Blog

I have lived in the Virginia Beach area pretty much my whole life (35 yrs).  My father is a retired Master Chief in the Navy and he was stationed here when I was two years old. We always had a sailboat growing up and cruised the Chesapeake Bay a lot.  It was a great time and would later influence my decision to become a boat owner/fisherman. I met my wife, Veronica, in high school, but we did not start dating until after college and we married in 2008.  She loves to fish and cruise, so definitely a keeper.  On Christmas Day 2012, we welcomed our son, Zealand, to our family.  He loves to be on the water as well and teaches me life lessons ever day.  I am very humbled by my little family and very lucky to have them!

1. You are quite an accomplished fisherman.  How did you first get introduced to fishing?

   I fished as much as I could when I was a little kid.My sister and I would crab a lot around the marinas where we were docked, and if we were lucky, my dad or granddad would rig us a pole to catch croaker, spot, or the prized bluefish.

2. Virginia Beach has a great fishery both inshore and offshore.  Which do you enjoy the most?
   

   I love them both, but offshore is my favorite right now.  I really enjoy not fishing in a crowd.

3. What has been your biggest fish so far?

   Bluefin Tuna 225 lbs

4. What is your most memorable catch?

   I caught an 80 lb Cobia my first time fishing for them.  It was a pure luck and I thought I had broke the state record, pretty funny.

5. You have a beautiful 28′ center console Hydra-Sports boat.  What drew you to purchase this particular boat?

   I bought the cleanest, biggest, and offshore capable boat that was in my budget.  It was only 3 years old with 100 hours on it and fully rigged.  But I had to go to Alabama to get it.

6. What would you recommend as the most essential item to carry on the boat to ensure a successful fishing trip?

   A plan.  Always plan ahead and use your gut instincts to find the fish.
7. Lets talk cruising for moment.  Do you have a favorite restaurant or destination that you enjoy visiting by boat?

   My wife and I really enjoy going to Cape Charles on the Eastern Shore.  We like to tie up to Bay Creek Marina and eat at Aqua.  We were married there, so it’s always a good time.

8. Please describe your idea of the perfect day out on the water.

   My ideal day would start early at the Norfolk Canyon.  We would be catch a quick limit of Yellowfin Tuna and a couple Marlin releases or a few wahoo.  Then make our way inshore and jig the wrecks for a limit of flounder and end the day with a couple of cobia off the buoys.  Then we would clean fish and drink beer til’ the next day!

9. Which meal would you order from the menu:
   a.  Fresh fried flounder with coleslaw and hush puppies  OR
   b. Grilled yellow fin tuna steak with a salad of homegrown tomatoes and cucumbers?

   B

10. What do you enjoy most about being a member here at Marina Shores?

    Good service!  The staff is really professional and on top of things.  I also enjoy talking fishing with other members at the dock and cleaning table.