Q: What did you do before you became a fisherman?
A: I was a student, I guess. I started fishing with my dad when I was 14, so I've never filled out a job application or had any other job.
Q: What made you want to be a deckhand?
A: I was looking for adventure. Fresh out of high school, and I wanted to make some money. It was completely different from what I've known down here, and it kind of gave me an opportunity to do my own thing. And it's really worked out for me.
Q: What characteristics do you think are necessary to be a good deckhand?
A: Patience, I think, to actually take the time to get into a groove and pick up what's going on. You've got to open your eyes and see what needs to be done, and always try to jump in and help when you think people might need help, even though a lot of the time they just tell me to get the hell out of the way. You have to have a good head on your shoulders, and not talk back. Ever!
Q: What is it like being a greenhorn?
A: You have no idea of what you're getting into. It's hard, it's challenging physically and mentally. It's difficult. The hardest part for me is just figuring things out without being told what to do, I know that someone's always watching me, so there's no room for error.
Q: What's the greenhorn's responsibility on the boat?
A: The greenhorn has to make sure there's always enough bait made up, and be there to dive in the pot, especially during opies. Make sure there's no crab left in the pot when you stack it. And of course, to make sure the inside of the boat is very clean.
Q: How long will you be known as the greenhorn? Will that nickname ever go away?
A: Yes, as far as I know. I was officially not a greenhorn for the opies of this season. Keith came up to me at the beginning of this season, and said I wasn't officially a greenhorn any more. But I'm still being called that. It's taking a long time to drop that name.
Q: After being through the experience, would you do it again, and what advice could you give to other greenhorns wanting a job?
A: Yeah, I think I've fished five seasons now so yes I'd do it again. And if I could give any greenhorn some advice, it would be to eat your Wheaties!
Q: Do you wish to become a captain in the future?
A: Yes. I want to run a sport boat down in southern California, though.
Q: You must have had some expectation of what life would be like working on the Wizard, but what surprised you? What was different from what you expected?
A: One thing I didn't expect was how rigorous the work was and how little sleep I would get. How intense the work environment was, as far as weather and just working really hard. I don't think I was physically ready for what I'd be doing.
