James A. Reeves, II. Oral History Interview

Terry Howard interviews lifelong Florida commercial fisherman James Reeves. Born and raised in Fort Pierce, Reeves began fishing in the waters near his home as a child in the 1970s with his father and grandfather. At the time of this interview, Reeves battles melanoma cancer but continues to fish with his stepson and old friends while undergoing treatment. Reeves describes growing up and working in the commercial fishing industry in Florida and along the east coast of the United States and discusses how equipment, government regulations, the industry, and climate have changed since the 1970s. He also speaks of the various species of fish he has encountered in his life and struggles experienced out on the water. Reeves closes his interview with memorable moments of his time fishing and the difficulties of pursuing his passion while battling cancer