Working for a catch of oysters

An oyster fisherman just off the Birdsye Street dock in Stratford. There were 3 boats out today, each working its own area. They work in all kinds of weather and almost any day of the week.

This was a one man boat as are most of the boats that work around here. He lowers and raises his basket as well as seperates and discards whatever the basket brings up.

Making room

Shoveling the deck to clear out shells etc. and making room for the next basketful.

Checking for his catch

Here he seems to be checking his line.

Trolling for oysters

Here a two man crew is working the area behind the Shakespeare Theatre at Bond's Dock. This boat is deeper and bigger than most of the others that work the river.

Supervising the crew

This guy is overseeing the day's catch and hoping for a leftover or two!

Fishing for oysters

The boat travels its course while the basket drags the river bottom.

What's good and what's not

Sorting the a catch and discarding what isn't good.

Cranking up the catch

Time to bring the catch to the surface by cranking the wench to retrieve the basket.

Collecting the haul

Taking the basket contents and emptying them on the table.