Occupational Folk Artists There are many occupations that stretch back in time. Farmers and fishermen, instrument makers, and railroad workers. Long Island Traditions has documented some of these as part of its ongoing occupational research. Visit these artists to learn more about their time-honored professions. Some of these artists are available for public programs. If […]
Learn how fisherman Tony Sougstad survived a storm on the ocean. LI Traditions · Tony Sougstad on Ocean Storms
Chuck Tekula: Bayman and Fisherman Chuck Tekula is a commercial fisherman from Center Moriches. College educated at Empire State College in New York, Chuck frequently writes about the lives of commercial fishermen, the regulations, and policies that affect them, and what has led to the decline of Great South Bay. He was one of the […]
There are countless stories and tales told by baymen, bay rats, bay house owners, fishermen and other tradition bearers for both entertainment and to educate friends and neighbors about life on the water. While some stories are humorous, others reflect an appreciation of the bay and the ocean. We hope you enjoy listening to some […]
The Fisheries The south shore is world famous for the many species of fish and shellfish that live year round, spawn or give birth, or rest on their way to warmer or colder habitats. Fluke and flounder, clams and crabs, and bait fish such as killeys, bunker and spearing are just the tip of the […]
On June 1, 2020 the students of Wheatley High School participated in a virtual field trip with fishermen John Aldridge and Anthony Sosinski, authors of The Speck in the Sea which recounts how Aldridge fell overboard in 2014 but was rescued 14 hours later by the Coast Guard with Sosinski’s guidance. This program was part […]
Bill Marinaccio of Freeport describes his experiences during Hurricane Carol with his father Carmine Marinaccio, a charter boat captain.
Fisherman Tony Sougstad of Freeport recounts how fisherman Dick Abbott survived a hurricane that claimed the lives of other Freeport fishermen.
Joey Scavone: Fisherman Joey Scavone was born in Freeport and began fishing with his father, a devoted recreational fisherman. Like most recreational fishermen, his father awoke young Joey in the early morning hours to go fishing for striped bass and blue fish, which were abundant in the south shore bays near Jones Beach and Captree. “We’d […]
George Rigby, Jr. — Master Fisherman, Duck Hunter and Decoy Carver George Rigby was born in Bay Shore, Long Island, the descendant of several generations of baymen and duck hunters. His great grandfather and grandfather worked on the bay during the late 1800s and early 1900s in Canarsie near Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn either harvesting […]