African-American Big game fisherman......

[Capt_John]

Never really brought this up,but I was reading a thread on a different site and the guy was asking about why he doesn't see any more fishermen of color in the big Game world? I know of 2 other guys also from NC like me and they're brothers. Just wondering if we're the only ones. I know of some guys from the Bahamas,but not the U.S. I know there's got to be more of us out there. I think it's funny when I'm running a charter and my passengers tell me that they've been fishing for years and I'm the first black capt. they've seen or chartered with. When i was in Hawaii,the old locals told me I was the first black fishing captain they've had on the island. I'm not trying to be different or anything. I'm just curious and that thread made me think. Unfortunately, I've had to hear alot of bad things over the years, but that's to be expected. I love what I do and I'm gonna be on the water for as long as I live. No matter what others think. I see a lot of black fishermen inshore,on Head boats,and on an offshore charter occasionally,but not running or on the deck of an offshore boat. Any of you guys know some hard core offshore guys in your area? It gets a little lonely at the captain's meetings..... Just kidding.
Oh well, just wondering now.

[johnseafood]

Damn John wouldn't want to piss you off in the pit or bridge. I knew of one guy out of money island when we fished up there. He ran a small charter operation. It doesn';t matter what color you are when your offshore and you love it we all share the same reason for being out there and love for the sport.

[SeaBiscuit]

Dang John, are you really black?
I'd hang out with you at the captain's meeting, but can't get in due to the fact I'm a foreigner!
I'll bet the fish would vote to have all "minority" fishermen banned, wouldn't they?
SeaBiscuit

[OffTheHookB&T]

All that matters to me is were all FISHERMEN

[frankypettolina]

The late great Capt. Monk Petit of OC, MD. He spent his last few years cleaning fish, but he was a darn good charter captain as well. May he rest in peace.

I can't recall his name, but there is another fellow in NJ who is partners in a charterboat, a big center console. My friend Mike Tyas is co captains with him.

Throughout the Carribean (especially Venezuela) there are many Captains of Color, so to speak, they aren't American, so African American wouldn't apply I guess.

Interesting thread Capt. John, and I have to second the statement, we are all Fishermen!!

[Avenger]

All right guys, this wasn't a thread about political correctness, so let's ease up on the "we're all fishermen under the skin" business.

I can't say I've ever fished with one, but the gentleman I purchased my Hatteras from was a "person of color". He sold it to me so he could buy a bigger one. Now I don't think he's inclined to fishing, but he obviously loves the ocean and large, quality boats. So, Capt_John, you're not alone out there, wet lines or no lines.

Since you raise the question. What's your opinion and / or experience? Do you think there's a cultural bias that big-game fishing is a rich white-man's sport? Or is it just a lack of opportunity and exposure that blacks don't usually see this as a viable form of recreation or opportunity for gainful employment / entrepreneurship? What path brought you to where you are?

Now I'm wondering.

[gofshn]

i have had many black friends in the past and most of them have told me they can't swim and are scared to go in the saltwater due to sharks. it's all the same, the fish don't know the difference. i have talked to John on the phone and he is an absolute stand-up guy, first-class and top-notch in my book. John, thanks again for the info, you are welcome in my home, or on my boat at anytime just give me a shout.

[OUTCAST1]

I know a few in Bahamas that are absolutely first class professionals-and I haven't spent a lot of years there. Also know some Bahamians that fit this joke:

What did Christ tell the Bahamians just before he left?

"Don't do nothin' till I get back!"

[johnseafood]

I know a few in Bahamas that are absolutely first class professionals-and I haven't spent a lot of years there. Also know some Bahamians that fit this joke:

What did Christ tell the Bahamians just before he left?

"Don't do nothin' till I get back!"

Hhahahah

[hotrodmarlin]

Thats a great joke- I'm gonna change it to "what did Christ tell the people from Brunswick County, NC before he left?"

John- there is a black guy named Andre that comes to the offshore club meetings around Greensboro and he seems to be a cool guy. I've told him about the site but I'm not sure if he ever logged in. The next time I see him I'll tell him to sign in and look you up.