Phil Blackmar is a former professional golfer and an avid fisherman with a deep-rooted passion for both sports. Born into a family with a strong affinity for fishing and golfing, Blackmar's father, a Navy officer and a skilled golfer, introduced him to both sports at a young age. Blackmar's early life was characterized by frequent travels due to his father's naval career. However, since 1973, he has been a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas. His fishing journey began in Southern California, where he engaged in bass fishing as a child. After moving to Texas, he transitioned to saltwater fishing and started fishing in the Baffin Bay area around 1980 or 1981. In addition to fishing, Blackmar has had a successful career in golf. He played on the PGA Tour (Professional Golfers’ Association) and PGA Tour Champions. He also served as an assistant women's golf coach at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, where his wife was the head coach. Furthermore, he has worked as a televised golf announcer for various networks and has done some golf instruction. Blackmar's fishing techniques evolved over the years, transitioning from live shrimp bait fishing to lure fishing and eventually to fly fishing. This progression was driven by his competitive nature and his desire for a more proactive and challenging fishing experience.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Phil Blackmar, conducted by Jen Brown on July 27, 2022, for the Baffin Bay Oral History Project, provides a detailed account of Blackmar's life, his passion for fishing and golf, and his observations on the changes in fishing practices and environmental conditions over the years. Blackmar discusses his early life, his family's naval background, and his introduction to fishing and golf by his father. He shares his experiences of fishing in the Baffin Bay area since the early 1980s and his transition from bait fishing to lure and fly fishing. He also talks about his professional golfing career, his role as a golf coach at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and his work as a televised golf announcer. The interview also captures Blackmar's observations on the changes in fishing practices and environmental conditions over the years. He notes that fish were more plentiful in the 1980s and 1990s but have become less abundant due to changes in environmental conditions and fishing practices. He expresses concern about the impact of farming on water quality and the need for better stewardship of the environment. He also shares his hopes for the future, including the need for more courtesy and intelligence in boat operation and the importance of educating younger generations about fishing and environmental protection. Blackmar's interview provides valuable insights into the changes in fishing practices and environmental conditions over the years and the need for better stewardship of the environment. It also highlights the importance of family time and quality time spent together in fishing and other outdoor activities.