Hatteras Blues: A Story from the Edge of America

by Tom Carlson

Tom Carlson tells the story of Ernal Foster and the Foster family of Hatteras Village, who gave birth to what would become the multi-million dollar charter fishing industry on the Outer Banks. Today, Ernal's son, Captain Ernie Foster, struggles to keep the family business alive in a time of great change on the Banks. Within the engaging saga of the rise and decline of one family's livelihood, Carlson relates the history and transformation of Hatteras Village and the high-adrenaline experience of blue-water sportfishing and the industry that surrounds it. Hatteras Blues is their story--a story of triumph and loss, of sturdy Calvinist values and pell-mell American progress, and of fate and luck as capricious as the weather.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[Patricia Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an annual visitor to Hatteras I adore so much about the village and the local community. I do not offshore fish with the Albatross Fleet but my husband does, I've met many of the characters in this book and despite my land loving Hatteras personality I have a new found respect and admiration for these men and what they do for their community, and their love of fishing. I did not expect to be as intrigued by this book as I was. ..excellent read

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing this book sitting on a table at the Manteo Aquarium I decided to pick it up due to my love for fishing. This was a great book that not only discussed how the charter fishing industry began in the outer banks but also how the Banks have changed over time. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone with a passion for fishing and/or the Outer Banks.

[David Ward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hatteras Blues: A Story From the Edge of America by Tom Carlson (University of North Carolina Press 2005) (799.16). This is a wonderful retelling of the story of the settlement of the Outer Banks, as the northernmost North Carolina barrier islands are known. This thin strip of land has been home for generations to a tough breed of islander known as “The Bankers.” The Outer Banks are well-known among sportsmen as one of the most productive fishing areas in the eastern U.S. Cape Hatteras is the closest point on the East Coast of the U.S. to the gulfstream. This means that all of the pelagic species of the gulfstream can be caught within a very few miles east of Cape Hatteras. Further north and south of Hatteras, the path of the gulfstream ranges much further east; this means that to fish the gulfstream in those areas requires an initial run of many miles and many hours. This is a book about fishing, but it's also a fine portrait of the hardy people who live under extremely adverse conditions (think “Hurricane Alley”). Here is a short passage that I found particularly touching; it is quoted in the book as the prayer of the captain of an outgoing fishing vessel: “Father, thank you for allowing us to do what we do. We pray for those we've lost; we appreciate the calm waters you have given us today and for the great bounty of your seas. Amen.” (p.152). My rating: 7/10, finished 5/21/15.

[Kenno82 · Rating 3 out of 5]

What on the surface sounds like a pretty dry read, ends up an enthralling meditation on the author's life through the lense of a small town fishing family. At times, the book is quite moving. Carlson states early on in the book of his relucatnce to include himself in the story, but it is all the stronger for it.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for me. I have spent a lot of time in Hatteras, NC. I have been charter fishing many times with Ernie Foster. This book hits home. Tom Carlson did a fabulous job portraying the way of life for the people that live and work in this fishing village.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of a multigenerational family fishing business in Hatteras Village, N.C., and the changes time, technology, and nature have had on it.

[Doug Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice history of charter boat fishing off Cape Hatteras.