On July 11, 2000, Matthew Barr interviewed Ray Swaney for the Wild Caught oral history project in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Ray Swaney, a lifelong fisherman, shares his early life experiences and family history, providing insight into his deep connection with the fishing community. Born in 1939, he moved with his family to various farms before settling near Sneads Ferry, where his father combined farming and fishing to sustain their livelihood. Swaney began shrimping at the age of eleven and, over time, pursued a career in commercial fishing, experiencing the challenges and rewards of this way of life. The interview delves into Swaney’s perspective on fishing as a profession, describing it as a way of life that is often misunderstood or looked down upon by outsiders. He recounts his first shrimping experience and how he became committed to the fishing industry, working at fish houses and eventually taking on various mechanical jobs before returning to the sea. Throughout the interview, Swaney emphasizes the importance of camaraderie among crew members, recounting stories of long fishing trips where the boat became a home for many, including his own son, who followed in his footsteps. Swaney also discusses the impact of government regulations on commercial fishing, expressing frustration with rules that jeopardize both the safety and livelihood of fishermen. He reflects on the changes in the fishing community over time, from a close-knit group that watched out for each other to a more fragmented community influenced by external pressures.