It dawned on me a couple weeks ago while looking at my Coast Guard license I was starting my 26th year guiding. Time has passed pretty quick. I retired from Police work after 23 years in 2006 but worked as a parttime guide. It started out as a way to fish even more than I was. It was fun and I met allot of people some are friends for life.
My good buddy Bruce Carlton (RIP) got me started with the Redfish Tour in 2002, I fished with him for a few seasons, but it was too much for him. We were in Sarasota at the Championship and he was talking to a friend of mine from Sea School. It was there he said, “this is your new partner for next year, I'm done”. I fished with Tim Shabareck until 2006 until he is a friend for life. We had success from Key Largo to Louisiana as well as tough times. The greatest part of our partnership was we never argued.
In all that time I was working, guiding, traveling and taking care of my family, it was pretty cool. I decided in 2007 /2008 I had enough. We went our separate ways, and I concentrated on just guiding.
I have been a fishing guide through a few bad times, 911 was in my first year there was no business. There were a few slowdowns over the years and then the covid catastrophe. I always hustled and kept up my reports, that helped people get by.
The world of fishing charters relies on a good economy for the most part. When it’s good everyone is fishing, when it’s not allot of complaining.
This has been an awesome ride, and I can’t wait to fish tomorrow and every day after that. I would like to say Thank You to all the people that took the chance to go out with me. I couldn’t do this on my own, Family has to be in on it and businesses who have sponsored me, Thank You!
Caught Lookin Charters is open and ready to fish the Mullet run here in the next few weeks. I am a friendly family charter. If you like the shallow inshore fishing give me a call at 305 333 8149. I offer trips to Key Largo, Miami and Everglades National Park (Flamingo).
Let’s go Catch ‘em
Capt Jim Hobales
Thanks to these Company’s
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#Biscayne Rod,
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Skeeter Boats