Saltwater Sportman recently named its top 50 list of charter boat captains and guides and thier list covered the entire globe. It was no suprise that several contriubutors and firends of The Fisherman made the list.
Starting off the list was Capt. Al Anderson of Point Judith, Rhode Island. Captain Al Anderson has been a USCG Licensed charter skipper since 1967 and presently owns and operates the 42-foot sportfisherman Prowlerout of Point Judith. He was recently honored by the IGFA with induction into their World Fishing Hall of Fame for both his book authoring and unprecedented career of tagging over 60,000 game fish for science. He credits this accomplishment to bevies of charter clients who supported his “conservation for science” ethic. A Rhode Island IGFA rep since 1989, he’s the first New England charter skipper ever to be so honored.
Capt. Frank Crescitelli got a well-deserved listing as well. The Staten Island, New York skipper has been fishing New York Harbor and New Jersey for over 35 years, guiding for the last 15 years and is the owner of Fin Chaser Charters, the area’s original full time fly and light tackle guiding business. Frank’s passion for fishing is only matched by his dedication to protecting the resource, and is Chairman and Founder of The Fishermen’s Conservation Association (FCA). Raymarine Pro Ambassador and Mercury Marine Pro Staffer as well as Orvis Endorsed Fly-fishing Guide. In 2008 he coupled his product knowledge and marketing talents into his own tackle company, Guides Choice, maker of Guides Secret Professional Grade Fishing Gear. As one of his clients stated: “The only bad thing about Frank guiding you is that you don’t know who’s having more fun, you or him, but you’re paying!" The F.C.A. recently opened a huge art gallery, tackle shop and headquarters in Sandy Ravaged Staten Island.
Also getting the nod was New Jersey offshore maven Capt. Mark DeBlasio. The Point Pleasant, New Jersey helmsman’s passion for offshore fishing began nearly 40 years ago and to this day remains strong. As captain of the Canyon Runner for the past 10 years, Mark has proven himself a consistent producer and contributor to the fishing community. Over the years, Mark has learned from some truly great fishermen, never forgetting the lessons learned along the way. His passion for offshore fishing is evident in his catches and ability to make customers feel at ease. Whether chasing giant bluefins in New England, bigeye tuna in the Mid Atlantic canyons or swordfish in Florida, Mark’s performance speaks for itself.
Capt.. Gene Quigley, also of Point Pleasant, New Jersey has penned quite a few article and has taken some great photos for The Fisherman makes the list. A native of the New Jersey shore, Quigley has been fishing the inshore and offshore waters for over 30 years and is currently the co-owner of Shore Catch Guide Service, one of the Northeast’s largest charter companies. Gene specializes in fishing for bluefin tuna and trophy striped bass on fly and light tackle. Gene has put hundreds of anglers on their first trophy striped bass and bluefin; and is one of a handful of anglers worldwide who have consistently landed tuna over 100 pounds and striped bass over 40 on fly tackle. When not guiding, Quigley spends his time with his two sons Patrick and Justin; fishing, surfing, skiing, and snowboarding around the globe.
Congratulations are in order to each of these skippers on a job well done! It’s good to see them get the kind of recognition they deserve.
