Third-Party Perspective: An Interview About Fishing

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with an individual who centers his life and livelihood around fishing. To avid fisherman and occasional weekend warriors alike, he and his seaworthy vessel are well known throughout Westchester County, NY and Fairfield County, CT. Please read below for a summary of our conversation:

Please (briefly) introduce yourself.

My name is Captain Kevin Reynolds, of the Snow Goose 2, out of Port Chester, NY. I was born and raised on the Greenwich, Connecticut side of the Byram River, which separates NY and CT.

When did you first discover an enjoyment for fishing? What influenced/caused it?

I've always loved fishing, from the time my dad would take me out on Long Island Sound for flounder—and along the Byram River for sunfish.

What was your motivation for acquiring the Snow Goose II?

I bounced around doing various jobs, from cooking to carpentry. I always did well, but never really loved what I was doing. The last job I had before my fishing career began was Island Caretaker for the Greenwich YMCA. It was there that I met my wife-to-be, and realized we couldn’t raise a family on our current income. At that point, I decided to give fishing a shot. It started out quite well and has grown annually for 20 years now. Initially, we started with a 24' Carolina Skiff and progressed to our current 50' Gilliken: the Snow Goose 2.

What do you want people to experience from a trip aboard your fishing vessel? 

Western Long Island Sound is not necessarily a fishing mecca, so personality and service are key to maintaining a quality fishing business. My goal, for each trip, is to provide everyone aboard a safe, fun day on the water. Educating and helping others about fishing is also quite rewarding.

What concerns, if any, do you have regarding the charter fishing industry?

The biggest concern I have for the business of recreational charter fishing is the increase in regulation. State and federal government mandate acceptable fish sizes, fluctuating bag limits, and required equipment inventory for my vessel. Many of these policies are created by bureaucrats, with little or no experience with fish, fishing, or seamanship. Unfortunately, those with acquired knowledge and actual hands-on-experience tend to go unheard. One new regulation set to take effect in 2016 will cost me $20,000, on top of all other standard season-starting costs. No real explanation for it, as they just say it's better.

Your closing thoughts...

Regardless of what may come in this ever-changing industry; for me, it's still better than commuting to work by train....

Speaking with Captain Reynolds was an enriching experience. His views were particularly interesting and extremely credible, coming from someone with decades of experience in providing quality fishing opportunities for thousands of people. He had no idea that I'd previously been aboard the Snow Goose 2 (anonymously), but I speak from completely unbiased experience when I give it two thumbs-up. Consider viewing his website and perhaps even spending an afternoon out on the water with him and his crew. I'm confident you'd enjoy it.

A Family (fishing) Affair

Once a year, typically around mid-June, my family takes a day-long trip on a chartered fishing boat. We usually reserve The Snow Goose, out of Port Chester, NY or The Helen III, out of Groton, CT. Over some time, we've had our good, great, and so-so days, but our 2013 trip aboard The Helen III was truly one for the family photo album AND the record book. Throughout that clear summer day, the fishing was consistently productive, as the phrase, "Fish on!" was shouted repeatedly; sometimes even simultaneously, by many of us. At some points, a few of us had to stow our poles and alternate as the "hold my beer guy" for whomever was hooked into a fish. Fortunately, during that time, the Striped Bass were abundant and HUNGRY.

Later that afternoon, just prior to the bellowing foghorn which signals the return trip to port, a small group began to gather around my cousin, Teddy, who was in a trolling chair at the stern (rear) of the 45 foot vessel, with his fishing rod bent like a question mark. As the sounds of laughter and expletives grew, so did the number of onlookers; Teddy had hooked into something big. For the next fifteen minutes, we watched as he leveraged the rod and cranked steadily at the reel, shortening the distance between himself and whatever was on the other end, by inches at a time. Our glances alternated back and fourth, like tennis spectators, between Teddy and the decreasingly distant point where the line met the water, waiting for our first glimpse of the fish. Finally, as our anticipation peaked, a glimmering silver behemoth broke the choppy surface; then immediately dove back beneath it. We roared at the spectacle and cheered Teddy on, with a newfound sense of immediacy amongst us. He grimaced as he reeled, crank by crank, while adjusting his grip on the rod. Time and time again, the gaping jaws of the fish would surface, then disappear. Teddy is a strong guy, but this battle was weighing heavier on his endurance, with each passing moment. Still, he knew this was potentially the catch of a lifetime, and would do whatever it took to land the fish. He fought with might, eventually pulling the fish close enough for the first-mate to yell, "Net!!"

We cleared a path, stood back and cringed as the fish jerked back and fourth, narrowly dodging the ovular opening of the outstretched net, time and time again. Leaning over the boat's metal safety rail, reading the pattern of the waves, the first-mate maneuvered the net's opening directly below the jowls of the fish and secured it in place; the deal was closed. As he brought the beast onboard, everybody was in awe. It was a massive Striped Bass, weighing in excess of sixty-pounds, which is substantial for the species.

As fatigued as Teddy was from the (24 minute) ordeal, he immediately raised his catch in a celebration of victory, as the rest of us cheered and snapped photos; one which made the cover of The Fisherman magazine, New England Edition, shown below. Some people (obviously out of envy) actually commented online, claiming the image was Photoshopped. They Wish!

It was a fantastic fish finale of what will go down in family history as a memorable event that punctuated an iconic excursion. It's also another example of how fishing lifts spirits and brings people together. Of course, all credit goes to Teddy for his accomplishment, but the beauty of the catch is how connected and united we all were while he was achieving it. 

Still, he'd better enjoy the feeling while it lasts—because next year I'm going to best him, for sure. Watch out, Teddy!