Over the last few days, I’ve shared this news with a few people, and word is starting to get out. So it’s time to make it official.
After 20 seasons on the water, I’m hanging up my captain’s hat.
As of January 1, 2026, I have transferred ownership of We Catch ‘Em Inc. and the Marilyn Jean IV to my crew, and I have officially retired from charter fishing.
They Said It Couldn’t Be Done
When I started this business 20 years ago, people thought I was out of my mind. I was told I was nuts. I was told it couldn’t be done. I was told the industry was dead and that I was walking into a losing battle.
One clown even screamed at me, “You can’t reinvent the wheel,” when I explained that I was going to prioritize people and customer service over fish — a radical departure from the model that had dominated charter fishing for decades before me.
The prevailing wisdom back then was simple: fill the boat, catch as much as possible, get back to the dock, repeat. The client experience didn’t matter as much as the catch count. Complaints were brushed off. Maintenance could wait. Safety standards were inconsistent. That’s just how it was done.
I didn’t want to run a business like that. I wanted to build something different — something where people felt valued, where the boat was impeccably maintained, where safety wasn’t negotiable, and where a day on the water was about more than just how many fish ended up in the cooler.
So I did it anyway.
And 20 years and six boats later, I guess they were wrong.
What These 20 Seasons Have Meant to Me
It’s hard to put into words what these two decades have meant. I’ve spent more hours on the water than I can count. I’ve seen sunrises that took my breath away and weather that tested everything I had. I’ve celebrated incredible catches with clients who became friends, and I’ve worked through mechanical failures, rough seas, and long days that pushed me to my limits.
But more than anything, I’ve had the privilege of sharing this passion with thousands of people — families celebrating milestones, friends reconnecting after years apart, kids catching their first fish, veterans finding peace on the open water, and so many others who just wanted a day away from everything else.
You trusted me with your time, your safety, and your experience. That trust was never something I took lightly.
I’ve also had the honor of working alongside some of the best crew members in the business. They showed up every day ready to work hard, treat clients with respect, and uphold the standards we set together. They’re the reason the Marilyn Jean became what it is today, and they’re the reason I’m confident in what comes next.
The Marilyn Jean Legacy Continues
This isn’t the end of the Marilyn Jean story. It’s a new chapter.
I will remain on as an advisor for a period of time to ensure the boat is maintained to the standards I’ve set over the past two decades and that our clients continue to receive the level of service they’ve come to expect. This isn’t like when a restaurant is sold to a new owner and the menu changes. Captain Anthony has been with me on the boat for years, and I’ll still be here to guide him and the crew if needed. You’re getting the absolute best people.
I’m not walking away and leaving things to chance. I’m making sure this transition preserves everything we’ve built.
The crew will proudly continue the Marilyn Jean tradition — putting client needs, boat maintenance, and safety first, always. They know what this boat represents. They know what our clients deserve. And they’re ready to carry this legacy forward.
Best of luck to Captain Tony (Pelican) and the entire Marilyn Jean crew as they take the helm. I couldn’t be more confident in their ability to honor what we’ve built together and to keep delivering the experience that has defined the Marilyn Jean for 20 seasons.
Thank You
From the bottom of my heart — thank you for 20 unforgettable seasons.
Thank you for trusting me with your families, your celebrations, your quiet moments on the water, and your big days you’ll remember forever.
Thank you for coming back year after year, for recommending us to your friends, and for believing in what we were trying to build.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
It’s been the honor of a lifetime.
Fair winds and tight lines.