Brant Dietrich McManus Oral History Interview

In this interview, Brant McManus, born in Fort Pierce, Florida, in 1953, describes his experiences fishing, his family history, and changes in commercial fishing over the decades. McManus begins the interview by giving a glimpse into the history of Florida through tales of his great-great-grandfather and the circumstances that led his family to settle in Fort Pierce. He attributes the decline of marine wildlife to technological advancements, such as LORAN, and the ways it has affected fishing quotas and fish populations across Florida waters. McManus recounts his encounters with danger, including waterspouts, storms, and even being struck by lightning. He concludes with anecdotes about water rescues, illegal smuggling, and humorous fishing episodes