Interview with Morgan Promnitz – Fisherman

Posted on October 21, 2025 by Local Fish

Conducted by Kate Fitzgerald, Program Operations Manager

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO FISHING?
I grew up in South Africa, and fishing was always a part of my family. Both of my grandfathers were fishermen, and my dad and uncle fished as well. Every summer vacation, we’d spend two weeks living off the coast, catching abalone, lobster, and mussels. There was also a river just below my house where my dad would take me fishing. Over time, it became more than just an activity—it became my obsession.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT FISHING?
When I’m fishing, I don’t think about anything else. It’s all about figuring out the puzzle of how to catch a particular fish. That focus clears my mind—it’s a real mental release. I fish with my friend Howie, and we’re serious about it. We’re not out there to lollygag; we’re always doing something to improve our chances. It’s that constant challenge and focus that I love.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THE INDUSTRY?
The biggest challenge is how expensive it has become. Accessibility has also been limited in some areas due to MLPA closures, which makes things more challenging. That’s actually why I started selling fish. My boat is fuel-efficient, but I was spending around $600 on a tuna trip and coming home with only one to five bluefin. I’d fillet and vacuum-seal them, and then end up giving them away. My wife finally asked, “Why do you keep them if they’re so big and you can’t really release them?”

My original goal was just to fish for free, but then I started connecting with buyers and restaurants. That’s when it became gratifying. Chefs would tell me how much they appreciated the way I caught the fish and how incredible the quality was. That kind of feedback makes the work worth it. Still, the expenses, the harsh saltwater environment, and the logistics of catching, handling, and getting the fish into people’s hands remain ongoing challenges.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT TO EAT AT?
I love Wrench and Rodent, Fish 101, and El Pescador Market.