Growing Up with the Ocean
I grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, surrounded by salt air, hard working people, and a community that taught me the value of loyalty and grit. My parents were loving and supportive, and my siblings and friends shaped much of who I am today. The ocean was always a constant presence. It was something I respected from an early age, and it did not take long for me to realize that my life would revolve around it.
After high school I attended several maritime schools to earn the licenses and certifications I needed to build a career on the water. My first professional steps were in commercial fishing. I worked on offshore lobster boats and offshore gillnetters, often in rough conditions that tested both my body and my patience. Those early years taught me how to push through discomfort and stay focused when things got tough.
At the age of eighteen, I earned my one hundred ton master’s license. That achievement opened the door to new opportunities, and I began running several types of vessels. I captained rescue and tow boats, small passenger ferries, and the Newport harbormaster boat. Each role helped me gain experience, confidence, and an even deeper respect for the water.
Life on Tugboats and the Path to Something New
In 2014 I joined Reinauer Transportation as a second mate and PIC tankerman. Working on tugboats was an entirely different level of responsibility. The hours were long, the work was serious, and the environment demanded constant awareness. Tugboats taught me how to lead, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to operate safely in unpredictable situations.
As much as I valued the work, I also felt something pulling me toward a different path. I wanted a way to share my knowledge, my passion for fishing, and the joy that comes from being on the water. I wanted to build something of my own. During my time off from tugboats, I started Tall Tailz Charters in 2018 as a part time project. At the time, I had no idea how much it would grow or how much it would change my life.
The Birth of Tall Tailz Charters
Tall Tailz Charters began with a simple goal. I wanted to create memorable fishing experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. I wanted guests to feel the same excitement that I felt when landing a big fish or watching the sun rise over the Rhode Island shoreline.
From the very beginning, I focused on professionalism, honesty, and customer experience. I invested in quality gear. I spent countless hours scouting fishing locations and studying seasonal patterns. Most importantly, I treated every trip as an opportunity to teach, connect, and create lasting memories.
Word spread quickly. By 2024, I decided to retire from the tugboat world and run Tall Tailz Charters full time. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The charter business gave me a sense of freedom and fulfillment that I never had before.
Building a Reputation in Rhode Island’s Fishing Community
Today, Tall Tailz Charters is known for reliability, skill, and a personal touch. I take pride in creating a welcoming environment where guests feel comfortable, whether they are seasoned anglers or complete beginners.
One of the biggest moments in our history came in 2021 when we broke the Rhode Island state record tautog. The previous record had stood for seventy years. Catching a fish of that size brought a lot of attention to the business. In 2024 the record was broken again, but on November 9, 2025, Tall Tailz reclaimed the title for a second time. These achievements helped shape our reputation, but what matters more to me is the consistency and dedication behind them.
Tall Tailz is built on preparation, knowledge, and passion. Every trip is planned with the guest in mind. Every effort is made to ensure safety and quality. Over time, these values have helped me build one of the most respected charter experiences in the region.
A Captain’s Commitment to Community
Tall Tailz Charters is not only about fishing. It is also about giving back. In 2014 I created the Dennis Fitz Foundation in honor of my close friend who passed away from addiction. The foundation raises funds for addiction awareness and prevention, and supporting this cause remains deeply important to me.
Each year I donate several charters to local charities and fundraisers. I also take multiple groups of foster boys fishing at no charge. Watching these kids experience the ocean, sometimes for the first time, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Looking Ahead
Building Tall Tailz Charters has been a journey shaped by hard work, community, and a love for the sea. I went from commercial fishing to tugboats to running a charter business that continues to grow every year. The best part is that I get to share all of it with the people who step onto my boat.
As I look ahead, my goal is simple. I want to continue providing one of Rhode Island’s most trusted and memorable fishing experiences. The ocean has given me a life I am proud of, and Tall Tailz Charters allows me to share that gift with others every single day.