-Hi, I'm -Eric Ford for made here.

-Tim Briggs and Haley McHatton -bring us the film -Women on the Water, -!which explores the coastal New -Hampshire fishing industry.

-The film tells the story -of six women -in this male dominated world -who have made a name -for themselves on the water -in the Granite State.

-You can watch Women -on the Water -and other great Made Here -films -streaming on our website -and through the PBS app.

-Enjoy the -film and thanks for watching.

-Oh dead.

-Dead.

-Beauty.

-Beauty.

Beauty.

-Oh my God!

-I think -until I was an oyster farmer, -I had never met one.

-So I think I would have -had the same reaction.

-Like, what do you do?

-How do you do that?

-Like farming.

-And what does that even mean?

-I remember being younger.

-And you see anybody -do any profession -and you just assume -that's the person -that does that profession -because you're young.

Right.

-!So I remember when I was doing -a lot of building, -I built, a tree house -for my friend's kid.

-There is a time -where he didn't know -that men build things, and -!he just assume that women did.

-I think there are two farmers -in the state.

-So then I was pretty much -!the third farmer in the state, -and Laura and I were -the first women in the state, -for sure, that were farming.

-I do know -there's very few women -who are in the industry.

-I guess there's maybe -five of us -who actively fish -in New Hampshire, out of, -I don't know, -a few hundred men -there.

-There's just not enough.

-There's not enough.

-We can do the same thing.

-You know, -we're just as capable.

-I don't know why -there's not any woman -on the water.

-Traditionally, -and I think present day -still has been.

-Men are on the water -!hauling the traps and the nets -and unloading the catch.

-And the women are behind -the scenes, -running the business, -!selling the fish, cleaning it.

-And it's actually really hard -to calculate -the exact number of females -in the seafood industry -!here in New Hampshire, because -we don't really see them.

-Take on yet.

-I think probably because -I grew up on the water, -I don't remember a time -where I didn't -want to go on the boat.

-To this day, -I still begged my dad to go -take me out, -just for a day on the water.

-I was 15 when I started.

-What 15 year old -goes out on the boat -at three in the morning -and works -!like that's unheard of, right?

-My name is Ella Byrne -and I am a co-owner of F/V, -Sugar Daddy Lobsters.

-So this one was me for, -I think, for my -first birthday.

-My birthday's -a few days for Halloween.

-So the lobster.

-This was me -trying to help my dad, -learn how to bag, -so I put a bag on my head.

-Trying to be helpful, -but that was me on the boat -when I was little.

-I was -just loving it.

Obviously.

-Definitely.

-My dad is someone -who I always looked up to, -and he's kind of helped me -through a lot of stuff -that I couldn't have handled -by myself.

-Last year, -and kind of been like that -!outlet for me to work with him -and get over the connection.

-It's definitely not -the easiest thing.

-On some days, -someone who had not having -a very good day at.

-Work.

-Probably.

-When I was 12, I started -actually working for him.

-I refused to touch the day.

-I was like, I'm not doing -that, I'll buy lobsters.

-And that's -the only thing I'm doing.

-And then the year after that, -we got a new employee -and I was kind of like, okay, -I'm ready -to actually do some stuff.

-So I started off with just -putting bay bags on the traps -and binning lobsters -and that stuff, because -I was too young to know -not to step on the ropes -when I got my own license -though I started fishing -completely -!my own traps just with my dad, -which was hit me -almost like a like a bus -!because I was like, oh my God, -this is so much work.

-It's probably -the hardest thing -I've done, like work wise, in -my whole life, -its hard on my back -and I'm tired -and I want to go to bed, -and I get migraines -when I get up too early, -too many days in a row.

-And there's a lot of things -that I don't like about it.

-Just because it's -so it's it hurts.

-Like my body -will ache for like, days, -but it's worth it in the end.

-I mean, it's -something I do really like.

-There is no way my -dad could do this on his own.

-He doesn't -even know how to work -my Google form order form.

-So if there's, like a week -that I'm not around, -sales cant happen.

-So I'm definitely a key part.

-And that's something that he -tries his best to remember -is that I am the reason why -we have sales every week.

-I think the most we sold -one week was like -seven -hundred pounds of lobsters, -and that was like -the most amazing thing -that we've ever done -because we built our business -from the ground up -at the start of Covid.

-And it's like, -nice to be able to celebrate -all your customers.

