Times have changed. Over the past 100 years fishermen have seen many advancements including boat design and construction materials, fish finders, hydraulic haulers, engine design, and trap and buoy materials. But there are some things that have remained consistent. The accompanying photo is from a 1959 Chesterfield cigarette ad shot on site at Brown’s Wharf in Boothbay Harbor. It was part of a series called, “Men of America” and to most fishermen the full complement of foul weather gear probably seems to be a bit over the top.

The traditional yellow oilskins that come to mind when one thinks of a lobsterman are still worn today, although the materials have changed and there are many other colors to choose from. Orange seems to be the predominant color but one may also see fluorescent yellow, steel gray, white, army surplus green or bright blue. Grundens is the brand you will see worn by many local fishermen, and you can even buy it locally at Janson’s.

Regardless of the brand or the color, old worn out bibs and jackets are being refashioned and refitted by a creative Maine company called Rugged Seas. Taylor Strout, a commercial fisherman, and his wife Nikki, a nurse practitioner, came up with the idea to create a sort of “team swag” for fishermen. Now, anyone that wants to can proudly identify themselves as a “Gulf of Maine Fisherman, Maine Made, Ocean Tough.”

So, how does foul weather gear fit into the picture? Glad you asked. Rugged Seas will take old bibs and jackets and repurpose them for new bags, backpacks, and hats. These Maine made products have a great story to tell and help us connect back to our fishing heritage.

The Boothbay Region Maritime Foundation is working with Rugged Seas to collect foul weather gear in the Boothbay area. Take your used bibs and jackets to Sarah’s Scoops and add them to the collection bin. The bin will be there until Sept. 12. The first 15 people to drop off their gear will get a free Rugged Seas T-shirt. Contact BRMF if you have any questions. You can direct your email to BRMaritimeFoundation@gmail.com.

Visit the Foundation at https://www.boothbayregionmaritimefoundation.org/ or on Instagram and Facebook. You can learn more about Rugged Seas at their website, https://www.ruggedseas.com/shop Rugged Seas products are available locally at Janson’s.