Freshly harvested Monomoy steamers. Chris LeClaire photo.
We share historic and contemporary commercial fishing photography whenever possible, beautiful reminders of how the industry has always been part of our existence, as constant as the tides.
These images are a compilation from noted photographer Christopher LeClaire, who was introduced to the commercial fisheries at the age of four by his grandfather, Hillary. LeClaire’s father, Hillary Jr., also shellfished commercially and Chris got his license in 1983. Although he had taken many photos over the years it wasn’t until 2008 that he concentrated on documenting commercial fisheries off Chatham.
“On a daily basis, my camera made its way to the top of my gear list of equipment that was not to be forgotten: hip boots, rain jacket, steamer rake and now, camera bag with multiple zoom lenses,” LeClaire said.
We are happy to share some of his images, some of which have been published in his book, “Cape Cod Commercial Fisheries, Chatham Massachusetts.” Some of his photos also grace the walls in the barn of our offices on Main Street.
A shellfish dragger sits quietly waiting for work to begin.
The intrepid F/V I’m Alone was a welcome sight in Chatham, but also fished in Maryland.
One of our favorite characters, John Linnell, shellfishing, the dad and grandfather of former board member Tim Linnell and board member Sam Linnell.
Another noteworthy character, shellfisherman Mike Anderson, who we are lucky to have as one of our Pier Hosts at the Chatham Fish Pier during the summer.
This older photo of Kurt Martin weir fishing reminds us of the constancy of spring. Martin is the chairman of our board of directors.
This 1975 photo of Hillary LeClaire shellfishing is a reminder that shellfishing hasn’t changed much over the years.
We wanted to include this historic photo of F/V Yellowbird crew working on lobster traps in the 1970s.
This photo of Hillary LeClaire appeared in Yankee Magazine.