Plot

Grace and Fallon are no "shore captains." They favour the salt, wind, and wet tresses of the sea to working ashore. Well-fished is a documentary film exploring the lives of two young women who, unlike other girls their age, have big dreams of living a life working on the Atlantic. The film portrays Grace and Fallon's connection to the older and disappearing fishing traditions of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia's population and landscape have drastically changed throughout the decades. The role of women was also transformed with the passing of traditional gender roles and the decline of the male dominated fishing industry. Women have always participated in the ever-important shore work, but today it is becoming more common for women to be stepping onto boats as well. The film speaks to the rapidly changing society of Nova Scotia and the pride associated with working on the sea. The film was shot during the two-month lobster-fishing season in 2012. Through an intimate approach and point-of-view perspectives, the film follows the women's daily work routines while drawing on anecdotes and scenes of maritime life. Well-fished champions the preservation of a way of life for younger generations who call the province of Nova Scotia their home.—Corinne Dunphy