About Us
Our Family Story
Both Captain Chris and Captain Tess are both retired United States Coast Guard, each serving over 20 years. After being stationed on the beautiful Crystal Coast, we quickly realized this was the place we wanted to call home. The idea of building something meaningful as a family had always been close to our hearts—we just weren’t quite sure what shape it would take. Naturally, we followed our love for the water, boating, and fishing.
When the opportunity arose to purchase the business from Capt. Lee Manning and his wife, we knew it was the perfect fit. We’ve kept the spirit of the original operation alive, while adding a few new faces (and generations!) to the mix. Today, it’s truly a family-run adventure.
Capt. Chris is married to Capt. Tess’s sister—known lovingly by the crew as “Barnacle Bubz.” Tess’s dad, George, is often waiting at the dock with a helping hand as the boat pulls in, ready to jump in on clean-up duty. On weekends, Tess’s husband Brandyn joins as a mate on board, while Barnacle Bubz supports the whole team—whether it’s cooking breakfast for the crew, baiting hooks, or helping us get underway. Even the youngest family members, Jack and Grady, love pitching in at the dock, where they’ve been known to conduct “exploratory surgery” on the bait fish.
For us, it’s more than just fishing—it’s about family, tradition, and sharing the joy of life on the water. With every trip, we’re honored to carry on a legacy built on salt air, big smiles, and unforgettable memories.
Captain Chris
Captain Chris, originally from Pennsylvania, joined the USCG at the age of 18 and retired in 2024 after 23 years of active-duty service. Chris is married to Marion aka “Barnacle Bubz” and has two feral sons Jack and Grady. If you ask Chris if he is enjoying his retirement, he will likely tell you he is, “Living the dream! A small business owner in paradise, working with his family, it just couldn’t get any better!!”
Captain Tess
Seasoned maritime professional with 20 years of U.S. Coast Guard service, specializing in vessel operations, safety, and leadership at sea. Stationed in diverse coastal and international locations including New Jersey, California, Bahrain, Florida, Guam and North Carolina—bringing a broad understanding of various waterways and maritime conditions. Fully committed to safety, professionalism, and delivering successful voyages.
Capt. Tess grew up on the water, spending weekends fishing alongside her father aboard the headboat where he worked. Her love for the ocean started early and only grew stronger with time. As an adult, she and her husband have fished around the world, exploring the waters of the Philippine Sea, as well as the vast stretches of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. That lifelong passion for fishing and adventure now anchors her role as a captain, where she shares her experience and love for the sea with every guest who steps aboard.
Quick Guide