-That's been coming to -us for three years in a row.

-I wish I would -have known, like how much -this would like -actually impact me -and how it would give me like -something to look forward to -and something that's almost -like like determination.

-I mean, what 15 year -old decides -to open a business -with their dad and like, -!like I think that's crazy that -I even did that at 15.

So.

-Years down -the road, I'll be able to, -you know, eventually -tell my kids -and my friends about it -that I saw lobster -with my dad.

-And I think that's gonna be -something I'm -going to hold special to me -for a long time.

-It obviously helped shape me -!and gave me a full set of life -!skills that I'll have forever.

-It's really hard -to just up and start your own -fishing business.

-Traditionally, -you're told to go down -on the docks and -offer your services.

-As a woman, that's -not usually a very easy -and comfortable thing to do.

-Women are finding -different aspects -of the seafood industry -that are easier to get into.

-You know, maybe not -being directly on a boat, -but distributing the seafood -and making connections -!between fishermen and markets.

-So if you're willing -and you have capital or, -you know, just gumption, -why not?

-My dad and I, -we out on the boat one day, -and we ended up -starting to catch some crabs.

-He had talked to a few -!different local lobster buyers -to see -if they would be interested -in starting to buy crabs -directly off a local boat.

-Unfortunately, -everyone turned him away.

-We don't want to deal -with them.

-They're too hard to keep.

-They're not worth much.

-You know, pretty much -every excuse under the sun.

-That day, -we ended up taking some home, -!and we cooked them for dinner, -and I tried them.

-And I was really shocked -at how good the crabs up here -are.

Especially the Jonah -crabs are very sweet.

-So, you know, -we just kind of sat down -and we started talking -about it and said, well, -what would I need to be able -to start buying our crabs?

-!And so we decided that I would -need, you know, a scale, a -truck and myself.

-My name is Jillian Robillard, -and I am owner of Southern -Maine Crabs.

-I, I think from a young age, -I always wanted to be -in this industry, -just growing up on the back -of the boat and stuff and -being exposed to the ocean -so young and -I think originally I really -wanted to own my own boat -and go fishing and stuff, -but I ended up, -you know, through college -and stuff, really discovering -the fact that I really like -the aspect of business.

-I like how it runs -and like the fact -that it's changing -every single day.

-We ended up -finding a good truck -and I ended up going down.

-I bought that -and it just from there -I started buying his crabs, -and then he'd introduced -me to more fishermen.

-The biggest thing for me was -finding someone to buy them.

-What is it, -Jonah?

Crab buffet.

-You heaven, I do actually, -let me grab one for you -for a few weeks.

-I couldn't -even pay someone to try one.

-!And then eventually, you know, -one person would try it -and then they tell a friend -!and it just kind of snowballed -that way.

-So now a lot of the local -retail market -are wanting to buy those -and keep those in -store for their customers.

-So how do you ensure -what do we offer?

-$2.50 a pound and these ones -are offshore, $4.99 a pound.

-Oh, how much are those?

-$2.50 a pound.

-Oh my gosh.

-So you to boil -or steam -just like -you would a lobster -!since I've started buying them -and you know, -someone locally has them.

-It's really expanded -the market.

-It's, a little bit -!less expensive than a lobster, -but you're getting really -fantastic seafood.

-You know, my busy -time of the year is the fall.

-And so usually what I do -is first thing -I get up a lot of times -I'm on the road pretty early, -so I have to come here, -pull the crates -out of my tanks, put them on -!pallets, put them on my truck, -and then deliver them to -whoever -you know my customers are.

-From there, I come back.

-Usually I'll spray out -my truck, throw -a scale on there -with some empty crates -and get ready for boat -pickups.

-I buy lobsters and crabs -7 days a week.

-Anyways, from York -Harbor down to Rye Harbor.

-Oh, okay.

-Just right in here.

Yep.

-And then the crabs.

-I also buy all up and down -the coast from New Bedford, -Massachusetts up -to ten inch Harbor Spruce.

-I've been here quite a ways.

-!Yeah.

And then I slowed a lot.

-Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Okay.

-What I really think -makes Jillian stand out -is she knows the industry.

-She knows how it works.

-But she also has -a different vision.

-And she sees how -to connect the dots -in a way that not only helps -her business, -her relationships, -but also helps the fishermen.

-She has this very quiet -but strong personality.

