Name/Title
Magellen, WilliamEntry/Object ID
OH00082Scope and Content
Tuna Fishing.
William Magellen discusses his experience as a Tuna boat fisherman, captain, and owner. He is of Portuguese decent. He comes from a long line of fishermen. Mr. Magellen began fishing with his father at the age of eight. He began fishing during the depression to earn money and as a way of lessoning the burden at home. He discusses the loss of his families tuna boat, the Anne M. during WWII, the U.S. Navy took the fishing boat during WWII for uses as a supply boat. The family was given $1 in exchange. After the war, the family had to spend a great deal of money to repair the boat. He joined the Navy tuna boat coast guard reserve. Later, he became captain of his families boat and ran a fair, but tight ship.
Mr. Magellen gives good insight into the use of codes to find fish exchanged by a group of different tuna boats and fisherman working together and exchanging information. He also gives good insight into the technical aspects of fishing and running a boat. Mr. Magellen discusses the trial by error difficulties and dangers of purse seine fishing during the infancy of this form. He also discusses the social aspects of fishing, and interesting superstitions of fishermen.Collection
Oral History CollectionLexicon
Search Terms
Oral History, Tuna Fishing