Making dreams come true - all in a day's work for Captain Jim Teeter Image

Making dreams come true - all in a day's work for Captain Jim Teeter


Dream Sporting Trips

Updated: June 22nd 2016 @ 1:26am

Captain Jim Teeter, Florida Fishing Charters, got a call from a 69-year-old man in Montana whose bucket list was missing a few fish, specifically a tarpon. Could the good Captain help him land one? In a match that rivaled Santiago's fight with the huge marlin in Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," the older gentleman was in for the fight of his life...

When you have an opportunity to help someone fulfill a dream on their bucket list, it's truly an honor. Captain Jim enjoys going the extra mile for his clients, and it shows.

A native Floridian and avid sportsman, Captain Jim Teeter, Florida Fishing Charters, has over 30 years' experience fishing in the salt waters of Florida's west coast. Fishing Offshore and Inshore several hundred trips a year has provided a knowledge of catching fish regardless of the time of year. 

Our Dream Sporting Trips writer caught up with the busy captain for an interview. We think you'll agree that his love of sport fishing is positively contagious. 

Dream Sporting Trips

Thank you, Captain, for taking time out of your busy schedule. We know the fishing is great in your area. Tell us, how did you get into this business? What made you decide to become a fishing guide?

Captain Jim Teeter, Florida Fishing Charters

I've fished all my life, but the turning point for me was 20 years ago when I hired a guide in Oregon to go salmon fishing. I spent the day with him. Just talking to him gave me the inspiration and direction I needed. 

At the time, I had a lucrative corporate job, and it wasn't necessarily easily to give it up. But I knew I wanted to spend my life doing something I truly enjoyed. I wanted to be a fishing guide! 

Later, I ran into yet another guide who had previously worked for a Fortune 500 company. He told me what he did to make the transition. Long story short... I traded in my PowerPoint presentations for a boat! The rest is history.

Dream Sporting Trips

That's wonderful, and very inspiring! Tell us, where do you take your customers/clients to fish?

Captain Jim Teeter, Florida Fishing Charters

West Central Florida, Sarasota, Tampa Bay, basically the St. Petersburg area. I do plenty of Inshore, Nearshore and Offshore trips.

Dream Sporting Trips

What fish do your clients primarily ask to fish for? 

Captain Jim Teeter, Florida Fishing Charters

I'd say that 50% of my clients want to fish Inshore for Sea Trout, Snook, Redfish, and Snapper. For Offshore fishing, they typically request Snapper, Grouper, Flounder, and Cobia. We do Tarpon fishing Spring and Fall. We catch numerous varieties of fish any given day. 

Dream Sporting Trips

Is there a particularly exciting or memorable fishing adventure you'd care to relate to our readers?

Captain Jim Teeter, Florida Fishing Charters

Three years ago, I was contacted by a fellow in Montana. He was 69 years old. After talking to him awhile, he said his "bucket list" had a few fish missing, one of which was a tarpon, and could I help him? He wanted to catch a tarpon before he turned 70 years old.

I explained that there is no guarantee as these fish are hard to hook. Tarpon fishing can take hours and hours, and there is no guarantee. Nevertheless, he booked a trip. Within the first hour on a very hot June day (over 95 degrees F.), he hooked a 140 lb. tarpon!

He refused to give up, though he was obviously exhausted. We poured water over his head and into his mouth to keep him hydrated. He managed to get the monster fish to the boat. We took photos to commemorate the occasion. 

The most rewarding part of the entire experience, for me, was witnessing this man's tenacity. I've never seen anything like it!

Dream Sporting Trips

That is fantastic, Captain. Thank you for relaying this story. Before we go, is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers? 

Captain Jim Teeter, Florida Fishing Charters

Just this: when customers are choosing charters, please don't be afraid to ask questions! There are a lot of guides who do not necessarily have all the requirements and, admittedly, it's a continuous problem in the industry.

For example, ask:

  • Do you have a valid captain's license?
  • Do you have a valid saltwater fishing license for the crew?
  • Do you have proper insurance?

Just because someone has an advertisement doesn’t mean they have all the legal requirements. In Florida, there is only one agency that qualifies fishing guides: The Florida Guides Association. You must prove on a yearly basis that you have all the proper licensing, documents, etc.

Beware: If you go out with a guide who doesn’t have all the proper registration and licensing, you might get pulled over and have your fish confiscated by fish and game association. Not a fun way to end the day!

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What do others say?

"I have fished with many guides, many waters, rivers, lakes, oceans, but never have I fished with a guide more in tune with what's under the water, and how to put us on fish!!! A bonus, he's such a great dude!!! You're the best, Jim!!" - Mark E.

"Best experience ever. Captain Jim knows what he is doing. Absolutely professional. You won't regret the adventure." - Katrin Z.

"Absolutely first class. Already booked another trip. It's like fishing with a buddy... who also happens to have a boat and knows all the best spots." - Harold H.

"My wife and I went on a fishing charter with Captain Jim and Katrine and caught some nice fish and had such a good time with them, we booked another trip a week later! If you want to go out and catch fish and spend time with such enjoyable people as Jim and Katrine, this is the charter that you need to hire." - Gordon G.

For more information about Captain Jim, the fishing trips he offers, and his contact information, click on the link below. A Navy veteran, licensed pilot, and U.S Coast Guard Captain are worthy assurances of a safe and professional experience. You can't go wrong in booking a trip with Captain Jim Teeter, Florida Fishing Charters!

 

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