-She doesn't say very much, -but when she does say things, -there, perceptive.

-They're smart.

-People are noticing that.

-And so within the industry, -they see her -!as the next generation leader, -whether she likes it or not.

-In the next few months here, -I think Southern -Maine Crabs -is going to be able -!to start processing live crabs -to pick the crab meat from.

-That's -really going to diversify -my customer base -quite a bit and getting my, -you know, -fresh picked crab meat into a -retail market and restaurant.

-So we've been -doing wholesale out of here -for about two -and a half years now.

-And then back in April, we -!decided to open up for retail, -for weekends only.

-And hopefully going -full time in the summer.

-It's been nice to be able -to show people -where their fish is coming -from.

-A lot of times -we're able to tell them -what the captain is and what, -but when it came off for.

-Yeah, the crab crabs -been a big hit -between the live crabs -and the crab meat.

-I think someday you'll -!probably see some Maine crabs.

-Crab meat in a grocery store.

-Sometimes it's, -hard to, -I guess, -keep that in perspective -that, you know, this is kind -of what I've been working for -for so many years now.

-So, you know, -when I take a step back -and look at it, -it's kind of surreal -in a certain way.

-But then the other side of me -is I can do better, you know, -I can get a bigger truck, -I can get more vehicles and -!I can really grow this to, you -know, whatever it could be.

-!A lot of times it's, you know, -be on the road, -you know, 4 or 5 a.m.

-and then by the time -that you actually get done -for the day -and turn the lights out, -go home, next thing you know, -it's 11:00, you know, -midnight or something.

And -!you just kind of take a minute -to breathe.

-Finally -really realize that -you haven't just done it -for nothing.

-You've learned so much.

-!And I think that's pretty much -priceless in the end of it.

-Aquaculture -in the United States -is still really up -and coming and young, -and in New Hampshire -in particular, -it's a much more open -industry.

-It's not saturated and, -there's -no tradition behind it.

-But Maine lobster fishery has -over a ten year waiting list -to get a permit to be able -to fish for lobster, -whereas -if you wanted to become -!an oyster farmer, that process -can take less than a year.

-They don't -necessarily have to have -a lifetime on the water, -or have grown up -in a coastal community -to be able to start a farm.

-Folks can come from a variety -of different backgrounds -in any setting, -but aquaculture, -I think, is a little bit -more friendly for folks -who are newer -to the maritime industry.

-I go out with the low tide.

-So my day, -the night before starts.

-When is tide come up?

-I have it mapped out pretty -much for the whole summer.

-I can get out there -about an hour, hour -and a half before low tide, -and I just work -for about 3 or 4 hours.

-And then the actual farming -bit of the day is over.

-For the most part.

-I find it extremely calming.

-And there's the sound of it, -the splashing of it, -the movement of it.

-I mean, I don't go out -from raging thunderstorms -the way that I don't love it -that much, -but it's just it's -there's a certain -kind of peace -and tranquility to it, -and things just sort of swim -around and move.

-There's just not there's -nothing like it.

-I just -love being in water now.

-I'm Laura Brown, -owner of Fox Point Oysters -in Little Bay, New Hampshire.

-My name is Kristin Ward, -and I'm the owner of Choice -Oysters in Little Bay.

-I feel so good.

-I have some.

-I know that sounds like a -really cool big horsey, -Oh, really?

-It is really cool.

-The water I saw -absolutely gorgeous.

-Going to school.

-You're not kind of sure -what you're going to be doing -coming out of school.

-!I was looking around for a job -before I graduated.

-I went to school -later in life too, you know?

-!So I was looking for something -around here.

-I ended up, finding a job -in an invertebrate -benthic ecology lab.

-So oysters were kind of -just naturally part -of that study area.

-Wasn't that laboratory.

-So I just found myself -with oyster.

-There's -a lot of different work -that we can do with shell -recycling, -restoring the reefs.

-And these oysters -are just like magic.

-They are filter feeders.

-They're cleaning the water.

-No feed, no -anything like that.

-You know, they're benefiting -the bay so much.

-They're environmentally -such a good resource -to have in the water.

-It's difficult because you -don't really know -what you're doing at first.

-We know we figured it out -slowly and it -it takes about three years -for an oyster -to come to market size.

-So kind of you -kind of three years -and work with it and kind of -figure it out a little bit.

-Yeah.

-You can see the cup on -this is really nice.

