 I grew up in a small rural waterfront area of Pasadena, Maryland. At age five, I had my first vessel, a sailing skiff converted to a rowboat. My father taught me how to fish and crab while ultimately helping me develop a love and respect for the water.
My teen years found me absorbed in boating, both as a job and a favorite pastime. I commercial crabbed during the summer months from age fifteen through twenty-one. I learned to sail and explored the upper bay from a 16 foot Hobie Cat.
With the encouragement of my father to “better myself”, I attended college and pursued a business degree at the University of Alabama. When the time came to work in the business world, the magic of the water lured me back.
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference.
— Robert Frost, The Road Not Taken (1916)
When the opportunity arose for my father to fulfill his dream to own and operate a marina, I joined him in a business venture in Virginia’s Northern Neck. Although the marina offered me an enjoyable life, which included delivering boats along the coast, the urge to fish overwhelmed me.
In 1987 I started a charter fishing business. A few years later, my father passed away. When given the opportunity, I opted to purchase the marina and run both operations. Through hard work ethics, acquired from my father, I was able to continue the dream. With the devotion of my wife and family, we have been able to sustain and grow both businesses.
I have been richly blessed in my life.
- U.S.C.G. Licensed Master (Bay and Ocean waters)
- Fishing columnist for local newspapers since 1987
- Feature columnist for the following magazines
Chesapeake Angler, Rivah, Gateway, Northern Neck Guides
- Daily radio reports on WIGO 104.9 FM
- Performs speaking engagements
Boat shows, Fishing seminars, Civic groups, Clubs, and other organizations. |
