Bobby brings over two decades of hands-on, real-world experience in offshore, commercial, and charter fishing across some of the most competitive fisheries in the country. His career began at just 16 years old, working on the charter vessel Sidewinder, a private 50’ Viking sportfish owned by the Vice President of Ford.

At 18, Bobby enlisted in the United States Navy, serving four years as a Machinist Mate aboard the USS Seattle. During his service, he deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, gaining experience in high-pressure, mission-critical environments that shaped his discipline, work ethic, and mechanical expertise.

After his service, Bobby moved to Key West, beginning his professional charter fishing career with Captain Conch Sportfishing under Captain Tony Miller. From there, his career expanded across major fishing hubs including Venice, LA, and Hatteras, NC, working on respected vessels such as Paradise Outfitters, Frenzy Tackle, and Sea Creature.

At 28 years old, he enrolled in the Marine Mechanic Institute in Orlando, FL. He spent the next 51 weeks learning how to diagnose and repair outboard engines, diesel engines, and electrical systems on every kind of marine vessel. He graduated at the top of his class, and received an award for perfect attendance.

By age 29, Bobby was captaining a commercial tuna boat out of Venice, LA, and continued advancing as both a captain and first mate on private and charter vessels. At 33, he and his wife operated their own commercial fishing fleet, targeting species including stone crab, lobster, mahi, wahoo, flounder, mackerel, ballyhoo, glass minnows, and mullet.

Throughout his career, Bobby has worked alongside and learned from top captains across the industry in locations including Key West, Louisiana, North Carolina, Florida’s east coast, and Costa Rica—gaining diverse experience in offshore trolling, live baiting, commercial fishing, and vessel operations.

At 40, Bobby returned to Key West as a highly sought-after relief mate, working across multiple vessels including Captain Conch, Reef Runner, Conch II, and the Conchenstein.

Experience Highlights

• 20+ years on the water across charter, private, and commercial fishing

• Captain and first mate experience in multiple major fisheries

• Owner/operator of a commercial fishing fleet

• Extensive offshore experience targeting pelagic and reef species

• Background in mechanical systems and vessel operations (U.S. Navy)

Why He Teaches

Bobby’s experience isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about producing results, working efficiently, and understanding what it takes to succeed on a boat day in and day out.

This program was built to pass that knowledge on.

No shortcuts. No guesswork. Just real-world training from someone who has lived it.

Bobby’s Journey on the Water

From deckhand to captain. From student to teacher.

The Timeline

Age 16 — First Step On Deck

Began his career aboard the Sidewinder, a 50’ Viking sportfishing yacht. Bobby and Brandon Walton navigated the boat, owner, and guests to Walker’s Cay in the Bahamas for an epic fishing adventure at the young age of 16.

Age 18 — Service & Discipline

Enlisted in the United States Navy as a Machinist Mate aboard the USS Seattle.
Deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, building discipline, mechanical expertise, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Age 22 — Key West Beginnings

Moved to Key West and began working with Captain Conch Sportfishing, launching a full-time career on the water.

Age 25–27 — Expanding Across Major Fisheries

Worked in Venice, LA, and Hatteras, NC, aboard top-performing vessels, gaining experience in offshore, live baiting, and high-pressure charter environments, targeting big game fish such as Yellow Fin Tuna, Blue & White Marlin, Wahoo, Mahi, and more. Also winning tournaments including the Ducks Unlimited Marlin Tournament, the Faux Pas Lodge Invitational Rodeo, and the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic.

Age 28 — marine mechanic institute

Learned how to diagnose and repair outboard engines, diesel engines, and electrical systems on every kind of marine vessel.

Age 29 — Captain, Commercial Tuna

Took command as captain of a commercial tuna vessel in Venice, LA—running 5 day trips, managing crew, and producing results. Selling fish directly to high end restaurants including Emeril Lagasse’s New Orleans restaurant, Emeril’s.

Age 30–31 — returned to key west for Private & Charter Operations

Served as first mate on private sportfishing vessels and returned to Key West charter operations, working at a high level across multiple boats.

Age 33 — Commercial Fleet Owner

Built and operated a commercial fishing business with his wife, targeting:
Stone Crab • Lobster • Mahi • Wahoo • Flounder • Mackerel • Ballyhoo • Glass Minnows • Mullet

Age 40 — Elite Relief Mate

Became a trusted, go-to relief mate in Key West, working across multiple high-volume charter vessels and with top captains in the industry. All while spending time with his wife, Sara, and two young boys, Reif and Captain. He spends quality time teaching his boys the responsibility of conservation, and how to enjoy our resources with respect.

Today

Founder of Charter Fishing Mate Training—bringing decades of real-world experience to train the next generation.

No shortcuts. No guesswork. Just real training from someone who’s done it.