-!And that's what the bottom sea -does.

-That's what you really want -in the restaurant.

-And then this starts fanning -out and around the bottom -and out.

-Look at that.

-That cup is beautiful.

-I was lucky -because she did all that -hard work in the beginning.

-And then I could just -!sort of tag on to all of that.

-I spent the first, I guess, -part of my life in the arts.

-I was a glassblower.

-I was a studio artist myself.

-Kristen called once and said -she was starting -an oyster farm.

-The strangest thing -I ever heard, -and I thought, -that sounds pretty cool.

-And she's like, you, -you could do this too, -if you want.

-And I knew nothing.

-So, I asked -a million questions -and she helped me -get everything started.

-And I eventually just moved -here and started my own farm.

-And I actually -started my farm on her farm.

-So I got my own oysters -and used her space.

-And, we just got -to learn together -!for the first couple of years.

-And then I found a different -space and moved over.

-And now we have separate -farms.

-Oh, God.

-The waste -associated in the art world -!versus the eco friendly nature -of these little filter -feeders in the water -that don't need food.

-They really don't need us -for the most part.

-They just sort of do it -themselves.

-They're such amazing -little creatures.

-So it's definitely changed -my life and it's created -a whole new way of thinking -and living for me.

-So I put a ton -of inch and a half oysters -out here last.

-And was it last spring?

-So.

Right.

-Yeah.

Last spring.

-But that's what they are now.

-So they started out -like that size -and now they're already huge.

-These are totally -almost ready.

-They hold that up to the sun.

-!You can see all the new growth -right.

-I'm not sure.

-Oh yeah.

-So this this is just -from this spring.

-!I think starting our businesses -separate was both of us -a no brainer.

-We both wanted to sort of -do it -our own way -and see where it went.

-And we worked together -a ton and with each other.

-But we have separate -businesses and, -I think it's I think -it's really important for me.

-I enjoy being my own boss.

-I make my own schedule -and I love it.

-And you can be creative and -do your own things out there.

-So something -she's doing on her farm, -I'm not doing on my farm, -you know, -and I'll go a different -avenue in a different way, -you know.

-Are you going to bottom -feed this year?

-Are you going to.

-Should I put him -in this moment -or should I get oysters -that are bigger this year?

-Should I get, you know, it -just a million different -kind of little things -to figure out here and there.

-And it's kind of it's -paid off.

-It's trial and error -a lot out there.

-So kind of allows you -the freedom to -!kind of just do what you want, -and then you only have -yourself to blame -if it doesn't work.

-So I almost do -100% retail at this point.

-Just direct to consumer.

-It kind of it -got me closer to my customers -and asking more questions.

-It was hard to do the back -end stuff -like website stuff and, -and it's more time -for me to be present -and in front of people's -faces.

-Time that I could be -working on the farm.

-So there are -challenges there for sure.

-I love -the direction I'm in now, -and I like meeting people -and talking to them -and selling directly to them, -and they learn what fresh -food looks like and I don't.

-I'm not sure -everyone in the world gets -food directly from a farmer.

-My looks a little different.

-I think that's the big thing -about having -your own business too.

-You can even make your farm -how it needs to be run.

-I can't get out there -every day.

-It's still working.

-The low tide, you know.

-But I do it.

-Not as often by now.

-I use a lot of the oysters -on my farm for restoration -purposes, so it's not always -cleaning bag.

-Rotating your crop.

-So I spend -less time out there, -kind of out of necessity, -you know, just to -live and work -and not drive myself crazy.

-Starting the farm -I know was big for me, -starting my own business.

-That was a huge difference -in my life, you know, -and this is something -that maybe I could do.

-For a long time -and do it how I want to do it -and just be out there -on the water and stuff -like that was a big -that was kind -of a defining moment because, -you know, you're kind of used -to a 9 to 5 job and this is, -you know, it kind of -can change a lot of things.

-The ocean is a space -!that you can learn a lot from.

-Having a job on -!the water is very challenging, -and it demands -a lot of different parts -of you and your intellectual -capabilities.

-It's a lifestyle choice -that they have all made -because they love being able -to work on the water -every day.

-I think -the other draw for the women -is that they can own their -own business, you know, -they can have full control -and providing livelihood -for other people who also -want to do the same.

-I think -on land, I don't -have a lot of confidence.

-I really don't on the water, -I, I feel good, I feel, -that's the one place -I feel like I've really -accomplished.

