Like every real-life situation, the fishermen’s tale is not black and white. “There’s a 50-50 chance that we could kill it,” Harris said.īut killing it won’t solve their problems. Today, in a turnaround, this aging generation finds itself in a position of power: Able to make or break a billion-dollar development proposal called Seaport that seeks to radically redefine San Diego’s waterfront. In the city once hailed as the Tuna Capital of the World, Harris and roughly 150 other local commercial fishermen have seen their numbers dwindle against ever constricting catch laws and the crush of foreign competition. It’s the tomorrow that holds all the meaning. He’s just a fisherman, having a rough day, and will try again tomorrow. His voice, a blend of sea salt and gargled pebbles, isn’t a reflection on the primal nature of man. There are no metaphors here: The boat isn’t life, the fish aren’t dreams and no deep truths lie hidden among the worn creases and fresh scars on Harris’ hands. “I can’t hit my ass with both hands today,” he said. Then, he noticed he had lost the chain weight - the final straw. “One little dab,” he said, looking at the small, flounder-like fish that was once a staple in San Diego. Harris replaced the lead weight with a scrap-iron chain, drove to a new location, dropped the line again, and pulled it up. The line’s lead weight, lost to the deep, was worth about the same price as the fish would be at Saturday’s market. Ten minutes later, he dislodged the hook and welcomed aboard the Sea Nag one dead rockfish, its eyes and stomach bulging from the decompression accompanying such a rapid ascent. “God dammit.”Īt 75, Harris deftly maneuvered between the throttle and his fishing pole, trying every which way to free up the line. Now his line - wiggling with potential sales - was stuck on the ocean floor, 300 feet straight down. You can see the changes here.Īfter three hours and three unsuccessful trips to reputable yet barren fishing spots near the mouth of San Diego Bay, Phil Harris had finally nabbed a worthwhile bite. This story has been updated with corrections and clarification. WARNING : This story contains strong language and a description of a suicide. Photo and video by Brad Racino and Megan Wood
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