This spring, 9 guys and I booked Captain Johnny Greene and the Intimidator for a three day trip out to the Gulf of Mexico. The trip was fantastic but before I go into that a little backstory is needed.
Our group (IBEW LU#3 Sportsman's Club) has been doing fishing trips for decades and have fished everywhere from Homer, AK to Georges Banks, the Gulf of Maine and down to Key West and the Dry Tortugas. This is, by far, the best Charter we've ever engaged. From the moment we arrived, you could tell this was different.
We drove down to Orange Beach, Alabama in a rented RV. Upon arriving Monday, the Captain had a mate waiting for us with carts to unload our bags and bring our gear onboard. Wait, what's that? We did not have to lug our crap to the docks and to the boat? Hmmm...that's a huge plus...
Upon arriving at the boat, the mate began handing out sleeping bags and pillows. Hmm...why did I bring my own? Oh yeah, because on every other charter we've used, you bring your own pillow and sleeping bag. Another huge plus. After stowing our gear, we were able to have a great dinner together after the long 25hr drive from NYC at Fisher's Restaurant right there in the Marina. Wonderful food, great atmosphere, and gorgeous views. We then returned to the ship and crashed for the night.
First thing in the morning we were greeted by Captain Johnny Greene and his First Mate Reuben. Reuben immediately got to work prepping our breakfast as the Captain had an in-depth safety meeting with us. Hmm...safety meeting? That's another huge plus, very professional and reassuring.
After a great homemade breakfast of eggs, sausage, and biscuits Reuben started prepping our lunch of a Boston Butt on the Big Green Egg BBQ/Smoker they have on the back of the boat. This was getting crazy! This is the first day and we were getting fed better than any other charter we've taken! We then cast off and were on our way out to the Gulf!
First, we stopped inshore to load up the live well with bait fish, and let me tell you; this Captain is ON POINT. He brought us to fish, when there were no more, he brought us to more fish, over and over on the way out to deeper water. Eventually, we were dropping for some bottom fish and filling up the ice boxes.
As we progressed into deeper and deeper water the captain put us on Trigger Fish, Vermillion, yellowtail and white snapper, Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna. By the time we on the deck felt the fish were gone, the Captain was already telling us to pull up it's time to move. Again, on point. This progressed throughout the entire trip, constantly being in contact with us on deck about where we're going and what's coming next. Fantastic communication.
The meals were, as I said, simply the best we have ever had on a chartered vessel. Hands down. The sleeping arrangements were comfortable, with new mattresses, sleeping bags, and even pillows. Below deck was always comfortable with the AC on and without the smell of 10 guys sleeping within 20' of each other. LOL, that is more important than you think! There is a bathroom with a small shower below deck and another bathroom outside on the fishing deck. The mates kept the boat clean and take great care of everyone.
The second and third days were much like the first, catching fish, lots of laughs, lots of food, and great company. The outriggers were deployed when we got to deeper water out by the Gulf of Mexico oil rigs. What a site to see...us right next to these giant oil rigs made for some great pictures and even better fishing! There is room for 4 guys on the tuna rigs above the deck at a time and the boat is set up with fantastic gear. Top of the line custom made rods and reels that were kept in tip top shape. Not the beat-up equipment you sometimes encounter on charters. Captain Johnny and the mates keep everything clean and maintained. We took turns out on the tuna rigs and everyone caught something! That was due to a combination of his skill as a captain, our luck, and the good grace of the fishing gods!
On our final night out in the Gulf we were in the middle of a huge storm that was hammering Texas and Louisiana. I spent time with one of the mates outside the cabin during this storm and I have never seen anything like it in my life. The deck was up 45 degrees in either direction with the waves and wind and there was lightning striking the water around us. It was the most intense weather I've ever been in, and I loved it. He had us all inside then as we B Lined back to port.
This was the best fishing week I personally have ever taken with this group of guys and we've had some amazing trips. We all were saying how this was the trip of a lifetime...that we can't wait to do again.
Give the Intimidator a shot, you will NOT regret it. read more