Robert Abraham
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish a tale of the cultural and scientific history of an iconic Wisconsin fish, the lake sturgeon. Throughout the process of writing the book, the authors interviewed community activists, sturgeon spearing enthusiasts, spear and decoy craftsmen, and scientific researchers associated with the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population. Because of the cultural, social, economic, and scientific knowledge captured in these interviews, the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library preserved the audio files as a collection of oral histories. This collection, People of the Sturgeon, encapsulates perspectives on lake sturgeon as they are reflected in the book.
The People of the Sturgeon collection includes interviews with outdoorsmen, scientists, and craftsmen associated with the Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, lake sturgeon population.
Collection compiled by the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library. Audio courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Recordings were collected as part of the research for People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, WI.
National Capital Contracting
Robert Jake Abraham, also known as Bob, was born and raised near Lake Winnebago, where he developed a deep connection to fishing and hunting from a young age. His family has a long history in the area, with his father being born just a mile north of their current residence. Robert's family were local dairy farmers, and he dairy farmed for many years before transitioning to fishing and guiding. He has a rich history of sturgeon fishing and guiding and has been involved in the local fishing community for decades. At 85 years old, Robert has a wealth of experience and stories to share about his life and the history of the area.
Scope and Content Note
Dick Ristow interviews Robert "Jake" Abraham about his experiences with sturgeon spearing. Robert provides a rich account of his personal history, family background, and deep connection to the Lake Winnebago area. Abraham shares details about his upbringing, including his early involvement in fishing and hunting and his transition to guiding on the Big Island. The interview delves into his family's farming background, particularly in dairy farming, shedding light on their local roots and lifestyle. Abraham also discusses his experiences and challenges in sturgeon spearing, offering insights into the evolution of the sport over the years. Furthermore, the interview touches on Abraham's extensive network of friends and acquaintances, particularly within the hunting and fishing communities, and his experiences guiding notable individuals. Additionally, Robert reflects on the impact of changing regulations on sturgeon spearing and how spearing has changed over the years, including ice saws, transportation, and shanties. He also talks about family traditions and cooking sturgeon.
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