Todd Bragdon is a resident of Danielson, Connecticut and has been a commercial fishermen since 1982 out of Alaska, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, Owner/Operator Oneonta Fisheries Inc. Todd born on April 23, 1964, in Windham, Connecticut, spent his early years on a hog farm in Scotland, Connecticut. His family moved to Iowa when he was two years old, but returned to Connecticut in 1968. After graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1982, Bragdon had aspirations to join the Coast Guard, but his colorblindness prevented him from doing so. Instead, he pursued higher education at the University of Alaska, where he initially planned to study civil engineering or history. Bragdon's career path took a turn when he was introduced to the fishing industry through his brother, who had become a fisherman in 1979. He took a summer job in Kodiak, Alaska, and began his fishing career on a boat called the Front Line, which was involved in scalloping. His first experience on a boat was in Homer, Alaska, where he hitchhiked to the end of the Homer Spit to meet the boat. Despite the challenges and adventures, Bragdon enjoyed his time in Alaska, describing it as a lot of fun for an eighteen-year-old.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Todd Bragdon, conducted by Mead Bragdon on April 24, 2020, provides a comprehensive account of Bragdon's life, from his early childhood in Connecticut and Iowa to his adventures in Alaska. The interview covers Bragdon's upbringing on a hog farm, his family's brief move to Iowa, and their return to Connecticut, where he graduated from Bloomfield High School. The interview also delves into Bragdon's interest in joining the Coast Guard, his colorblindness, and his decision to attend the University of Alaska. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Bragdon's experiences in Alaska, particularly his introduction to the fishing industry and his time spent on a scallop boat. The interview concludes with Bragdon's reflections on his time in Alaska, including his experiences in the bars, his dental emergency, and his eventual return to college. This interview provides a rich and detailed account of Bragdon's life and experiences, offering valuable insights into his personal journey and the broader context of the fishing industry in Alaska.

Subjects/Topics: Commercial Fishing, Scallop Fishing, Fishing in Alaska, Fishing in Connecticut, Fishing in Massachusetts.