Eastern Welder and
Dutch Girl have been coming into the sixth boro to rake clams for as long as I’ve been keeping a record, which goes back only to winter 2007.
It’s probably high time I get more info from the commercial fishermen themselves, but as speaking only as a photographer here, I associate winter and these boats in the boro just as I associate summer and recreational boats.
Enjoy these photos, and as a believer in group sourcing, maybe I’ll be again blessed to have someone who knows this world of winter fishing
share some insights and information. As with anything, there are stories to hear, just as in the harbor
there are clams to dig and surface.
Meanwhile, stay safe out there.
Here’s the history perspective.
Here’s the NJ state perspective.
All photos, this week, WVD.
tugster: a waterblog 
4 comments
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January 21, 2023 at 1:33 pm
Bob
For a literary perspective, see “At the bottom of the Harbor” by Joseph Mitchell.
January 21, 2023 at 4:10 pm
tugster
Joseph Mitchell can’t be beat for mid-century sketches of the harbors and its characters.
January 26, 2023 at 8:25 am
JimM
A visit to Belford harbor on Raritan Bay would likely tell the story of the clammers.
It’s a great place to visit and great for pictures. It’s hard to believe it’s so close to the Boros.
April 19, 2024 at 5:51 pm
Anonymous
The Eastern Welder was built by my father for the fisherman and current owner Gene Armstrong out of Belford New Jersey, I believe he is operating with the Belford seafood co-op.