Once again this fall, we asked those Sport Fishing fans who know of great charter captains to nominate them for Sport Fishing's annual contest, Charter Captains of the Year. They responded and, in short order, we had dozens of names. Then a period of open voting followed. When the dust settled, and thousands of votes were counted, the six skippers in this gallery came out on top as Sport Fishing's 2017 Charter Captains of the Year.
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Dozens of captains nominated this year comprised an impressive group. If “your” skipper didn’t make the top five, there’s always next year; be ready to throw his/her name in the ring when we issue a call for nominations next fall.
The 2017 top captains are listed below alphabetically.
Also see the 2016 Charter Captains of the Year and 2015 Charter Captains of the Year named by SF fans.
Big Game Sport Fishing
Home port: Snug Harbor, Rhode Island
Website: biggamefishingri.com
Phone number: 401-243-7046
Years as fishing guides: 11
Boats
The Bacon brothers run a 36-foot Dawson Express with twin 450-hp Cummins (shown below); a 36-foot Carman with a single 600-hp Cummins; and a 50-foot Post with twin 800-hp Caterpillars.
Brian and Peter Bacon's — Favorite Fishing Grounds
The southwest corner of Block Island for striped bass, fluke, sea bass, blackfish; and canyons 30 miles offshore for tuna, sharks, marlin, mahi, swords and wahoo.
Favorite Species to Target
Tuna. Troll, chunk, or jig, "When the line comes tight it's sick every time! Incredible power with long explosive runs." Then stripers and fluke.
Specialties
Light-tackle, live-bait fishing for striped bass and light-tackle tuna and shark fishing with spinning gear.
Most Important Lesson Learned as a Guide/Charter Captain
"Where do we begin? LOL! Not to take anything for granted, for one thing. It's a constantly evolving learning process of changing migration patterns, fish behavior and the difference in skill levels among anglers."
Bunker Box Fishing Charters
Home port: Staten Island, New York
Website: bunkerboxfishing.com
Phone number: 917-747-7541
Years as a fishing guide: 5
Boat
World Cat 33TE with twin Yamaha 300s
Rob Crocitto's Favorite Fishing Grounds
Raritan Bay and the Atlantic between Sandy Hook and Manasquan Inlet.
Favorite Species to Target
Striped bass, blackfish (tautog) and mako/thresher sharks.
Specialties
Live-bait fishing for striped bass, bottom fishing for blackfish (tautog), and light-tackle mahi in late summer and early fall.
Most Important Lesson Learned as a Guide/Charter Captain
"Align yourself with a good network of other captains who are as passionate as you are and work together. That and giving back." One example: Bunker Box Fishing Charters donates at least one charter a month to charity.
One Shot Fishing Charters
Home port: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Website: oneshotcharters.com
Phone number: 850-585-9436
Years as a fishing guide: 5
Boat
Cape Horn 240S with twin Yamaha 200s
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Adam Peeples' Favorite Fishing Grounds
"Gulf of Mexico"
Favorite Species to Target
Swordfish, billfish, king mackerel
Specialty
Daytime swordfishing
Most Important Lesson Learned as a Guide/Charter Captain
"Always listen to my clients to get a good understanding of what they want to accomplish on a charter. Everyone has different goals and expectations when they go on a charter with me, and making it a top priority to understand their needs allows me to ensure they have a great day on the water."
Ace Up Fishing Charters
Home port: Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina
Website: acesupfishing.com
Phone number: 843-997-3270
Years as a fishing guide: 15
Boat
33-foot Hydra-Sports center console with triple Yamahas, and a 28-foot Scout center console with twin Yamahas
Jay Sconyers' Favorite Fishing Grounds
"Anywhere from right off the beach and nearshore reefs to the Gulf Stream"
Favorite Species to Target
Wahoo
Specialty
None (fishes all methods for all species)
Most Important Lesson Learned as a Guide/Charter Captain
"I think the most important lesson I've learned from 15 years of charter-boat fishing is that it's all about the people.. Everyone loves to catch fish, but you have to make sure that everyone's having a good time."
JM Snooky Charters
Home port: Anna Maria Island, Florida
Website: jmsnookykayakcharters.com
Phone number: 727-459-5899
Years as a fishing guide: 12
Boat
23-foot Hanson tower boat with Suzuki 200
Jason Stock's Favorite Fishing Grounds
Both inshore and offshore from Anna Maria Island.
Favorite Species to Target
Permit, tarpon, cobia
Specialty
Fishing offshore reefs and wrecks for big permit
Most Important Lesson Learned as a Guide/Charter Captain
The most important lesson learned as a guide/charter captain: Not to take what I do for granted. Some people spend their whole year looking forward to doing what i get to do everyday.
