FISH DESERVE OUR RESPECT

The Reel Side of Life

Hey there. Capt. Jimmy Ross here. I was born in Rockledge on Florida’s Space Coast in 1967. When I’m not here, I’m in the Florida Keys, the Panhandle chasing scallops or the Louisiana marshes, where the fish are plentiful and usually very hungry––which makes them my favorite type of fish.

In 1997, I launched Fineline Fishing Charters. After thousands of hours on the water, I came to realize: All fish deserve our respect. Each species is unique in its own way and makes a formidable opponent.

Inshore and Near-Shore Specialist

My favorite inshore species is the redfish. They’re either cooperative or stubborn, and always present a challenge because you never know which mood they’ll be in from one day to the next.

My near-shore pick is tarpon. Their mouths are as hard as cinder blocks, making them difficult to hook. They’re powerful and will break you down if you don’t take control of the fight. They’re also smart. Just when you think you have them beat, they find a way to spit the hook or break your line.

I learned years ago, you don’t become a charter-fishing captain to get rich. You do it because you love fishing, people and the outdoors. Seeing my clients’ smiling faces when they catch a fish is what I enjoy most about my job.

Top-10 Finishes

During my tournament days, my team or I had multiple top-10 finishes and division wins in the Southern Kingfish Association. In fact, we were the first ever U-23-ft. division national champions. In the IFA redfish tour, I also had multiple top-10 finishes. I’ve been an outdoor writer since 1976, a radio show host since 1980 and made multiple TV appearances with some of the world’s best anglers.

Thanks to my sponsors Carroll Distributing (Bud Light Beer), Yamaha Outboards, Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Williamson Lures, Memory Stix Performance Fishing Rods, Simrad, Minn Kota, Power Pole, Rapala, VMC Hooks, Saltwater (Bass) Assassin, Okuma, Skeeter Boats, Sufix Fishing Lines and Leaders, Blakemoore Real Magic, and XM Sirius Marine, for helping make my dream job possible.

Catching Memories

In 2018, my son, Justin, turned 21, received his captain’s license and joined me in my charter business running clients out to catch memories. My long-time girlfriend, Robin, loves catching tarpon and will drop everything to go out on the boat and chase them. We don’t argue often, but when we do, it’s usually because I haven’t taken her fishing lately. LOL!

My Insider Job

I am a CCA Life Member and have been filing reports from the Central East Region on Florida Insider Fishing Report for Capt. Rick Murphy since 2010. Hearing from viewers who used the information in my report to have a successful day fishing is extremely gratifying.

Most people overlook two things about Rick Murphy: How hard he’s worked to grow his business and how giving of himself he is. Whether he’s revealing fishing tips to kids or those less skilled, donating his time or resources to conservation issues, or helping those of us who work with him become better at our jobs, he’s always there for us. Thanks Rick!