Kevin Blinkoff
Sanctuary Advisory Council Member of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Kevin Blinkoff holding a bluefin tuna. Photo: James Fee
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is a special place to me and so many other recreational fishermen, and we deeply value its continued existence.
How many years have you been fishing?
I’ve been fishing since I was a child, but my first fishing trip out to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary was only about 10 years ago.
What is your favorite thing about fishing in a national marine sanctuary?
My favorite thing about fishing here is knowing that I am fishing in a special place that is deeply valued by so many other people, including a broad range of stakeholders and sanctuary staff.
What should everyone know about fishing in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary?
Even though it’s offshore and deep underwater, Stellwagen Bank is an incredible place to visit on a fishing trip. The fishing is great, but the whale show is awesome.
How do you take care of your special fishing places? Why do you care about Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary?
In Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, being responsible often means adjusting your fishing locations, tackle, and tactics based on the fish species you are targeting. Fishermen don’t enjoy releasing fish that aren’t likely to survive, so they are willing to make adjustments to limit the number of fish they have to release and to ensure that those fish that do get released are more likely to survive.