He believes that a clean boat looks good and is a sign of a good captain. Throughout the interview, Scott's stories and experiences provide a valuable perspective on the fishing traditions and potential futures in Georgia. His insights highlight the challenges faced by the industry and underscore the need for new generations to step in and carry on the fishing traditions.


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