GOOD GUIDES:
There is no better way to learn about fishing in new waters than to do so with a local. There are lots of good guides out there, and here are a few that I know, trust, and gladly recommend. I've even included a couple non-captains who have a special fishing skill for their areas, and they are willing to share what they know. While all the individuals listed have Phase II Lures, they are under no obligation to use them. All Captains are fully licensed They know their water, provide first rate gear, put you on fish, and will give you a memorable fishing experience. They can accommodate fishing "pros" or neophytes (great with kids) and can provide both local tips and fishing instructions. Each has a different kind of fishery for you to enjoy. These experts primarily work inshore waters, and if you want to fish in their vicinity, look them up.
Rhode Island/Narragansett Bay:
Captain Jack Sprengel
East Coast Charters
www.eastcoastchartersri.com
401 338 1752
captainjack@eastcoastchartersri.com
Capt. Jack offers a variety of fishing experiences in the productive waters of Rhode Island and Narragansett Bay with light tackle, for giant stripers and bluefish, either from his 21' Palm Beach center console or from kayak, shore or your boat. He also schedules a few trips each season with experienced anglers fishing tuna with light gear. Jack also can provide diving excursions and instruction. In his "spare" time, Jack helps manage a full service tackle shop, and as a fisherman he consistently is a winner in Rhode Island and regional tournaments.
Western Connecticut/Long Island Sound:
Captain Roger Gendron
Connecticut Island Outfitters
203 216 0991
Capt. Roger fishes from a 22' Ranger Bay Boat, fully equipped, fly, spin, casting, trolling. He specializes in the waters around the Norwalk Island/Western Long Island Sound, lots of structure and flats, significant tide flow and changes. He knows where to fish and when, for the monster striped bass and bluefish that migrate through these waters.
Virginia Beach/Chesapeake:
Captain Herb Gordon
Charter Fishing Virginia Beach
757 464 3924, 757 236 4665(c)
Capt. Herb fishes from a 32'10" custom Mirage, inshore around Virginia Beach, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and offshore from Virginia to Cape Hatteras, basically all types of fishing in these productive waters. He can arrange and coordinate large fishing parties by lining up other fully approved, affiliated Captains for the group. Herb also hosts a popular regional weekly TV Fishing show.
Chesapeake Bay:
Kevin Whitley
Chesapeake Bay Kayak Fishing
www.kayakkevin.com
kayakkevin@gmail.com
Kevin Whitley is a renowned kayak fishing pro, recognized for two consecutive years by the Virginia Saltwater Tournament as an Expert Saltwater Angler, the first ever kayak fisherman awarded expert status. Kevin is devoted to promoting kayak fishing, and with his associates has produced a series of stunning DVDs on kayak fishing. In addition to Chesapeake Bay, Kevin has fished from the Gulf Coast to Delaware Bay. While Kevin does not normally guide, he is ready and willing to assist other kayak fishermen in improving their kayak fishing skills. If you are a kayaker, especially in the Chesapeake, contact Kevin and also check out his DVDs.
North Carolina/Outer Banks:
Joe Malat
Joe Malat’s Outer Banks Fishing Adventures
www.joemalat.com
252 202 4189
joemalat@earthlink.net
Joe Malat is an authority on fishing in the surf or from the many piers of the fabled Outer Banks. He runs a series of fishing seminars and for the annual fall run, conducts 2 weekend courses (these usually sell out early) covering all aspects of surf fishing for the many species available. Attendees spend much of their time "working" on the beach. In addition, Joe’s website has a reliable, up-to-date fishing report for the area, as well as many general fishing tips. He has shared his fishing knowledge in several books, also available from the website. If you are heading for the Outer Banks, contact Joe and take advantage of his tremendous experience.
East Coast, Central Florida:
Captain Jim Ross
Fineline Fishing Charters
321 636 3728
Capt. Jim fishes the Cape Canaveral, Indian River, Mosquito Lagoon area of Central Florida, using a 17' flats boat (2 guests) for the skinniest water and a 22' Skeeter (4 guests). This is an unique fishery for sight fishing, with a wide range of fish species available, and Jim is adept at recognizing them and getting his customers hooked up. Jim also runs a fishing instruction academy and hosts a weekly Florida TV Fishing show.
Upper Keys, Florida:
Captain Duane Baker
Keys Flats Guide
305 852 0102
Capt. Duane fishes the flats - sight fishing at its best - from Islamorada to Key Largo, in a state of the art 17' Maverick, with tarpon, bonefish, redfish, snook and permit as targets. Fly, spin, covering some of the best water in the world for the light tackle enthusiast. Duane is an acknowledged master fisherman himself, who spots fish you won't ever see, and helps you cast precisely to the right spot for the prey.
Barbados:
Captain Chris Burke
Predator Sportfishing Charters
246 230 1845
Capt. Chris fishes the highly productive inshore waters on the west and south coasts of Barbados from a 24' Blackfin. The preferred method is fairly high speed trolling with spinning tackle in the 8lb.-20lb. range - you're in for a fishing fight! Chris also provides spin casting when fish are on the surface, and enjoys taking young fishers for bottom fishing on the reefs, also with light gear. Good offshore fishing is also available with heavier gear and traditional offshore trolling techniques. As one whose family has been in Barbados sinc the mid 1600s, believe me, Capt. Chris knows how to catch "Bajan" fish.