-I feel like I know what I'm -doing out there.

-You know, land -is is really tough.

-I couldn't be on land.

-I couldn't be a bus driver -or a doctor.

-I couldn't do -any of that stuff.

-Those are the hard jobs.

-This is easy.

-I don't even think -I've seen a tuna -until probably 2014.

-Maybe.

Maybe even 2015, -the year I started.

And.

-But when I saw one, -that was it.

-It was like, -I have to do that.

-It was a goal.

-I have to get out -and I have to catch that.

-!So I was so amazed by the size -and how cool it looked.

-And I just said, -I gotta go for it.

-And I never thought -!that I would have my own boat.

-I never thought that -I would be where I am today.

-My name is Lea.

-I'm first mate of the -F/V No Limits.

-I am Michelle -and I am the captain on -the F/V No Limits.

-I thought for years -what would I name my boat?

-It was last minute.

-The day before -no limits came in my head -and I'm like, that's it.

-Never heard of a boat -with that name.

And, -it was perfect.

-!And I fell in love right away.

-The second I saw this boat, -I knew this was it.

-I started fishing back -when I was a teenager, -recreational with my father -came to summertime.

-I would go jump on the head -boats.

-My brother and I, and we'd -go to work for the day.

-I went back -and I believe 2014, -I just remembered -how much I loved it.

-I couldn't be without it.

-Somebody asked me to go -tuna fish -and they jumped on their boat -and I was hooked.

-After that.

-Just the rush.

-I mean, -!just when the rod bends, it's.

-There's nothing like it -when you're fighting a, -you know, several hundred -pound fish.

-Michelle -And I first met, -I was working at a gym, -and I got stuck -working on a Sunday.

-Her husband was getting ready -to leave, and.

-And I told him, I says, -I gotta get out of here.

-!Wicked tuna is going to be on.

-I want to miss it.

-And he says, really?

-You watch that show?

-I gotta introduce you -to my wife.

-And I said, why?

-She likes it too.

-And he said, -she's got a tuna boat.

-!She's looking for a girl crew.

-And I said, -you have to be kidding me.

-Just having Leah here -helping me is huge.

-And, you know, -people offer to help, -but I, I really don't like -!taking help from other people.

-And I love doing this -kind of work, -so I love helping.

-I'm pretty good at cleaning -and she's really good -at making -!a mess, runs around in circles -and gets all the gear ready.

-I just follow behind her -and pick everything up -and make sure she's eating.

-And you know, -sometimes I gotta tell her, -like, take a nap.

-You're -the captain.

Go lay down.

-You never know -!when that rod's going to bend.

-You're doing your thing.

-You're ready to reel and -you're ready to call the day.

-And then boom.

-It's just.

-snap.

gone.

-You know, you either have it -or you don't.

-And just one, one bad move -and that's it.

-Fish is gone.

-Yeah.

-You get out there -and where's the right spot?

-It's a gamble, you know.

-Where are we going?

-To drop the anchor.

-And then what are we going -to use for a bait?

-There's so many things.

-!And it's just this gamble, and -then you go, Should we move?

-We've been here -for right over the.

-It's always second -guessed, you know, -should we real solve real -and what's reel -it in real slow.

-And then you start -to bring them in -and then you hook up and go, -Jesus, -we were just about to leave, -and now we're hooked up, -and somebody ought to bring -up the solo catch, -because that's really -what made her really well -known.

-Got one fish -in July and July solo solo.

-And they did like was okay -okay kid an article on her.

-So that kind of went viral.

-And then that second solo -catch was absolutely amazing.

-She got it on the GoPro -footage.

-Some guy took it off -my Facebook, -post it on TikTok, -and within two days, 25 -million views -and if you watch -the video, it's -just absolutely incredible.

-I mean, you can see her, -she's doing this -solo, can -see her driving the boat -and then hopping on the rail, -!you know, and it's just crazy.

-She's out here on the deck.

-!This monster fish is swinging, -and there's one wave -that hits the boat -and it rocks.

-And the fish just comes down.

-And I'm -!proud that I got it on a GoPro -that'll be watched for years -and years and years -after I'm gone.

-So I like the fact that -!that, she, like, made history.

-I made.

-Yes, pretty cool.

-A lot of people don't -necessarily think about how -this job is going -to keep going in the future.

