Terry,

I can understand you being disappointed in your FishingBooker experience because your previous captain canceled on you at the last minute, but did you really have to take your frustrations out on me?

You mentioned, you wanted to catch some sharks and that you would also like to catch anything else you could, so I started you off with mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. After 90 minutes of non-stop action, I moved on in the pursuit of shark. In doing so, I took you to three different well-known shark hangouts.

Even though we didn’t catch any sharks on this day, everyone did catch “smaller fish” at each one of those stops too. So, I don’t see what there is to complain about. You do realized it’s called fishing, not catching? Everyday is different. To suggest that I don’t catch big fish is just ridiculous.

Rating Breakdown:

Boat: You give my boat a four-star rating, really. You were fishing on a $130,000 vessel, what did my boat have to do with you not catching a shark?

Crew: That would be me! I was on my feet baiting hooks, releasing fish, taking pictures, and chumming the entire four hours to make sure you had the best experience possible. Not to mention, I showed right on time, loaded with bait and ready to fish. Yet, I got four-stars.

Overall: I know your wife and son had a good time because they told me so. As for you. I get the impression that you wouldn’t have been happy even if a shark had bit, you in the butt!

Terry, I can understand you being disappointed in your FishingBooker experience because your previous captain canceled on you at the last minute, but did you really have to take your frustrations out on me? You mentioned, you wanted to catch some sharks and that you would also like to catch anything else you could, so I started you off with mangrove snapper and Spanish mackerel. After 90 minutes of non-stop action, I moved on in the pursuit of shark. In doing so, I took you to... More

Yes, you caught fish during the entire trip, and here’s why! When I have a party of six people, there has to be some instruction. Otherwise, the trip would be a disaster.

I’m one of the few guides in Tampa Bay that accommodates six people, because it’s a lot of work. I never stopped chumming, baiting hooks, releasing fish, and taking photos for four hours.

Regarding photos: I have a strict “NO PHOTO OR VIDEO” policy aboard Afishionado to protect my fishing spots. I sent you a link prior to the trip to inform you, but obviously you didn’t take the time to read it.

In closing! I have great people skills, you just didn’t appreciate any of my instructions. I gave the same expert instruction to a party of six the next day, and they left me a FIVE STAR review.

Yes, you caught fish during the entire trip, and here’s why! When I have a party of six people, there has to be some instruction. Otherwise, the trip would be a disaster. I’m one of the few guides in Tampa Bay that accommodates six people, because it’s a lot of work. I never stopped chumming, baiting hooks, releasing fish, and taking photos for four hours. Regarding photos: I have a strict “NO PHOTO OR VIDEO” policy aboard Afishionado to protect my fishing spots. I... More

Hey Scott,

I realize the fishing wasn’t the best on the 29th, but I take all negative reviews personally. Let me take a moment and dissect it for you.

Equipment: 4.0
I run a Sheaffer Boat which is regarded as the best bay boat in the industry. I also use premium fishing tackle such as G-Loomis, Penn, Sage and Tibor. So, I’m not sure what your beef was about my equipment.

Crew: 3.0
That would be me!

Since I trailer my boat everyday to the boat ramp, my day started around 3:30AM. That enabled me to launch my boat and travel 10 miles to start catching bait before the sun came up. Once I finished catching bait that morning, I cleaned the deck of my boat and made the 10-mile run back to the boat ramp to greet you with a smile. 

Once you and your party were onboard, we headed straight out to fish.

During that time, I never once sat down. I was constantly on the move cutting fresh bait for chum, baiting hooks, and releasing fish. I also gave you guys courteous and polite instruction when needed and kept the tempo upbeat.

Overall: 3.0
Admittedly, weather conditions were not ideal on the day you fished. A cold front had passed through the day before and the fish were slow to bite. It was also breezy which had the water conditions a little choppy.

I realize you were in town for a bachelor party, and you were also celebrating a birthday, but it was obvious there had been some overindulgence the night before. Throughout the trip you guys seemed hungover. One guy threw up at our first stop, and another seemed drunk from the minute he stepped on my boat and continued to drink all morning long.

Even on slow fishing days, most people enjoy just being on the water taking it all in. As a bonus, there was an AirFest going on at MacDill Air Force Base, so we got to see some planes fly over as we fished. I even went out of my way to drop you off at a waterside restaurant when we were finished.

In closing. I believe I had nothing to do with your displeasure, but thanks for choosing Afishionado anyway!

Hey Scott, I realize the fishing wasn’t the best on the 29th, but I take all negative reviews personally. Let me take a moment and dissect it for you. Equipment: 4.0 I run a Sheaffer Boat which is regarded as the best bay boat in the industry. I also use premium fishing tackle such as G-Loomis, Penn, Sage and Tibor. So, I’m not sure what your beef was about my equipment. Crew: 3.0 That would be me! Since I trailer my boat everyday to the boat ramp,... More