ITB Staff
WANTED: “I am looking for the perfect mate. My previous relationships just haven’t worked out. I need one that is not too young, not too old, that doesn’t cost too much money and that knows their way around the cockpit. I also need someone that is loyal, who won’t jump ship the next time we’re docked next to a pretty Rybovich.”
Typically, the professional life of a captain or mate involves travel, lots and lots of travel. The trips can be short, long, frequent, weekly, daily, hourly, international, statewide, spontaneous or planned. No matter how they stack up, there are many trips. A person choosing a career in the sportfishing industry normally understands this well in advance of their date of hire and is excited for the opportunity. Nearly universally, captains and mates enjoy their time working on the water in their natural habitat.
By Gary Caputi
Being a private boat captain is considered by many to be one of the more glamorous and adventurous jobs you could ever have. Imagine being at the helm of a multi-million dollar
sportfishing yacht that travels to amazing places to catch billfish. Not only is someone else footing the bill, you’re getting paid to do it! Even being a deckhand aboard such a boat is something young men daydream about. There is, however, a lot more to “the life” than meets the eye. InTheBite spent time discussing the ins and outs of “the life” with three experienced captains. We covered a lot of ground.
By Alexandra Stark
Some say that money cannot buy happiness, but it sure can buy a lot of other things.
Money can buy boats, fishing rods and the biggest curved flat screen available. When, you might ask, does anyone have enough money to squander on such frivolous items? After several months on the boat, of course!
By Captain Scott “Fraz” Murie
What is life like after being the “Big Skipper?”
What do captains do when they want to quit traveling and spending many months each year away from home? Well, I have observed that many captains who have been at the helm for 20 or 30 years, have changed careers so they can stay at home and do things they never had the time to do as a traveling captain. Things that may seem simple to people in other professions— like spending time with family and friends, personal travel, and attending some sporting events—are sometimes not possible for traveling captains.
By Peter B. Wright
Most amateur anglers and crews would be much better off not using dredges or multiple teasers, even though many of the top professional teams pull them most of the time. Teams that consistently win tournaments almost always have expert professional captains and deck hands. These crews have skills and abilities that most amateurs will never develop. Amateur crews who pull multiple teasers and dredges may have forgotten one basic truth. Teasers and dredges do not catch fish – at best they can only help attract them. Baits and lures with hooks, however, can and do catch fish.
By Dale Wills
Most of today’s captains earned their shot at the helm only after spending years working under the watchful eyes of veteran skippers. Each of those mentors had certain techniques and practices that were passed down to the younger generation, things that formed the foundation of their careers as professional mariners. So what are some of the individual practices, habits and distinctions that are being passed down by the veteran captains today to the future captains of tomorrow? [Read more…]
By Alexandra Stark
If there is one thing about fishing that is for sure, it’s that not everything will always go your way—even if you are the best captain, crewman or angler in the world. But what if the thing that goes south on you happens on the biggest of stages, with millions of dollars on the line? What do you do if you are the guy who missed the gaff shot on a world record blue? How about if you’re the guy that San Cocho’s the biggest white marlin you’ve ever seen in the White Marlin Open?
By Captain Kevin Deerman
I’m certain the glaring reason that many of us chose this profession was for the opportunity to fish and travel to new and different locations. Though we must always be ready to deal with unexpected obstacles, fishing and traveling should be the easiest and most welcomed qualities of the job.
By Captain Kevin Deerman
Running a sportfishing operation is a great way to make a living doing what we love to do. As captains, we get to fish and travel to new places, making many new friends along the way. As glamorous as this may sound, it also comes with many sacrifices. It can be tough on relationships whether it be with wives or girlfriends or family and friends. We spend a lot of time away from home, and even when we are home, we have no set 9-5 days or weekends off. For anyone out there thinking of pursuing a career as a sportfishing captain, here are a few things that may be helpful to know as you plan your future.