-It just doesn't -occur to them like, oh, -what's the next generation?

-!You don't necessarily see kids -going into the trades -and fishing industries.

-Like, if I was a basic -high schooler, -I wouldn't be doing this.

-I would want to sleep in.

-That's like -most of my friends do.

-If I could sleep in every day -I would, -just because it's it's -not something -that most people want to do.

-But once you find your -at once, -you get into the groove -and it's clicking with you.

-!It's actually quite enjoyable.

-I definitely think -the biggest challenge for me -so far has just been my age, -!kind of just always constantly -being pushed -to the end of the line -because I'm so young.

-I went to the, -Boston Seafood Show and -given the fact -that I was probably -one of the youngest people -there, -not one person would actually -take the time out of the day -to speak with me.

-A lot of the corporate -companies -don't think that I have the -ability or the money -for them to deal with me, -which is unfortunate, -but we just find other ways -to, to do it.

-Being 19, you don't really -!start off with a lot of money.

-So, you know, everything -that I use to start -my business -was pretty much all the money -that I had just saved up -over the last few years.

-Part of the reason -!why I couldn't go out and get, -you know, any loans -!or even a credit card to begin -with was the fact that I was -so young, my first vehicle, -I couldn't get a loan for it.

-I had to pay cash for it -out of my own pocket.

-I think that there's -a gap in ages -as far as people my age -trying to get into -the industry goes.

-They want job security, -which is just -!hard to find in this industry.

-You know, certain -certain months -you're -not going to make any money, -and then other months, -you know, -you could bank 5 to 10 grand -a week.

-Prices are changing daily.

-Sometimes you can wake up -in the morning and you know -the price will be the same.

-And then an hour later, -the price will drop.

-So everything -that you had an inventory -!you're now selling for a loss.

-So you're trying to lose the -least amount of money on it.

-You're going to have to get -ready to take some losses, -and it's going to hurt -sometimes.

-But makes me, -makes -it times that you come out on -top just a little bit better.

-You know, you've had a few -people that are like, -you know, is this your farm?

-Like, assuming that it's -my husband's?

-Yeah, something like that.

-Doing the sales on the farm -a lot.

-Think that I'm just the sales -rep for this bigger company.

-And I'm like, no, -no, I am the company.

-Like, -who harvested these in when, -you know, because -some people like to just, -you know, figure it all out.

-And I said, well, I just did -like three hours ago.

-What do you mean you did?

-Where you have a farm.

What?

-You do this.

-And I don't think they think -that they'll -ever meet a farmer.

-And then sometimes it is -because I'm a female, -!especially if my husband happens -They'll speak to him and -ask him the questions -and he'll be like, -I don't know -any of these answers.

-And that happens.

-That's happened more times -than I care to think about.

-But it's it's fine.

-It is what it is.

-It's not going to ruin me, -make or break me.

-It's do what I want to do in.

-So it's kind of just like -frustrating an annoying.

-!And I've apparently I might be -the only one -that's had -people come to my farm -and just tell me that -I'm doing everything wrong.

-And it's fascinating -because they have nothing -to do with oyster farming.

-They're just kind of like -zoomed -by on whatever craft -they're on.

-And like, you need to do this -and you need to do this.

-And, and I'm like, well, -I hear you.

-And I was like, -!no one's ever done that to me.

-And it's happened to me -like 2 or 3 times.

-So I don't know if that's -because I'm a woman -if I happen -to be out that random day.

-So there's -really no way to tell -being alone out there.

-That's one thing I -has always going to be -about being a woman -is there are certain places -you can't go alone, -or it can be a little tricky.

-Yeah, yeah.

-And then you do sketchy -fellows.

Yeah.

-Early in the morning, late -at night in the parking lot.

-And I'm like, -I don't go out -because I don't feel safe -that that's -probably the biggest one.

-And it's it's rare -that it happens, but it does.

-Like I was a glassblower -for years and -that was traditionally sort -of a male dominated thing.

-Fine, I didn't care.

-I wanted to do it, I did it.

-There's a lot of people -that didn't -let me be on their team -because I was a woman.

-They assumed -I was weaker.

Fine.

-I would find somewhere else -to be.

-So I I've always blown -that off.

-And in this industry, -I just get that question -asked so much -that it's become the sort of -main life publicity -I end up doing, -which can kind of help.

-Okay, there it is.

-You know, help out.

-It helps.

