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.
