by Carol A. Muratore
Fish boat captains—people know who they are. Locals remember who they were going back decades.
In hushed voices and in reverence, the locals would tell me “he was a fish boat captain.” It doesn’t take a lot to understand that this is a highly respected job in these parts, performed by skilled individuals who carry the responsibility of lives and livelihoods daily.
Alan K. Hinson has been a fish boat captain for about 32 years and has been menhaden fishing for over 45 years. Today he is the longest serving career captain at Ocean Harvesters. He has broken records on fish catch. Alan didn’t tell me this. He also didn’t tell me he gave CPR to a fellow worker on the job one time. Alan is humble but proud of the work he does. Speaking to Alan, you also understand the importance of his crew.
You may not realize this, but it takes as many years, if not more, to qualify to be a menhaden boat captain as it does to become a medical doctor. There isn’t a school or college that you can attend to….
