Fish House Delights

Ok, I got the scoop. The 5th annual Oyster Roast and Shrimp Steam that raises money for the Ocracoke Fish House is Thursday December 30, 2-5pm. It is also featuring Van O’Neal’s famous Fish Stew. It’s being held at the Fish House, right on the harbor and the word around town is that is something not to be missed.

The Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association is the organization behind this affair and they are a fine group of folks. I say folks, because there are actually a few women in the organization also. Ocracoke used to have lots of commercial fishermen; but now not so many. A few still work very hard to keep the tradition going, as well as trying to make a living. It is a tough way of life and makes for tough folks. The weather can be your friend or your enemy, and can change before you know it. One moment calm beautiful, the next a Nor’easter blows up and hold on - all heck can break loose. It has been really cold here for a few weeks and I still see those boats go out and come back in. That’s some dedicated folks. They do it the same as when I stayed here, over fifty years ago – no mechanical processing – all done by hand. It is really something to watch. And now they have the nicest museum right on the harbor at one of the docks….right down from the fish house. It has some really great exhibits. Quite educational! The museum also has an exhibit about pound netting…..the old timey way of hauling in some fine fish, usually flounder. During your visit to the island, stop by the fish house and buy some delicious fresh fish. Also a stop at the museum can teach you a lot about the history of fishing here on Ocracoke. Even an old spirit like me enjoys learning a thing or two about what I’ve missed.

So hope you can make it to the Oyster Roast on the 30th. Understand they will even have desserts, and I bet that means some island fig cake, which is another tradition. Sure looking forward to watching the fun and enjoying another community get together. Afterwards of course I’ll return to the castle. They will be closed for a bit, but check out the Villas. Heard there are still a few for rent for the New Year’s weekend.

Spirit of Sam Jones