Fishing for Funds

Tim’s search for a second job on a fishing boat began when he approached George Moskovita. George was on his boat the Kathy Jo, a WWII minesweeper converted to a fishing boat. He was working on the boat when Tim hollered to him that he was looking for work. The captain asked if he had any experience, to which Tim replied, “No.” The captain sent him on his way saying, “I don’t need no greenhorns on my boat.” Tim went to the next boat and saw the captain welding. He asked the captain if he needed anybody to work for him. The captain said, “No. I have a full crew.” Tim persisted saying, “You don’t want someone who will work for free?” The captain lifted up his welding mask and looked at Tim for awhile. A little puzzled he replied, “You’ll work for free? Then come aboard.” He pointed to some cables and said, “Coil these up and put them on these pins.” Tim did as he was instructed. After finishing his first task, he decided to clean up the deck which was a mess. The captain was impressed. He proceeded to give Tim a five-gallon bucket and a putty knife. He told him to go down into the bilge and fill up the bucket with sludge. This smelly rotten job tested Tim’s patience, but he did as he was told. Impressed by Tim’s work ethic, the captain decided to take him out on a five-day fishing trip, which was the most trying experience Tim had ever endured. It was cold and the seas were very rough, typical conditions for winter fishing. Worst of all, he was working for free. The next trip, Irving Tourmala, the captain of a new steel hulled shrimp boat named The Eagle, offered Tim a half share for his work. He continued to work on fishing boats for three summers. While he was working at sea, Jim tended to the business. Eventually they were able to pay their debts.