Building a Future in Fishing: Stoyan Papazov

If you were a fisherman landing in Cape Cod, you might have recognized a young man fishing, rod and reel, off the dock’s edge. Consistent, reliable, and respectful, Stoyan Papazov was destined to be a Captain of his own fishing vessel. 

Stoyan moved from Bulgaria to Cape Cod at the age of 24. He found himself enamored by the Atlantic, which reminded him of the Mediterranean Sea he would visit during summer holidays in Southeast Europe. His dedication to fishing, which started as a hobby, led to a career in the small-boat commercial fishing industry. Stoyan didn’t stick to just one type of fishing—he embraced a wide range of gear types. After gaining experience as a deckhand fishing for black sea bass and conch, Stoyan’s path took another turn when he connected with an oyster farmer who gave him a job on his farm. Unlike deckhand work, this role involved growing, caring for, and harvesting oysters, as well as managing the business side of the farm. That experience gave him the knowledge and confidence he needed to spark his journey towards the captain’s wheelhouse.

About four years ago, Stoyan reached out to a friend in Eliot, Maine about working on a lobster boat. He was directed to a Captain in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and, after one interview, he was hired. This marked his transition from oyster farmer to lobster sternman, further diversifying his skills in the fishing industry. While his wife and daughter remained in Cape Cod, Stoyan made the difficult decision to commute north, sacrificing time at home to support his family and continue fishing professionally. Over time, as his confidence on the water grew and he took on more responsibility, so did his desire to take the helm himself. Heeding the call of the captain’s wheelhouse, Stoyan applied to the NEYFA Deckhand to Captain Training Program.

After his acceptance, his commitment became even more apparent. He showed up and succeeded throughout each class, all while being a supportive friend to his fellow classmates. Throughout the DTC program, Stoyan emphasized how valuable it was to learn the behind-the-scenes skills that are rarely taught on the water, especially business planning. “The business part of it: writing a business plan, budgeting, and thinking about financing was really important for me. I had never done that before,” he explained. “It made me realize that owning a boat isn’t just about catching fish. It’s about running a whole operation.” In addition to gaining confidence in business management, Stoyan appreciated the program’s emphasis on public speaking and communication, which prepared him for community engagement, customer relationships, and even future advocacy in the fishing industry. “At first, it felt intimidating,” he said, “but now I feel more comfortable speaking up and representing myself and my work." Stoyan plans to continue fishing year-round, including winter trips whenever the weather allows. His goal is to fully transition into ownership of his own lobster boat, which comes with a scallop access permit.

When he’s not on the water, Stoyan finds joy in hiking and traveling. He has summited Mount Washington and shared stories of family's service trip to Cuba. His love for the outdoors clearly goes beyond the boat deck.

Above all, Stoyan is driven by a deep sense of responsibility to his family, to his crew, and to the future of sustainable fishing. His story reminds us that building a fishing business takes heart, vision, and a willingness to keep learning.

We’re honored to support Stoyan and others in the Deckhand to Captain Training program, and we’re excited to see what’s next in his journey.