My first experience fishing with a guide was when I moved to the Suncoast and met Bobby Lee, a neighbor and avid angler. Lee had been chartering for Capt. Scott Moore and would invite me to join him on multiple occasions. It was Moore who showed me a whole new universe of fishing and ignited the flame that burns bright to this day. It was also Moore who sparked my advocacy when our worries about the state of gamefish populations led us to form the Manatee Chapter of The Florida Conservation Association (FCA) with another local guide, Capt. Jim O’Neill.
A writing career was fostered through my work with the FCA. Fishing guides became a trusted source for ideas, techniques and information that I share with my readers to this day. Guides were valued colleagues when my advocacy moved from the fish to the habitat and waters that sustain them. Like his father, Scott, Capt. Justin Moore has a passion for fishing and a conservation ethic he inherited from his dad and G.B. Knowles (the first outdoor editor of The Anna Maria Island Sun). He and other local guides have been “eyes on the water” for Suncoast Waterkeeper and have helped protect acres of mangroves and seagrass habitat.
Now many of these dedicated watermen are suffering from many factors not of their making. If you haven’t fished with a guide, this is an excellent time to experience some of the dedication, expertise and humor that I have found invaluable for four decades.
Recently, I was talking to Anna Maria guide Capt. Dave White about these challenges and asked him to put his feelings down in his own words. He responded, “The charter fishing industry is undeniably a ‘feast or famine’ profession, heavily influenced by unpredictable variables. Challenges such as red tide, shifting weather patterns, economic instability, FWC regulations, major hurricanes and even global events like COVID-19 have all left their mark, often threatening our livelihood. Yet, for many of us who call this coast home, giving up isn’t an option. Commercial fishermen and charter guides remain steadfast, clinging to a way of life that embodies the spirit of resilience and connection to the sea. For the true ‘lifers’ of the area, this work is more than just a profession – it’s a tradition, a passion and a legacy worth preserving. Of course, as in any industry, there are those who come and go, drawn in by the allure but unprepared for the reality. But for those who stay, the connection to our waterways and estuaries runs deep. By choosing local guides, practicing sustainable fishing, and protecting our natural resources, you help ensure this cherished way of life endures for generations. Together, we can safeguard the waterways and traditions that define our coastal heritage.”
These professionals take you to places you might never venture to on your own and have the knowledge to make memories that last a lifetime. A guided fishing trip is a win-win-win experience for the angler, guide and the waters they love and work to protect.
