John Langfitt Oral History Interview

Terry Howard interviews fishing boat captain John Langfitt about his career in commercial and charter fishing. Langfitt reflects on his early experiences in the industry, describing the various types of boats he has worked on and recounting stories of his fellow fishermen, including Terrel “Pappy” Hayes, the McGauran brothers, and Tris Colket, who joins the conversation. He shares insights into the fish species he has caught over the years, and recounts memorable catches, including one involving an unusually large catch and a close encounter with a porpoise. The discussion also touches on the impact of new fishing regulations, as well as concerns such as contamination, which have affected fish populations. Langfitt highlights the sense of community among fishermen and reflects on the people who have shaped his career, including Thomas McHale and Lennart Schelin.