Darien, GA

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Dwight "Wynn" Darwin Gale, Jr. Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

Wynn Gale is a lifelong resident of Darien, Georgia, and a fourth-generation fisherman. He began his career in commercial fishing at the age of twelve. Despite a brief attempt at a career in law enforcement, Gale returned to the fishing industry, following in the footsteps of his family who have only ever worked in fishing. Over the years, Gale has observed a significant decrease in the number of boats fishing in the area. He has also experienced the financial challenges of the industry, having had to sell his shrimp boat due to high dock rent and the lack of a crew.

Savannah Bell, Amber Gosser Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Thornell King Fishing Traditions & Fishing Futures in Georgia

The interview begins with a brief history of Thornell King's childhood and his father’s involvement in selling fish back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He then goes on to talk about his brief interest in shrimping and how that eventually led him into the world of jellyballing. He describes his time under his mentor, George Tye, and how Tye eventually gifted him his three boats and his jellyballing company.

Angelique Jennings, Scott Clark Darien, GA UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Georgia Southern University
Curtis Carter Boat Stories

Curtis Carter is a seasoned shrimper from Darien, Georgia, who has been in the shrimping industry since the age of sixteen. Despite not having completed his education, Carter was able to support his family through his work in shrimping. His first boat was the "Night Train," which he owned and operated for about four years. He later worked on several other boats, including the Pay Tot and the El Mar in Key West, Florida, and the Shrimp Chaser, a giant herring boat.

Jamekia Collins, Amber Chulawat Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Darrell Gale Boat Stories

Darrell Gale is a seasoned commercial fisherman from Darien, Georgia. He comes from a long lineage of watermen, tracing back to Sir William Gale who served for King Arthur. His family migrated from the Isle of Man to the United States, where they settled in Darien, Georgia. Gale's grandfather worked for King George, rafting logs and fishing during off times. His father also followed the same path, serving in the Navy under Halsey before returning to shrimping. Gale himself has been on the waters since he was small, becoming a shrimp boat captain at the age of fourteen.

Samantha Sheppard, Megan Bull Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Wynn Gale Boat Stories

Wynn Gale is a lifelong resident of Darien, Georgia, and a fourth-generation fisherman. He began his career in commercial fishing at the age of twelve. Despite a brief attempt at a career in law enforcement, Gale returned to the fishing industry, following in the footsteps of his family who have only ever worked in fishing. Over the years, Gale has observed a significant decrease in the number of boats fishing in the area. He has also experienced the financial challenges of the industry, having had to sell his shrimp boat due to high dock rent and the lack of a crew.

Jamekia Collins, Amber Chulawat Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Bill Harris Boat Stories

Bill Harris is a seasoned fisherman and co-owner of Sapelo Shrimp Company based in Darien, Georgia. He has been involved in the fishing industry for several decades, having bought his first boat in 1989. Over the years, Harris has owned and operated several fishing vessels, with his most recent being the Brenda K, formerly known as the Lang's Pride. Harris serves as the captain of his boats, but he also manages operations on the dock, including unloading shrimp from other fishermen, selling shrimp, ice, and fuel.

Samantha Sheppard, Megan Bull Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Herbert McIver Boat Stories

Herbert McIver, also known as "Captain Truck," is a seasoned commercial fisherman from McIntosh County, Georgia. His fishing career began at a young age, around eight or nine years old, when he started accompanying his father on fishing trips. Despite initial bouts of seasickness, McIver continued to work with his father every summer, eventually taking on more responsibilities as he grew older. His early fishing experiences were diverse, catching a variety of species including crabs, shrimp, whiting, flounder, and other smaller fish.

Yhambria Simmons, Kimberly Singley Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Robert Todd Boat Stories

Mr. Robert Todd focuses on the history of his family’s commercial fishermen legacy. He discusses the boats run and operated by members of the Todd/Sawyer family. He discusses his short film, Trawling Traditions, which covers some histories of commercial fishermen on the Georgia Coast.  He also gives recommendations for the future of shrimping in Georgia. 

Yhambria Simmons, Kimberly Singley Darien, GA Georgia Southern University, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant
Darwin Gale, Jr. Oral History of Georgia Fisheries

Darwin Gale, Jr. is a commercial fishermen based in Darien, Georgia. 

Cathy Sakas Darien, GA Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary