Growing up in Wyoming and Vermont, Captain Matt Blodgett of Rayne Check Marine had a long-held dream of running sportfishing charters in Florida and the Bahamas. Now, having lived in Florida for 23 years, he is living his dream. For Blodgett, captaining is life—he even met his wife on a fishing charter 15 years ago.
What kind of yachts do you typically captain?
I manage and operate vessels up to 120’ in Florida and the Bahamas. I was fortunate enough to purchase a 70’ Hatteras Sportfish three years ago and now have a very successful full-time operation, taking VIPs fishing here and all over the Bahamas. From the pleasure vessel/charter side, the vessels range from 60 to 105’ and are full-service operations with an amazing staff, both locally and in the islands.
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What’s it been like and what are the rewards?
On the private side, owners love to explore and have the freedom of not operating the boat themselves, maintain, and watch the weather. But sportfishing charters are where I have found my calling. The days out there are never long enough—“Just one more bait” is the saying. Owners really get into that mindset. Pair that with bringing their guests or family and seeing their kids catch their first billfish, or the wife with her first grouper. It cultivates that explorer in all of us and keeps us looking over the next horizon or planning that next bucket list item.
You must have some great stories. What are some of the most memorable moments you’ve had out at sea?
Definitely having my son, nephew, and father onboard catching their first sailfish. Proposing to my wife on a quiet island beach…taking my son and daughter on the water for their first time. Clients seeing dolphins swimming with them next to the boat and jumping the wakes. Helping a kid catch their first fish, and now that kid is a client and bringing their kids to catch their first fish.
