Finding My Way from Commercial Decks to Charter Freedom

When I look back at the path that brought me from commercial fishing and tugboats to running Tall Tailz Charters full time, I see a journey shaped by long days, unpredictable seas, and a deep respect for the water. I grew up in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and the ocean was part of my life from an early age. My early years as a commercial fisherman taught me discipline and endurance. Working on offshore lobster boats and gillnetters was not glamorous work. It was physical and exhausting, but it helped me build the foundation I rely on today.

At eighteen I earned my one hundred ton master’s license, which opened the door to new opportunities. I went on to run rescue and tow boats, passenger ferries, and the Newport Harbormaster boat. Later I joined Reinauer Transportation as a second mate and PIC tankerman. The tugboat lifestyle was demanding and sometimes lonely, but it taught me responsibility, leadership, and patience. Every shift, every tow, and every storm helped shape the captain I eventually became.

The Birth of Tall Tailz Charters

In 2018, during my off time from tugboats, I started Tall Tailz Charters as a part time venture. I wanted to share the excitement that fishing brought me and to create memorable experiences for people of all ages. What began as a small project quickly turned into something that gave me a renewed sense of purpose.

By 2024, I made the decision to retire from tugboats and run Tall Tailz Charters full time. The transition was life changing. Instead of hauling lines on a commercial vessel, I was helping families catch their first striped bass or watching seasoned anglers chase a personal best. I realized that for many modern captains like me, chartering is not just a career shift. It is a chance to build a lifestyle that blends freedom, passion, and community.

The Rise of the Modern Charter Captain

Today’s charter captains are a different breed compared to past generations. Many of us come from commercial or industrial maritime backgrounds. We bring years of technical experience but choose a path that gives us more control over our days and a deeper connection with the people we serve.

Modern charter captains are mentors, entertainers, and teachers. We balance safety with adventure. We operate as business owners, content creators, customer service professionals, and conservation advocates. Running a charter operation is no longer only about catching fish. It is about delivering a full experience that guests remember for years.

Technology also plays a major role. Advanced sonar, mapping systems, and high quality gear help us track fish more effectively than ever before. At the same time, nothing replaces traditional knowledge. Tide patterns, seasonal migrations, and instinct still matter. The best captains blend old school skill with new school tools.

Chasing Trophy Fish and Making Memories

One of the proudest moments of my career came in 2021 when Tall Tailz Charters broke the Rhode Island state record tautog. That record had not been broken in seventy years. It brought incredible attention to our business. Although the record was beaten in 2024, our team reclaimed it on November 9, 2025. These moments are more than accomplishments. They show what is possible when experience, preparation, and passion come together.

But the real joy is not only in the record catches. It is in the excitement on a child’s face when they hook into a big fish. It is in the quiet mornings when the sun rises over the Rhode Island coastline. It is in the friendships built on the deck of my boat. These experiences remind me why modern charter captains do what we do.

Giving Back Through the Water

For me, being a captain also means giving back. In 2014 I started the Dennis Fitz Foundation in honor of a close friend who passed away from addiction. The foundation supports addiction awareness and prevention, and the cause remains close to my heart.

Each year I donate several charters to local organizations and fundraisers. I also take groups of foster boys fishing at no charge. The ocean has given me so much, and sharing it with others feels like the right way to honor the opportunities I have been given.

Redefining Life on the Water

Life on the water has changed for modern captains. We are no longer defined only by the vessels we run or the fish we catch. We are defined by the experiences we create, the communities we support, and the passion we bring to every trip.

Leaving tugboats and entering the charter world gave me a new sense of freedom. It allowed me to build a career that reflects who I am and what I care about. Through Tall Tailz Charters, I get to live out my dream every day, and I hope that my journey inspires others to chase their own path on the water.