Jay Oliveira, Skipper of Jay Hova Fishing Charters Keeps It Reel With 203. In His Own Words.

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“MY father always said the day I began walking was the day I began fishing.  I don’t remember that, but I do know that when I was five years old I had my own fishing rod, and by ten I was catching 25 pound Striped Bass. By then, my father and I were known as the Portuguese father and son duo.  The more he taught me about fishing, the more I wanted to learn because the excitement of catching fish and never knowing what to expect in the process fascinated me.  By freshman year of high school all my friends were playing all kinds of sports, but I was a fishing fanatic.  I continued through college to fish and to learn as much as I could about the sport along the way.
Even though I was brought up to believe that fishing is a sport and not a science, as I got older and more experienced, I wasn’t so sure. I knew there was a science behind the sport, so I began to study the behavior of fish and examine their migration patterns.  I believed if I could learn everything possible about a targeted species, then knowing where they were likely to be, at any given time should make catching them a piece of cake.  Therein is the “science” of fishing.
Fortunately, because Fairfield County is a wonderful location for all types of fishing, I have been able to turn my passion for the sport into my business, one that allows me to teach people how to fish and enjoy this wonderful sport nearly year round.
As a charter captain I meet all kinds of people, some eager to enhance their skills as a mariner; others business people taking a break from stress at work. No matter, from kids to senior citizens, from novices to the very skilled, everyone can have a exciting day on the water fishing.  That’s what makes my job so satisfying.
Of course for me as captain, it’s not all fun; my job does have its challenges.  For example, sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, and I have to decide whether to go out or remain at the dock, aware, of course, that some people plan their trips months in advance and would rather take their chances with the weather.  The problem with that for me is concern for everyone’s safety.  I  will go out on the water only when I deem it safe for all of us.
At other times the day can be picture perfect with light breezes, calm seas and a friendly sun at our service, but the fish aren’t cooperative.  They can be elusive at times, but very rarely am I left with my head spinning not knowing what to do.  When I have people on the boat either expecting to take home a cooler filled with fresh fillets or waiting to fight “the big one” so they can hang the picture over the fire place or in the office, I head to a location that rarely fails to have fish.

Every Captain has a few of these spots.  After years on the water, there’s always a plan B, C or D and some days plan X, Y or Z because there are always surprises—you never know for sure what you’re going to catch. You’ll be quietly concentrating and then “BAM,” mayhem breaks loose, reels screaming, rods bending, and frantic minds trying to handle multiple tasks at once fighting a 35lb striped bass with your friends cheering you on.  Now that’s real excitement!
Overall, my career as a charter captain is very satisfying. I’m in total control of my own business and make it possible for all kinds of people to have a memorable day on the water fishing. I especially  enjoy family charters because they always remind me of my days growing up fishing with my father.  Frankly, I can’t imagine doing anything else for my livelihood.”

Please visit www.jayhovacharters.com for more information, and to book your adventure on the high seas today.