Yeah.

People -take notice sometimes.

Yeah.

-You know, and, -you know, in a positive way.

-But it kind of puts -you out in the forefront -a little more.

-Sometimes being a woman.

-Being a -woman in the industry, -there is a lot of advantages.

-There's a lot of, -opportunity -sponsors, stuff like that.

-They'll reach out more -because there's not -there's not as many women -in the industry.

-There's one other girl -out of Gloucester -who does have a boat, and, -she does tuna fish.

-She's great at it.

-Other than that, -there's -there's no other girl boat.

-And I think that's -why we get so much -attention is because, -you know, we are girls.

-You'll go and see other boats -out there.

-They got four grown -men on there and, -you know, -they're all working hard -and they're all exhausted.

-And I think people respect -the fact that we're just -two women out there alone -and catching these big fish -and and getting them -in the boat -and getting them back -to the dock and good quality.

-We ended -a killer season last year -from September -14th to December 14th.

-We brought in seven fish -and you talking in December, -you talking down in style -wagon.

It's not.

-It's cold.

-Woodruff we were down there -with the best of them.

-All our friends from up -north were down there.

-We didn't want to be the girl -boat going back to the dock.

-That's a lot of pride.

-What's left to do -is girls being out here.

-We want to prove ourselves.

-Yeah?

Yeah.

-You want to try, right?

-Yeah.

I got you, girl.

-All right.

Ready?

-Yeah.

-Ready?

-Hold up.

-Don't throw that, yet.

-Why not?

-Not gonna.

-And it's so nice -just bringing a fish -back to the dock to sell.

-And you know, you're -in this fleet of guys, -you know, and couple of them -boats -come back without a fish.

-And when we have one, it's -just.

-There's nothing -compared to that feeling.

-Yeah.

Best feeling.

-We get respect on the water -and I like it.

-You have to earn it.

-You got to know -what you're doing.

-You have to prove yourself.

-And we've done that.

-The neutral.

-You're fine, you're fine.

-Oh, reel it in.

-Yeah.

-Why is it more important -to have more women out there?

-There's just not enough.

There's not enough.

We can do the same thing.

You know?

-We're.

-We're just as capable.

-There's nothing -I'd rather be doing.

-I don't want to be on land.

-You know, the only thing that -keeps me on land are my kids.

-And other than that, -I wouldn't even come in.

-Land sucks.

Land does suck.

-Yeah, yeah.

-So.

-It's tough.

-That's my only worry is, -you know, make sure -the kids are doing all right -and that they want me to fish -because they think it's.

-They.

-They didn't -think it was cool at first.

-They're they're like yeah, -she fishes.

-Now, they think -it's the best thing.

-They've -seen me come a long way.

-And, they're proud.

-Well, I was married.

-No, I'm not -basically my husband.

-My husband made the money.

-My husband supported me.

-I saw tuna fishing -as a way out.

I saw, -!I knew I loved it, and I just, -I knew I could do -it, and I was determined, -and I did it, -and I got out of a -really crappy situation, and -And, there was no failing.

-I couldn't.

-And so, yeah, -I got out of the marriage.

-And, now -living life, -me and my girls and this boat -and Lea.

-It's amazing what she does -just in everyday life -to kind of -get me out of my slump and -and and -make me feel a little more, -confident.

-She she -makes me want to do more.

-She makes me -want to achieve bigger goals.

-And, you know, I don't think -she realizes she does -that for me.

-!People give her so much credit -and respect -for what she does, and she.

-She can do this without me.

-You know?

-I couldn't do it without her.

-I do want to get my captain- -someday.

-Someday.

But not to captain -my own boat.

-Just to be more of an asset -to her, you know, and just.

-She'll get her own boat -someday, -!and she will be catching these -by herself.

-Yeah, she.

-I love fishing with her.

-Well, just get a bigger boat.

-Me man.

Yes, we got to get.

-!Oh, we're going to keep going.

-Yeah.

Oh just one more.

-Oh my God.

-I feel like there's -maybe a couple more females -getting into the industry.

-It's unfortunate -that there's not more.

-But again it's -you kind of have to be rough -and tough around the edges -because you're dealing -with a lot of men.

-So you get to, -you know, be able -to hold your ground -and put your foot down and, -do what you say -you're going to do.

And, -prove them wrong -if they say otherwise.

-Really?

