Evée LeBlanc

Evée LeBlanc (August 20, 1878 – September 26, 1978) was a Canadian fishing captain who pioneered the tuna fishing industry in Wedgeport, Nova Scotia. LeBlanc was internationally known for taking American tourists on fishing trips, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt and aviator Amelia Earhart.[1]

Evée LeBlanc
Born(1878-08-20)August 20, 1878
Wedgeport, Nova Scotia, Canada
DiedSeptember 26, 1978(1978-09-26) (aged 100)
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada
OccupationFishing captain
Known forPioneer of tuna fishery

Early life

He was born in Wedgeport, Nova Scotia, the son of Jean Toussaint and Dorothée (Boudreau) LeBlanc.[1]

Fishing career

In the 1920s, harpooning tuna began as a small industry in Wedgeport, Evée LeBlanc was one of three men who pioneered this industry. During this time, LeBlanc would bring along tourists on his boat, "The Judge".[2] By 1934, LeBlanc had pioneered rod-and-reel fishing in Wedgeport, having taken several well-known American tourists fishing in his boat. One of these tourists LeBlanc took tuna fishing was American aviator Amelia Earhart, who spent two weeks in the area in 1934.[3][4][5] In August 1935, American angler Michael Lerner and his guide Tommy Gifford visited Wedgeport to fish tuna. He managed to convince LeBlanc to take him fishing and he caught five Bluefin during his first visit.[6] Lerner returned to Wedgeport in September 1935 and accompanied by LeBlanc and Gifford, caught 21 tuna in the course of 11 days, varying in size from 86 to 450 pounds.[7] In July 1936, LeBlanc took American President Franklin D. Roosevelt tuna fishing on his boat "The Judge II". President Roosevelt did not manage to catch a tuna.[3][8] In July 1942, LeBlanc caught an 800-pound tuna off of Wedgeport.[9][10]

Later life and death

On June 25, 1978, an Acadian celebration was held in Ste. Anne du Ruisseau, during which LeBlanc's 100th birthday was celebrated. LeBlanc played the accordion at his birthday celebration.[11] LeBlanc died in Yarmouth on September 26, 1978, one month after his 100th birthday.[1]

Personal life

He was married to Rose (LeBlanc) and they had six children.[12]

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References
  1. "Evee LeBlanc, dead at 100". Halifax Chronicle Herald. Halifax, NS. October 2, 1978. p. 23.
  2. "About the Wedgeport Tuna Museum". wedgeporttunamuseum.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
  3. Jacquard, Donnie (Spring 2009). "Amelia Earhart and Wedgeport Tuna Fishermen" (PDF). The Argus. 21 (1): 29. Retrieved October 31, 2016.
  4. "Tuna Sought Off Yarmouth With Rod and Reel". Yarmouth Herald. Yarmouth, NS. August 31, 1934.
  5. "Sportsmen Will Try for Wedgeport Tuna". Yarmouth Herald. Yarmouth, NS. September 11, 1934.
  6. IGFA | Michael Lerner IGFA.org
  7. Thomas Gifford, Anglers and Muscleheads (New York: E.P. Dutton & Company, Inc., 1960)
  8. Robert Kintner (July 24, 1936). "Roosevelt Fishes But Gets No Bites". Philadelphia Inquirer. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  9. "Fishing Reports". Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Brooklyn, New York. August 1, 1942.
  10. "About Fishing". Asbury Park Press. Asbury Park, New Jersey. August 3, 1942.
  11. "Plus de 1000 personnes au Fatango". Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Yarmouth, NS. June 29, 1978. p. 19. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  12. "Le capitaine Evée LeBlanc est décédé". Le Courrier de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Yarmouth, NS. October 5, 1978. p. 3. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
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