Shrimping Industry Archives

Shrimping Industry

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The Changing Tides At one time, Burbank Trawl Company was the largest producer of fishing nets in the United States. Stories about the family business tell of nets made for President Richard Nixon and a fishing boat that accidentally caught a submarine in its trawl nets. At its height, the shrimping industry they supported saw […]

Net Maker to the World – Part VI in a Series of VII

Then and Now The Skinny Days of the Burbanks Net making was and still is a way of life that has supported the Burbank family from the early 1900’s to present day. Even through the depression, William Burbank, Sr. was able to support his family making nets and seining on the beach. Billy remembers being […]

Net Maker to the World – Part V in a Series of VII

Salty and Superstitious Life as a Shrimper…… So what does it take to be a shrimp boat captain or a striker? Billy says, “You have to be a lover of the sea, with salt in your veins.” He’ll tell you it takes a tolerance of weather, high seas and windy days. “Most shrimpers have some […]

Net Maker to the World – Part IV in a Series of VII

A Day in the Life Stories and Superstitions of Shrimpers Billy’s childhood gave him a bird’s eye view of the men and women who made Fernandina Beach the shrimp capital of the world. It also gave him first-hand experience as a shrimper and first-hand knowledge of some of the most interesting people you’d meet […]

Net Maker to the World – Part III in a Series of VII

The Making of a Net Maker Billy Burbank, III, is an institution in Fernandina. His family’s shrimp nets have been used all over the world and, today, you will see their sport nets being used in many of the professional sports leagues. In fact, locals can see Burbank nets in action at the Jacksonville Jaguars […]

Net Maker to the World – Part II in a Series of VII

Life on the River Written By Lori Hoerl At Crane Island, we have a deep appreciation for our natural surroundings, the people who have shaped our local history, and the stories that continue to be told through the deep connection our neighbors have to this island we call home. An island within Amelia Island, Crane […]

Net Maker to the World – Part I in a Series of VII

What’s Left? The Future of a Net Maker Billy Burbank’s innovation in net making has not only impacted the shrimping industry, worldwide, but now serves sports leagues internationally. He has also been awarded the highest honor in the state for those who have made a life-long contribution to Florida’s cultural heritage. On January 13th, 2014, […]

Net Maker to the World – Part VII in a Series of VII

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