Dickie Stinson’s grandfather was a commercial fisherman who moved his family to Block Island in 1900 from Swan’s Island, Maine. His boat was amongst the vessels that helped rescue survivors of the Larchmont disaster.

Dickie was born in 1948. At eleven years old he followed family tradition and also became a commercial fisherman who honed his harpoon skills by practicing on Blue Sharks. Dickie’s life reads like the lyrics to Billy Joel’s, “The Downeaster Alexa”. Our conversation revolves largely around the glory days of the commercial swordfishing industry and like most fishermen- Dickie’s got plenty of stories.

Dickie’s been living year-round on Block Island for the last 15 years or so. He spent his summers here when he wasn’t out chasing fish (which was most of the time). “Home” is a relative term for most fishermen anyways as their passion for the salt water life takes precedence over any sort of hum-drum domestic existence.

Now in his 70’s, Dickie has occupied his time driving cab and shooting the breeze with those lucky enough to have their ears bent by this island legend’s tales.