Rick Verity is a skilled bayman who learned the art of eeling from his father, Elwood Verity. Growing up in Blue Point, Rick's family has a long history of working on the bay, with his grandfather, Bill Verity, being a lobster catcher. Rick began his bay adventures at the age of three or four, accompanying his father to rake clams in the bay. His father taught him the best spots and techniques for clamming, including treading clams in the soft mud. Over the years, Rick and his father expanded their expertise, engaging in activities such as combing and setting traps for eels. They even crafted their own traps using wire, wood, and nails, with a preference for pine wood and a double funnel design.

Scope and Content Note
In an interview conducted by Nancy Solomon, Rick Verity shared his lifelong experiences as a bayman, inheriting his knowledge and skills from his father. He discussed his early introduction to clamming, the intricacies of eel trapping and combing, and the craftsmanship behind creating various types of traps and nets. Rick also provided insights into his hunting endeavors, including duck hunting, while expressing his continuous quest for improvement and adaptation. He shared anecdotes of challenging situations, such as falling out of his boat and witnessing amusing scenes involving inexperienced boaters. Throughout the interview, Rick displayed a deep connection to the bay, a passion for his craft, and a reverence for the lessons passed down through generations of his family.