-!One of the funniest encounters -I had was, -I was going up to Harpswell, -to pick up a new boat, -and I'd only dealt with him -texting back and forth -on the phone and whatnot, and -so I showed up.

-!I pulled into the parking lot, -and I get out of my truck, -and he -looks at me and he's like, -I thought you were going -to be a 65, 250 pound guy.

-But I guess not.

-If I think about it, really, -it just makes me -want to push harder -and prove myself.

-But honestly, -I just get so busy -during the day -that you just really don't -think about it, -but you're just more focused -!on doing your job and doing it -!the right way, and making sure -at the end of the day, -that people are happy -with the services -that you're providing.

-When I go and buy -gear, gloves, jackets, -clothing for the industry, -they're not made for women.

-So everything's too -big or cuffs -that are supposed -to keep water -from pouring down -your sleeves are huge.

-Nothing fits.

-!And so I say, hey, do you have -any women's jackets in?

-And they're like, -women's jackets.

What?

-We don't have those.

-Why would we have those?

-Well, I'm a woman -and these don't fit.

-And they fit.

Interesting.

-Well, you know, -get these things.

-Oh, we only have an extra -large and like, can you -when you call the company, -can you ask for women's.

-And they go, oh, okay.

-And I think the more people -that say that, -that's the only -thing that helps change it.

-I've had -a few women come up to me -and thank me for what -I'm doing, -and I've actually had -a few men that I've said, -you know, my daughter loves -what you're doing.

-People have definitely -noticed, you know, what I do -and have been there -for the support.

-I see a lot of kids -!who want to do what I did with -with their parents -who lobster.

-I see children -who are like 4 or 5 -and begged to go on the boat -and have their own bibs -and their own boots.

-So I like to think that I'm -someone -they can look up to for -when they want to be fishing -and just helps to, you know, -get the idea out to people -who might want to try it.

-My biggest piece -of advice is to get a mentor.

-I even I would offer to, -you know, -have the coach in the boat -with me -!and I'll teach some what I know -!and my dad can teach some what -they don't.

-You know, -a big thing is you feel like -it's a male -dominated industry.

-I don't want to go into it.

-I personally don't -feel that way.

-I think that I can do -whatever I want -and no one can stop me.

-And I totally suggest it.

-If you like fishing, -just get right into it -and then don't ever go -tuna fishing because, -that will -you'll be hooked.

-Hopefully, -I think what's happening is -kids are coming into college -and a lot of women are -interested in science.

-I think those numbers -are going up.

-So this can be a field -that they can go into -that relates to that.

-!All of them had mentioned that -they're constantly questioned -and constantly trying -to prove themselves -in the industry.

-You know, -they can do the same things -that everybody else can do.

-They are fighting -the traditional gender norms -of the maritime industry -by being there, being out -on the water every day, -and eventually people -are just going to be used -to having women out there -and they're not going -to question them.

-Which hopefully -that will be coming sooner -rather than later.

-I think it's very important -that, you know, -younger females and older -females alike, see, you know, -a female in any male -dominated industry, -sometimes it's a little bit -easier getting into something -if you see -someone else doing it.

-And so you just need -that one person -to really -just be the pioneer for it.

-And then others will follow.

-But I think I'm most proud of -the fact that she gave me -the opportunity -and I was like, yes, -!this is it.

This sounds great.

-I'm just going to try it -and see what happens.

--You did it all on your own, --Not on my own at all.

-But but was able to do that.

-And I think that's -really important for me.

-I'm proud of that.

-Women in general, -the more life experience -you have, -you know, in whatever -!other male dominated situation -you are in, -I wish it was different, -but you start getting that -confidence, -you know, -you just grow into it.

-Right?

-I would love to see girls -beginning -to get that confidence -a lot earlier in life.

-We've all grown up with -girls can do anything.

-Girl.

You know, -I'm just as good as a guy.

-But something happens, you -know, early on where -I don't know how, how.

-But girls -lose that confidence, -!and then it takes them a while -to get it back.

-But I think we have -a real opportunity here -to start changing that.

-This is just, This is me.

-This is what I like to do.

-I want to fish until I can't -physically, -I can't fish anymore.

-That's where I see myself -fishing -!and doing nothing but fishing.

-And I'm -going to do it until I can.

-Vermont Public -Partnering -with local filmmakers -to bring you -stories made here.

-For more, -visit vermontpublic.org.