When it comes to fishing, most anglers cast their lines, hoping for a big catch lurking beneath the waves. However, there is another highly unusual method that offers a fresh perspective on the fishing world: fish spotter planes. Thousands of feet in the air, these small aircraft, often an extension of their owners, provide invaluable insights into the underwater universe.
Soaring above the ocean, where vibrant marine life unfolds below, fish spotter planes play a crucial role in understanding this underwater ecosystem. Equipped with advanced technology, pilots assist fishermen in quickly and efficiently locating schools of fish, ultimately leading to increased yields for coastal communities. These planes are not merely aircraft; they are the backbone of the fishing industry, providing essential support to their counterparts on the water.
One such pilot is Carl Rice, a legendary figure in the Menhaden industry. Based in Reedville, Rice has dedicated the past 47 years and over 55,000 flight hours to Ocean Harvesters, the only menhaden reduction operation on the East Coast. Throughout its 146-year history, Ocean Harvesters has undergone many name changes, but it remains one of two menhaden fishing companies in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico where its harvest is processed into fish oil and meal. For Rice, this is the only life he has ever known, and he would not change it for all the fish in the sea.
“I started working for the company when I graduated high school in 1976,” Rice explained, recalling how he began in the Louisiana division, fishing and working in the crew.
Growing up in a fishing community, Rice was accustomed to hard work, coming from a long line of captains, boat builders and fishermen. During those early years, he worked all day and took flying lessons on weekends. By 1981, he was soaring high above the waters, directing boats to the densest fish schools. His knowledge and passion for the industry have made him the perfect Chief Spotter for Ocean Harvesters in Reedville where he skillfully leads his team.
“This is really all I’ve ever done and truly enjoyed,” Rice said, his wry grin revealing the deep pride he takes in his work. “We have a strong team of fish spotters who work well together. We’ve known each other our whole lives. We are a family.”
While it is commonly believed that spotter planes were first used in the U.S. in 1945, recent research has uncovered remarkable historical details. The first recorded spotter planes supported menhaden boats decades earlier than previously thought. According to the National Transportation Safety Board’s aerial photography archives, it was in 1920 off the coast of Virginia when “.... each morning at 5 o’clock a flying boat carrying a pilot, radio operator and fish spotter leaves the station to aid fishing craft.”
At that time, it was like the “Wild West” in the Chesapeake Bay and along the East Coast. Boats needed any advantage they could find. These pilots were part of a broad movement that celebrated the adventurism of aviation in the 1920s. No doubt about it—those early fish spotters were tenacious.
Captain Alan Hinson
In the fishing industry, Rice said that while some days are not the greatest, others go so well that it makes it fulfilling. It all balances out, especially since he and his crew are dedicated to being successful members of the Ocean Harvesters team. Rice’s day begins before dawn, depending on the location of the boats. He oversees the entire Virginia portion of the Chesapeake Bay, as well as federal waters off North Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland, rarely venturing north of New Jersey. If the boats are further up the coast, he flies north the night before to get an early start.
Fish spotters are essential for locating fish schools for the menhaden purse-seine fishery. Rice scans the surface from high above, looking for signs of fish. Once spotted, he guides the fishing vessels to the exact location, saving time and fuel that would otherwise be wasted searching for fish.
Ocean Harvesters’ fleet is equipped with state-of-the-art sonar technology, capable of tracking fish up to two miles out and geolocating schools. The equipment can even assess the density of fish schools. As one of six spotter pilots supporting Ocean Harvesters’ fleet, Rice’s job is to identify the best fish schools for the closest vessels.
Menhaden typically swim in massive groups, displaying their colors on the surface; -the darker the color, the denser the school. “A lot of times, the fish show black or dark blue,” Rice explained, noting that occasionally, in deeper waters, they appear deep red. “Most of the time, if you see a light shade, they’re not dense. A lot depends on how far out you are and the conditions.”
Once the boats are in position, Rice and his fellow spotters direct the purse boats to set their nets, ensuring the fish remain within their circle. This coordination continues throughout the day, as long as fishing conditions are favorable.
Rice carries about six hours of fuel in his plane, and he and his crew rotate so that there are always eyes in the sky. “We operate in cycles for refueling, and a lot depends on how spread out the ships are,” Rice explained. “You want to provide coverage for the boats. Typically, menhaden are at their best early in the morning, but as the day goes on, they lose density, so we provide as much support as possible.”
Communication is key in this work. Ocean Harvesters pilots use FM radios with multiple channels. Each boat has its own settings, and once they locate fish, the pilot and captain switch to a special channel while deploying the purse boats. They also communicate throughout the day.
“We also have aircraft radios, and we talk to each other to maintain safe altitudes,” Rice explained. “We work as a team, striving to help one another find the best schools of fish.”
Safety is paramount for the pilots and everyone at Ocean Harvesters, so local airports and traffic control are kept informed of flight plans and locations. This commitment has resulted in an unparalleled safety record.
The equipment has evolved significantly since Rice began flying nearly five decades ago. Today, he uses three GPS maps, while previously he relied solely on visual navigation. He has faced situations requiring rapid changes in plans due to inclement weather, but now pilots have access to accurate 24-hour forecasts and real-time updates on their phones.
In addition to guiding fishermen, fish spotter planes contribute to the sustainability of the fishing industry. By helping fishermen target specific schools, these planes assist in reducing bycatch and minimizing impacts on non-target species. Purse-seine fishing is considered one of the cleanest fisheries in the world as it relates to bycatch, because of his targeted approach, marine ecosystems are protected for future generations.
Rice and his fellow fish spotters at Ocean Harvesters play a crucial role in the economic success of their small coastal community, which relies on fishing as a primary income source. By increasing the efficiency and productivity of fishing expeditions, these planes boost fishermen’s livelihoods and support local economies. The valuable information provided by fish spotters enables fishermen to make informed decisions that maximize their catch.
Fish spotter planes are vital to the fishing industry, serving as indispensable assets that contribute to the success and sustainability of fishing operations. Their ability to efficiently locate fish and support local economies underscores their importance in the fishing world. Not only do spotter pilots locate fish, but it is not uncommon for them to be called upon by the United States Coast Guard or local law enforcement when a boater cannot be located or other incidents that require a search effort.
You would never know that when talking to the humble pilots, who love every moment of their job. When asked if he still gets inspired by the beauty he sees in the air, Rice quickly answered in the affirmative, adding that there are times that sunrise will take his breath away. Over the years he has taken many pictures of the stunning beauty out above our waters and feels lucky to have been part of such an amazing industry.
It is essential to recognize and appreciate the critical role that fish spotters like Carl Rice play in ensuring of the fishing industry’s productivity and longevity. Next time you enjoy the benefits of menhaden products, remember to thank the unsung heroes soaring high above the seas.