I grew up just outside Huntington, WV, with the Ohio River in my backyard. The family business was a cattle farm but I would take off to fish the river every chance fish every time I could. It was a calling and a passion that never quit.. After earning my BS in Marketing, I tried the corporate life, but the lure of fishing was just as strong as it was on the cattle farm.
Thankfully my agreed to move to western Kentucky and I competed in Bass fishing tournaments. Then in 2010 we made the move to Port St. Joe. This has bee the best move for us and I was a licensed and full time fishing charter captain by 2012. In 2010, we made another move to Port St Joe, and by 2012, I proudly became a licensed Captain and full-time fishing guide. It took a while for me to execute on the dream of fishing and make it a profession but by the time I was 54….I was working and living my dream job on the water.
The thrill of teaching and seeing fisherman, new and experienced, catch something on my boat can’t be beat and I’ll never stop.
I have guided over 2000 trips since then. I get to be part of many trips with friends and family and they are all different. However, the joy of seeking and catching fish is a common thread for everyone on the boat. Families that rally around a child landing their first big redfish or speckled trout. Multi-generational trips where grandfathers, usually by not always, bond with sons and grandchildren while scanning the horizon and waiting for the tug on the line. Honestly, it’s just as much fun to charter a trip of friends as they catch up on old times and each one try to catch the first and biggest. The water, sky, and fish never get old and are fun each and every day.
My boat is 23-foot 2008 Ranger bay boat, powered by a 2017 Suzuki 300 and a 36-volt Minn Kota Ulterra trolling motor. It's fully equipped to find and catch fish with a Garmin GPS, fishfinder, a Hydrowave fish attractor and a powerpole. While not as much fun as catching fish, we have all of the required Coast Guard safety equipment.
Look at my calendar and pick a date to go fishing. Then inquire about that day. I will reach back out to you and lock it in. We will both have a great day on the water!
