From Coast Guard to Coastal Guide

A Little Something About Me

At a young age, my father always woke me up early in the morning to go fishing. That’s how my love for casting a line, reeling in fish, and being out in the water in a vessel began. Because I started at an early age, I have gained a lot of knowledge about the local fishing scene here in North Carolina. I am eager to share that knowledge now with my guests and clients through my guide and charter service, Aunt Bee Sportfishing, based in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Aside from the fishing scene in North Carolina, I also grew up around its surfing culture. My favorite thing about doing these activities is leaving the sight of land - there’s something about being in the open ocean that makes me feel so liberated. 

When I was 18 years old, I joined the United States Coast Guard and spent two decades in the service. I was a Chief Boatswain Mate and spent some time in the Caribbean chasing off narco-terrorists from the coast of Iraq. When I retired from that role, I was then a High-Risk Trainer teaching tactical boat operations with surface use of force and weapons employment at the Special Missions Training Center at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Now, I enjoy my days being a boat captain and getting people into the beauty and fun of fishing. So if you’re thinking about booking with our charter service, you’re in safe hands with me. You can also rest assured that I know my way around the Atlantic Ocean’s coast here in Wilmington.

The Gratification of Catching Your Meal

Though fishing nowadays can be more associated with relaxation or competition, let’s not forget it’s one of the oldest practices ever since mankind figured out that we can eat those creatures swimming around in the water. The sense of gratification and fulfillment of knowing that you worked hard to look for, catch, cook, and eat your meal is like no other. 

With Aunt Bee Sportfishing, you’ll mainly target fantastic eating fish such as albacore tuna, blackfin tuna, Atlantic sailfish, black sea bass, Atlantic mackerel, king mackerel, and many more. Wilmington is known for its abundant fishery and waterways because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and freshwater inland waterways.

I mention fishing and eating your catch because I got inspired to have my own barbecue sauce that’s sold in grocery stores. It’s called Capt. Spence’s BBQ Sauce - a perfect and unique blend of South and North Carolina styles that allows it to go on anything, especially a fresh catch.

When it comes to preparing fish, I like to keep it simple. I like frying mackerel the same day I’ve caught it and then pairing it with my barbecue sauce. I also think a piece of wahoo or dolphin is best seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic and then cooked in a mix of olive oil and butter. I also like grilling them over charcoal and adding cilantro for more flavor. 

My Top Spots, Fish, and Tips

I think Southeast North Carolina is where it’s at when we talk about fantastic fisheries and destinations. It offers so many attractions and diverse fisheries. Because Wilmington is a port city, I get to be reminded of the love I have for being out in the water everywhere I go. The Atlantic Ocean is within arm’s reach, and there are plenty of freshwater rivers and lakes nearby.

I love fishing for king mackerel. I always participate in tournaments that target these fish because they’re fun to fight and catch. They’re great at eating fish too. Being out in the Atlantic Ocean often makes me thankful that I get to reel in other amazing eating and game fish such as varieties of tuna, mackerel, and billfish. 

In the matter of how I like to hunt for my targets, trolling is my preferred method. I put out a good spread of good swimming baits and wait for a reel to start singing. I remember catching a false albacore using a spreader bar and just before we gaffed him, a nice-sized king mackerel blew up another bait on the bar and jumped over the T-top. I’m also a big fan of using nice equipment. So I have some Shimano reels and Crowder or G. Loomis rods.

As we know, resources from our oceans are depleting and deteriorating. As much as I can, I try to support conservation efforts and causes that help our seas. I’m a big supporter of sustainable fishing practices as well.

Fishing with a Top-Notch Charter

When you book with Aunt Bee Sportfishing, you have the chance to experience what it’s like chasing and reeling in a variety of sought-after gamefish in the Atlantic Ocean from someone who has 10 years of experience guiding and fishing in its waters and coast. You can catch anything from king mackerel, albacore tuna, blackfin tuna, to black sea bass. As well as native Atlantic sailfish, Atlantic mackerel, and a plethora of other billfish and saltwater species.

We provide a private boat experience on our 31’ Contender that can accommodate up to four people. You can bring kids along and fish with the family. Anglers who are just starting out are also welcome. The trip is mostly us setting out to the Atlantic Ocean and going deep sea fishing while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding nature and wildlife. We got you covered when it comes to gear and equipment. We also have a camera, medical supplies, and sunscreen available for you to use. 

So many exciting things can happen when we’re out in the ocean. I recall fishing a weed line in about 200 feet of water where dolphins were feeding ferociously. A white marlin then showed up and started feeding on them. A dolphin got blasted out of the water and it was really an awesome sight. 

I like encouraging my guests to roll the dice and go for it when it comes to fishing. We all know it’s not always a sure game. The act and experience of fishing itself even without going home with a catch is already fulfilling. And I don’t know any people who’ve said that they’re happy that they didn’t try. Just go for it! 

Next time you’re in North Carolina, book a fishing trip with Captain Spencer Collins and Aunt Bee Sportfishing and experience what Wilmington has to offer. Visit their website for more info.