The number of happy customers and special trips in FishingBooker’s reviews and reports blew us away this month. From unforgettable birthday catches to special trips for those in need, there’s been a huge amount going on. So much so that picking the most inspiring stories was no easy task!
Finally we narrowed it down to five impressive examples of captains from the FishingBooker community who went the extra mile. Read on to find out more.
Highest Rated: Off The Hook Charters, Alabama
It was a close run for reviews this month, but Captain Perry Davis from Gulf Shores, Alabama, reached the highest number. He clinched 12 reviews aboard Off the Hook Charters’ two vessels.
Captain Perry’s customers praised his experience and helpful attitude. Which is not surprising, as several of them limited out on one species before targeting another. As Wayne from Georgia wrote, “We couldn’t cast a line without bringing something in!”
Congratulations, Captain Perry. May the Redfish limits continue!
Military Appreciation Day (MAD) Event
Meanwhile, Captain Phillip Loughlin from Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures gave back to the North Carolina community. He donated a day of charter fishing to some active-duty troops.
The group battled a tough day of fishing that stopped them from getting their original targets: Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel. Undeterred, Captain Phillip brought the troops inshore for Trout, Drum, and Flounder.
A day on the water does wonders for everyone, and we’re sure this kind donation was very valuable for these troops. You don’t always need to catch a big fish to brighten someone’s day!
Could a 13th birthday get any better?
Sometimes a photo makes you do a double take. That’s just what happened when we heard about young Reid, who caught this enormous Tarpon. Not only did he manage to hook this monster, he did it while celebrating his 13th birthday.
Captain Fraser Simpson from Fly & Fish with Fraser explained that this is the biggest Silver King to date on his boat:
“It was 87 inches long and had a girth of 39. We used the Jerald Ault formula to estimate weight – it gave us 220 pounds. Regardless of weight, what a beast! North of 200 pounds and everyone was more than pleased to see this fish swim away healthy.”
“We took a lot of time to revive the fish. No one wanted to see this Tarpon die or get eaten by Sharks. What a 13th birthday Tarpon!”
How many of us get to catch a fish like this in our lifetime, let alone at this age? Great job, Captain Fraser, for giving Reid an experience he’ll truly never forget.
Vanuatu Tuna Bonanza
Record breaking birthdays haven’t just been happening in the Northern Hemisphere. Down in Vanuatu, Captain Mitch Clement from Harbour Fishing Charters showed Dean just how good the local fishing is.
Dean booked this charter with his friends to celebrate his 50th birthday, and it delivered. Not only did this Yellowfin weigh 55 kg (120 lb), he caught it with a popper and a spinning rod.
Now that sounds like fun!
A Honeymoon Trip with a Twist
Captain Tim Rushing of Southern Gentleman Backcountry Fishing hosted a very special trip recently. Ken and his wife Haley came down from Tuscaloosa to celebrate their honeymoon. Honeymoon trips are always special, but this one was a little different. Why? Because Ken is wheelchair bound and can’t use his legs.
This posed a few logistical problems for Captain Tim, partly because Ken’s wheelchair didn’t fit in his boat. But once everyone agreed the best spot was the wheelchair cushion next to the captain on the deck, they got ready to fish. Tim explains how his need to be flexible didn’t end there:
“I was totally impressed with both of their fishing skills and patience with me. I was figuring out how to get the boat anchored at all the different wind and current angles so I could keep Ken facing the action.”
No matter the logistics, this ended up being the perfect day. They finished their trip several hours late after circling Cape Romano and riding back past empty beaches to the soundtrack of some good country music. What a unique Naples experience, possible thanks to Captain Tim’s flexibility and ingenuity.
What a month! We can only guess at what the rest of October might hold. Let us know what you’ve been up to lately in the comments or via a fishing report. We can’t wait to hear your stories!
