“Building relationships through fishing is where it’s at. It’s a passion,” says Captain Ron Gaul, owner of Bent Rod Charters in Milford, a family-owned business based in Spencer’s Marina that offers opportunities for those of all ages to fish.
Captain Gaul grew up at Point Beach where he learned all about the fishing industry. He began as a 10-year-old in a tiny 12-foot boat catching bluefish and striped bass. This is how he gained his early childhood nickname “Nature Boy”. He could often be found on the boat from sunrise to sunset. With his father as a mentor, he quickly gained experience in the fishing arena and continued this tradition with his own children. His daughter Julia and sons Shawn and Ronnie, all graduates of Foran High School, share the love of the open waters and each has their own boats. Julia, like her father, received her first boat at age 10.
With experience fishing in a variety of waters, Captain Ron has traveled to places including Somalia, Greece, Turks and Caicos’s, the Indian Ocean, Cabo San Lucas, and US waters in the northeast and Florida’s Pacific.
As a former Navy officer, first responder, EMR, and current Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV Captain Ron has proven himself qualified to run his business, Bent Rod Charters. His military experience has shaped many of his ideals to support veterans. He has ideas to expand his business by customizing equipment, such as mounting a chair to enable veterans who have lost limbs to stabilize and possibly push a button if they are not able to cast a reel. Gaul is passionate about giving back to both veterans and his community, giving discounts for veterans, first responders and teachers.
In general, a five hour trip costs $475 and an eight hour costs $650.
The company also offers custom rides for shorter times, such as three hours for sunset rides.
The first of two boats Gaul owns is a 27-foot by 8-foot Cobia with a twin engine in Spencers Marina. The boat can seat 5 or 6 people, with a front console control. The boat is equipped with a radio system and GPS for navigation. Gaul uses top-of-the line rods, with brands like Penn and Shimano that provide optimal fishing experience on these boats. They also own a 18 foot Hydra Sport boat with a center console.
Gaul emphasized the importance of children learning to fish early on in life. On his rides, children must be accompanied by a guardian. He explains that fishing helps in all areas of life and its relevance. He believes that his business can help to expand the fishing world to the younger generation.
Bent Rod Charters can be found on Facebook and Instagram as “bentrodcharters” and booking can be done on their website https://bentrodcharters.simplybook.me/v2/