The Best of Times on the Chesapeake Bay is a newly released book about the life of Larry Simns, Maryland waterman and president of the Maryland Watermen’s Association since the 1970s. Simns occupies an important place in Maryland history, having spent over 60 years on the water, and 40 years fighting to preserve the watermen’s way of life.
Bob Rich and Larry Simns
In 65 short stories, St. Michaels author Bob Rich manages to tell the story of Simns’ life, in Simn’s own voice – no small feat.
Readers can easily imagine sitting in a chair next to Simns, listening to him tell these stories. Now older and in poor health, this book was released in time to celebrate this man’s lifetime commitment to the Bay and to the commercial fishing industry in Maryland.
Simns shares his own personal triumphs and mistakes evenly in the book. Filled with tales of danger and bravado fueled by youth, pride and bad decision-making, Simns doesn’t back off a story if he believes there’s a lesson in it. Touching, sweet, gruff and honest, Simns presents his story of Chesapeake watermen and their culture in a very personal way.
The stories encompass a Chesapeake before dead zones, when fish stocks were plentiful and watermen were able to move from one fishery to the next with relative ease. In the 1970s, his tales begin to shift, as the environmental changes began swiftly and changed the landscape for fish populations as well as watermen.
He describes his foray into the world of politics, and his willingness to step up and join decision makers in Annapolis, fighting for watermen every step of the way. With a broad view, he describes how the Maryland Watermen’s Association found its place in shaping fishing regulations. He doesn’t hide his feelings about the recreational fishing industry or scientists, but he does demonstrate how he came to terms with the need to speak their language and participate in the world of politics.
The book ends with advice to young commercial fishermen on how to think, care for one’s boat and equipment, as well as spiritual advice. Hard work, God fearing and life lessons dominate.
This book belongs in every Chesapeake collection, as it offers insight into the minds of the men working the water, and the changing political and economic landscape during Maryland’s last 50 years.
You can meet the book’s author Bob Rich, who will be signing copies of the book on Saturday, Dec 15th at the News Center in Easton from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, and on Sunday Dec. 16th at the Annapolis Bookstore from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
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