04/02/2026
Meet one of our local Sitka fishermen and longtime Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association Board Members, Terry Perensovich.
A lifelong Sitkan, Terry has always chosen the non-traditional path and began fishing during the “derby days” despite his father’s urging to choose a more stable career. In addition to fishing, Terry wears a lot of other hats, including shipwright, trapper, construction worker, and caretaker (not to mention fantastic baker as well!). From a young age, Terry felt that it was always important to be diversified. “I don’t want job security,” he jokes,” You go stale if you do the same thing every day.” Spoken like a true fisherman as Terry explains why he chose fishing over stability. “It’s important to have a diverse skillset in today’s world,” Terry explains as he reflects on all the jobs he has held over the years.
For many years, Terry fished out of a skiff for both salmon and halibut - he liked the simplicity of a smaller boat and being able to fish solo. Today, he fishes from the F/V Myrna D, an old wooden boat that he acquired after it was destroyed by a fire. Terry spent two decades restoring the old wooden boat, utilizing his shipwright and carpentry skills to bring her back to life and back out on the fishing grounds.
