It's kind of remarkable to me how experience around boats has informed Devyn Campbell. Since a very early age, Devyn has been curious about boats. His curiosity has led to many experiences nearby in the harbor, and somewhat less close by on draggers likeAlexis Martina, a 96-foot steel stern dragger out of Point Judith, Rhode Island.
At the young age of 14, Devyn fished with Kelo (pronounced Key-low) Pinkham, who had and has much history and experience in Maine waters. Devyn credits Captain Pinkham for support and encouragement. Kelo works at Harbor Bait now but still keeps an eye on the waterfront and the fishing industry. I'm not sure Devyn would call Kelo a mentor, but I know they are close friends who have collaborated on many projects, present one included. Devyn got a new set of wheels, as can be seen in today's visual. The Susan and Jessica is a 40-foot vessel which is being set up to fish along the Maine coast. Captain Pinkham's experiences with the fishing industry are legion. Many members of his family have worked locally over the years with fisheries that are all but extinct.
Devyn had his eye on the Susan and Jessica for some time and when it came up for sale at Spruce Head Marine, he gave Doug McLennan a call and set up an appointment to discuss purchasing. He and David Short, of Bristol Marine, gave her a pretty thorough looking over and a deal was made. The boat was built at Newbert and Wallace yard in Thomaston, the same yard that created carriers Jacob Pike and Pauline. The boat was named for owner Jim Davenport's wife and daughter.
Devyn graduated from Boothbay Region High School in 2018, in a class of 55. It was a larger class then. The school population has declined with many graduates moving out of the area to seek employment elsewhere. Devyn has chosen to remain here with hopes of making a go of it fishing. It's not an easy road, nor has it been. The fishing occupation is fraught with obstacles. Making a living on the water has become very challenging. The harbor has seen many changes over the years as fisheries have diminished and licensing has become more restrictive.
The Susan and Jessica is a sturdy specimen – heavily built. Devyn has been working diligently to make needed repairs and modification. When I caught up with him, he was painting the bottom and repainting the waterline. However, my untrained eye noticed some more significant structural improvements underway during haul out at Bristol Marine here in the Harbor. It’s a project for sure but one I believe Devyn can handle. He has already had jobs with his new boat, including local work on ghost trap recovery.
Captain Stan Coffin and Bad Penny wove in and out of my visit with Devyn and mentions of Kelo Pinkham. The Coffins and the Pinkhams had many family connections. Perhaps Devyn and the Susan and Jessica can recall the better days of local fishing history. Good luck, Captain.