Robert Everson
Boat Stories
Commercial fishing has deep cultural ties to the Georgia coast, particularly the shrimping industry, which is the state’s largest and most economically valuable fishery. Shrimping has played an integral role in shaping the identities of the commercial fishermen who have spent most of their lives on the water. At the heart of these identities are the fishing boats that have carried captains and their crew for decades.
These vessels have been bought and sold by fishermen up and down the coast for decades, connecting multiple generations of fishing families. They serve as the backbone of Georgia’s shrimping industry and have become iconic symbols for fresh and locally harvested seafood for the millions of residents and tourists who visit the coast.
In 2020-2021, Anthropologists at Georgia Southern University collaborated with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant to record the stories and experiences of local shrimpers and their boats. Funded by Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resource Division through a Coastal Improvement Grant (NOAA #NA20NOS4190175), student researchers learned about commercial fishing as they conducted these oral history interviews. These recordings powerfully preserve the voices and culture of commercial fishing to be shared with current and future generations. This database of knowledge is also available to guide science and regulatory decisions. Get to know Georgia's commercial fishermen by listening to their "Boat Stories"
Kassidy Gunn
Robert Everson is a seasoned fisherman from McIntosh County, Georgia, with a rich history in the fishing industry. His journey in the industry began with the help of his father, who also worked in the industry. Everson's early years were spent working on several boats in the Gulf of Mexico, starting as a striker and gradually gaining experience and skills. He also worked with his father out of Fort Myers, Florida, where they would embark on three-day trips to the Gulf of Mexico for shrimping. Everson later operated two boats for his brother, the Trade Winds and the Pat, before acquiring his own boat, the Miss Evelyn V, with the help of a cousin. He later had a new boat built, named the Miracle, which he operated until 2000.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Robert Everson, conducted by Kassidy Gunn and Freddy Lee on November 13, 2021, provides a detailed account of Everson's experiences and insights into the fishing industry. The interview, part of the "Boat Stories" research project, was recorded at the McIntosh County, Georgia Fish Dock Bar & Grill. Everson discusses his early years in the industry, working on various boats in the Gulf of Mexico, and his experiences working with his father out of Fort Myers, Florida. He shares the challenges and rewards of his work, including the logistics of shrimping in Mexico and shipping their catch back to Florida. Everson also talks about his transition from working on his brother's boats to owning and operating his own vessels. He shares the story of his first boat, the Miss Evelyn V, and the work he put into maintaining it. He also discusses the construction of his new boat, the Miracle, and the challenges he faced, including sabotage. The interview provides a unique perspective on the fishing industry, highlighting the challenges, competition, and camaraderie among fishermen. It also offers insights into the technical aspects of fishing, such as the use of a tickler chain and the importance of maintaining equipment.
Project Note
This project is supported under grant award #NA20NOS4190175 to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources from the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of DNR, OCM or NOAA.
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