This work investigates the history and evolution of the Australian professional fishing industry, specifically focusing on the lives and challenges of the men who pioneered the trade. The author, Bruce Stannard, utilizes extensive interviews and historical research to document the transition from traditional, small-scale maritime practices to the modern commercial operations that define the Australian coastline. By centering the narrative on the individuals who navigated these waters, the book provides a detailed account of the economic and social forces that shaped the industry throughout the twentieth century.

The subject matter points to a specialized, historical account that serves as a primary record of a vanishing maritime culture. The framing suggests a detailed, observational approach suitable for readers interested in Australian history and the mechanics of the fishing industry.