The Watermen of the Chesapeake Bay

“I must have presented a strange and humorous sight to him as I carefully approached on the rickety pier, arms slightly extended for balance. Cameras and tape recorders and bags hung from straps around my neck and shoulders, and my right hand tightly gripped a shiny new lunch box. I leaned over his boat and made the request that I would repeat dozens of times over the next three years. ‘Hi, I’m doing a book about the watermen of the bay, and would greatly appreciate it if you’d allow me to go along with you and take some photographs.’ The older watermen looked at me and then at the floorboards of his boat. His leathery face eased into a smile. ‘Son,’ he said, looking up, ‘You are welcome to go with me as a cool breeze in August’” “I’ve learned that time spent with a watermen is an experience never to be forgotten. Some days he’ll keep you in stitches with his tall tales and keen wit. Other days you may learn something from him about equipment depreciation or the migratory habits of the blue crab. One thing’s for sure–you’ll never be bored. Like anyone else, there are good and bad among the watermen, but from what I’ve experienced, they represent one of God’s best efforts. It’s that good 99% that this book is about.” Read more