Today we’d like to introduce you to Chuck Jones.
Hi Chuck, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up, my family owned a Mechanical Contracting Business and after college started my own. The industry took its toll on me as a solo business owner and closed after 3 years. I then started a career as a Construction Project Manager and have worked in that field for the past 20+ years. Both industries have a high-stress environment, and I always found my sanctity in the water. The water was the one place where I could always feel the stress leave my body and recharge my mind for Monday’s grind. I grew up on the South River in Annapolis and my family always owned boats and enjoyed fishing in the bay.
My wife and I started fishing again about 6 years ago and the moment we caught our first keepers we were hooked. My wife and I are extremely competitive, both playing high school sports and meeting at our CrossFit gym. We had to learn everything there was about fishing. We have spent thousands of hours trying different methods, and baits, meeting fellow fishermen, and developing relationships. Fishing took our love for the Chesapeake Bay to the next level and provided us with the sanctity we needed and the competition we craved. Quickly, Light Tackle Fishing became our passion. It was a significantly more challenging method of fishing than trolling or bait fishing. We utilize light rods and only use artificial lures to mimic live bait and trick the fish to bite. It is much more rewarding when you catch a fish in this manner.
We couldn’t wait to share our passion with others and the mental recharge of being on the water. In addition, we could see a market for our method of fishing. We fish in a smaller vessel and usually do not take out more than 2-4 clients (max 6) for (5) hour trips. Through the course of a trip strong relationships are developed and we end up becoming friends with many of my clients. In addition, my clients become good friends with each other and have conquered a mutual challenge together. I can’t imagine how many business relationships and friendships have been started or strengthened aboard our vessel. We do not allow alcohol or smoking, and phones are only used by the Captain to take photos that are shared with the clients after the trip. That is 5 hours of clear-minded, uninterrupted bonding over a mutual challenge with an experienced guide/teacher. Not sure how someone couldn’t see the value in that.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We knew starting a business in an industry that was new to us would be challenging. So, we started this project slowly maintaining full-time jobs and being prepared for the long road. With full-time jobs, we had to dedicate most of our free time to fishing and developing our skills.
We also had to build our reputation amongst the local fishing community. I don’t want to get into industry specifics but Charter Captains are a hardworking close-knit group. After starting the business and preparing some promotional materials we hit the ground running with a grassroots marketing campaign.
In addition, we also had to develop relationships with rod and reel manufacturers and local lure makers. This is something that we continue to work on every day.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Salty Siren Fishing offers a Light Tackle Fishing Guide Service on the Patapsco River and throughout Maryland Chesapeake Bay. We pride ourselves on making our fishing trips a fun and educational experience. We love to give our clients a unique and personal on-the-water experience. We love showing clients parts of the bay they didn’t know existed.
Running trips with smaller groups allows us to cater to our client’s specific requests. In addition to fishing, we have taken real estate agents and clients to view properties by water and show them what the area has to offer. We provide sunset cruises and lighthouse tours with an option for waterfront restaurant visits.
For the hardcore fishermen, we also can trailer our vessel to further regions of the bay to target specific species of fish that are not located in the Baltimore area.
What matters most to you?
It is very important to us to create memorable experiences for our clients while building lasting relationships. We love teaching and helping other anglers develop new skills or better their tactics.
We work hard for our clients, and it shows. Our clients book us for multiple trips per year and communicate with us throughout the year.
Contact Info:
- Website: SaltySirenFishing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltysirenfishingmd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltysirenfishing/
Image Credits
Salty Siren Fishing
