Capt.’s Comments

 Welcome to my website and I would like to thank you for your interest in a fishing trip with TOP WATER CHARTERS. If you decide to fish with me, I hope that your trip will be both productive and enjoyable. A couple of things, I believe, set me apart from other local guides. First, being a fishing guide is not my primary income. I do however, have a job that enables me to be off at least 180 days per year. All this free time allows me the opportunity to fish a lot! As a matter of fact, according to my fishing journals that I have kept since 1988, I usually fish around 100 days a year. In 2005, I fished 113 days.

By not depending on income from guiding, I can promise you a couple of things. First, I will not feel pressure to take a charter in adverse weather conditions or "just to get your money". I will also be completely honest with my clients as to their chances of success or failure if they have their heart set on a certain kind of fishing or a certain species of fish.

The fact of the matter is: I fish because I love fishing. I will probably be fishing whether I have a charter or not. That should speak volumes. Also, because I fish by myself quite often, do not hesitate to call me if you find yourself in my area during the middle of the day and would like to get in a quick fishing trip. Maybe we could work something out. On several occasions, I've had people call me up on the spur of the moment and do a quick fishing trip. It seems like there is always something special about these trips. Last August, we caught a 29lb. King Mackerel on a one hour fishing trip under the setting sun! In other words, I am very flexible. Don't assume, even if it's 2pm, that it is too late to arrange a quick trip. This is especially true in the summer and fall. Call my cell phone and I'll see what I can do.

One final thought about my role as a "guide". I believe that I have fished with some of the best fishermen of our times, both locally and in Florida. I tried to learn something from each of them. Locally, for example, I can remember fishing on the Calcutta back in the early 90's with Capt. Dew Forbes and his mate Stephen Draughon, who now runs the Bill Collector. I still can remember Stephen hurrying to get 7 lines in the water at 2:20 in the afternoon even though he knew our fishing time was up at 2:30. His work ethic was amazing and so were the catches. In the Keys, I once fished with Capt. Hank Brown. From looking at the photo collage at the Lorelei Marina, I was the first non-famous client Capt. Hank ever had. The rest were all Past Presidents, Pro Athletes and Movie Stars. The day we fished, he poled me all day in 35 mph winds and helped me catch a 12 lb. 4 oz Bonefish. He worked so hard that day, I was amazed. He told some great stories and was very entertaining. I also fish with Capt. Pat Bracher in the Keys. Pat is a perfectionist who is completely focused on fishing. He once stayed out with me for 2 extra hours, no charge, so I could catch a second Tarpon. He catches a flats grand slam nearly every day! In Key West, I have fished with Capt. Billy Delph, son of the famous guide Ralph Delph. These guys are legendary because they set IGFA records daily! Finally, in Miami, I have fished aboard Miss Britt captained by Ray Rosher. Capt. Ray wins nearly every tournament he enters and is one of the top Swordfish producers in south Florida. All these guys are great fishermen and fishing with them has made me a better fisherman. I hope that I leave the same impression on my clients.

I want your trip to be enjoyable and entertaining no matter what the day brings. I can't make the fish bite, but I can promise that I will try my hardest to make your fishing trip safe, fun and productive. I honestly believe that anyone who fishes with me will get their money's worth. My tackle will be in top condition and I will make every effort to supply the best bait possible, whether it's live, fresh or artificial. You might find a guide with a bigger name or a fancier website, but at the end of the day, those guys may not want to compare catches!