FISHERYNATION.COM

On March 19th, Oscar John Stensland passed away at age 90 after battling recent health issues. John was a former Commercial fisherman who was part owner of the Trawler Snow White in the nineteen sixties and early Seventies, until he decided to work with his late father, Oscar [senior] who had founded the Fisherman’s Supply Company back in 1948. Fisherman’s Supply was a crucial component of the development of the commercial fishing industry in the Ocean and Monmouth County areas, as the local fleet rapidly developed during the last century and It provided Fishermen with a local store to purchase gear such as rope, twine, wire, hardware, tackles, blocks, etc. Without Fisherman’s Supply Company, fishermen were forced to travel to Rhode Island or New Bedford for fishing gear until Cape May started becoming major industry suppliers during the Seventies.

John was born on October 20 th 1932 in Spring Lake New Jersey, and grew up in Manasquan and Herbertsville. He graduated from Point Pleasant Beach High School, and served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Upon his return he starting fishing on commercial boats and became partners with Andy Anderson in the 65 foot wooden trawler, Snow White, working out of Carlson’s dock, and later from the Fisherman’s Dock Co-op. In the mid seventies John started working with his father, Oscar, in the store, and continued until his death. John was a vast depository of local fishing history, both commercial and recreational, and loved telling stories about fishing and his own experiences. Famous among local fishermen for his “I’m going up to New Bedford on Tuesday, I’ll pick it up then “, which may or may not take place, but would eventually. No matter how busy the store would be, he always had time for friendly conversation and advice on fishing gear, and everything else, since he was opinionated about many things and wasn’t shy in sharing them.

John was a very active man who was still snow skiing into his eighties, and helping his son, Brian who had taken over managing Fisherman’s Supply Company. In his later years he split time between New Jersey and a second house in West Palm Beach, Florida with his wife Carol.

John is survived by his wife Carol Stensland; his daughters, Nadine Stensland of Manasquan, NJ, and Kate Stensland of West Palm Beach Fl; His son Brian Stensland and his wife, Denise, of Toms River; his sisters, Gloria Martin, and Diane Geldhauser; and his grandchildren, Kristofer and his wife, Robyn Stensland, Sabrina Stensland, and Meghan McGreevey. Viewing hours will be held on Sunday, March 26th, from 2 to 6 pm at Van Hise and Callagan Funeral home; 812 Arnold Ave. Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742. In lieu of Flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s children’s research hospital,

https//www.stjude.org or to Popcorn park Zoo, https://ahscares.org/popcorn-park