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License to Thrill: Adventures Aboard the Captain Hook
LICENSE TO Thrill
Adventures Aboard the Captain Hook
By Dani Ray
As home to some of the richest waters in the American South, Hilton Head Island is an ideal place to schedule a fishing trip. And what better way to get your feet wet than on the Captain Hook Party Fishing Boat! This 70-foot, US Coast Guardapproved vessel has a full galley, an enclosed cabin, plenty of seating and shade, breathtaking views and even sunbathing on the upper deck.
Owner Brian Gale was born in Miami, but spent his formative years in the sports fishing capital of the world — Islamorada. “My father was in the charter business in the Keys,” he says. “He brought me up fishing from the day I could hold a rod,” and as soon as he could steer, he was driving a boat. “I’ve always been interested in fishing from as early as I can remember.” In the mid-90s, his parents visited Hilton Head and loved it. They relocated as a family in 1996, and Captain Hook was born. Gale has now been a captain with a 100-ton master license for 17 years, and he really enjoys it.
“The best part is watching the excitement of catching a fish, especially for the kids.” This sentiment sums up Captain Hook’s mission to highlight the joy of fishing in a fun, familyfriendly environment. Their most popular offering is a 5.5-hour offshore trip, beginning daily at 9 a.m. It starts with a scenic ride out to the fishing spot, during which visitors report seeing manatees, dolphins, stingrays and sea turtles. As for the fish, there are sheepshead, black sea bass, bluefish, weakfish, redfish, black drum, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, cobia and sharks. Other charter options include private tours for up to four people on the Gale Warning, and small group or solo outings in motorized kayaks.
With the ultimate goal of showing guests a good time, Captain Hook’s excursions include everything you will need for the trip, including rod and reel, bait and tackle, hand towels, coolers full of ice, tutorials as needed and efficient fish cleaning back at the dock. Onshore and off, professional and attentive deckhands provide instruction, aid in baiting hooks and taking pictures and help to ensure that everyone is enjoying themselves. They also offer hot and cold food and drink, and invite you to bring your own (everything except bananas).
Come explore Hilton Head’s waterways with us on a trip you won’t forget!
