(401) 258-2157    (941) 773-7246

MEET YOUR CAPTAIN - A NOTE FROM THE CAPTAIN'S WIFE

These days most people find all the information they need through the internet – including what charter boat captain they decide to book their fishing trip with.  Many times your first introduction to your Captain and crew is the day you board our boat to go fishing, and the Captain has provided a First Mate for you, so you may not get to spend a lot of time with the man running the boat.  You know the Captain did his job if he kept you on the fish all day – and if you came back with a cooler full of the days catch.  But who are these men that take you out on our waters of Block Island Sound day after day…good weather and bad, flat calm seas or washing machine days…why do they do what they do?  The amount of responsibility that goes along with their jobs is not that apparent to most people who board the boat – for our customers it’s all about having a good day on the water – just as it should be – but whether you realize it or not – your life and the lives of your crew is his responsibility – for the time you spend on the water with your Captain your safety and well-being are in his hands.  The operation and maintenance of the boat is on his list – you need to get where you’re fishing and then get back home safe and sound, without incidence.  Weather is out of his control – but a huge part of the puzzle – are the instruments in the bridge working properly – because when the pea soup fog rolls in those instruments are his eyes.  The guests aboard our boats don’t need to worry about any of this – and that’s okay – your job is to enjoy a day on the water, regroup from the daily grind we call life, and have fun.

But as a Captain’s wife, I want you to really know your Captain.  They are really incredible men – a group of the hardest working guys I know.  And even if their job can be a stressful one – they do what they do for a reason.  After your day on the water is done, you leave our boats with fish, memories of a good day on the water, pictures and fish tales that get bigger and bigger as you keep on telling them. 

The Captain’s day is not done.  The boat needs to be cleaned, rods, reels and tackle washed, and many times repaired, engines need to be checked, the boat needs to be fueled up for the next day, and the list goes on.  When they finally get home, there are reports to be filed on the days fishing and other bookwork required by the government, a game plan made for the next day’s trip, new tackle rigged, and again the list goes on.  Most nights are early ones, because our Captains are up before the sun to get back to the boat and wait for the crew to arrive – and go out and do it all over again.  All this transpires on a daily basis, but if the Captain is doing his job, you never know about the time before the day begins or time after the boat pulls into her slip.   You’ll get on board our vessels and probably see an “Old Salt” Sea Captain with a contagious smile on his face waiting to share his secret with you about what a day on the water does for your soul.

Many years ago I asked my husband why he did what he did – the long hours, the bone weary tired at the end of the day, the aches and pains that come from a life spent on the water.  His answer came without hesitation – “Water is Life”.   

I don’t think I fully understood what he meant at the time, but I do now.  Although the Captain’s job is to keep you safe while you are putting fish in the cockpit – it is so much more than that.  A day on the water with our Captains affords you the gift of getting away from the crazy hustle and bustle of this thing we call life.  While you’re reeling in the 50 pound Striper you’re probably not thinking of bills on the kitchen counter at home.  When you watch your son pull in his very first fish ever – you’ll have a memory seared on your soul for a lifetime – and most likely not worrying about the “Inbox” on your desk at work.  A “moment” to clear your head, the gift of spending time with your family, memories that will last for a very long time to come – this is really what your charter boat captain is all about.  A very dear friend of ours, a fellow Captain, who has been fishing for decades told me once that the water is the best medicine that money can’t buy.  I thought then and still believe now that these men are right on – they have figured out what most of will take a lifetime looking for.

So next time you fish with us – look up in the bridge every once in a while and see more than a Captain running his boat – see the man who is willing to share what he learned a long time ago with you – that nothing else more than time on the water will soothe your soul – and indeed that Water is Life.

August 18, 2012

Big Boy II has been off the dock since last Sunday - 8 days straight and the Striped Bass fishing around Block Island has been phenomenal.  Many thanks to each crew that came aboard - Richard Inglis and friends, Matthew Wilson and crew, Jay Aldea and crew, Bill Holzel and friends, Tom Rosedale and crew, Emily Horvitz and family, and Dusty Raiffe and crew.  They all did a great job - and brought some awesome Bass to the boat - many of them more then 45 pounds each.  We look forward to fishing with them all again soon.



July 29, 2012

Big Boy Sport Fishing Charters was off the dock from Thursday through Sunday - including double down trips.  What a weekend!  Congratulations to each crew who boarded Big Boy II - The Pattersons, The Normanton Crew, The Katzman Family, and Carlos Lopes and crew.  Everyone fished hard - and the rewards show!  The Stripers were on the bite all weekend, and although the water was a little bumpy on Saturday, the boys didn't give up and we limited out almost every trip.  The Striped Bass were all good size and the few Blues we hauled up were monsters.  We look forward to fishing with you all again.
Captain W. Duane Sousa, Jr. and Family

July 21, 2012

Big Boy II was off the dock at 6:00 AM with the Enos crew on board headed for the Striper grounds.  The fish cooperated but the weather did not - seas were 5 to 6 feet with NorthEast and Easterly winds gusting up to 20 - really sloppy.  The crew didn't give up and still managed to put some 30 and 40 pounders in the boat.  We were back at the dock by 2:00 and got ready for our second trip with the Woods crew - a Twilight Trip.  The weather didn't get any better, but again - the guys kept fishing and put some great Striped Bass in the boat.  We look forward to fishing with all of these guys again soon.

July 8, 2012

Every day on the water has its own uniqueness - and Sunday July 8, 2012 was no exception.  Pauline Cella and her boys boarded Big Boy II at 6 AM prepared for a day of Striper and Blues fishing around Block Island.  Her sons fished hard all day long - and their efforts more then paid off - they limited out by 10:30 AM, but not before they brought a couple of 40 Plus pound Striped Bass, as well as a 50 Plus Pounder!!  Great Job Guys - we look forward to fishing with you again soon.
Captain W. Duane Sousa, Jr.

June 29 through July 4, 2012

Big Boy Sport Fishing Charters has been off the dock for five days straight Bass and Blues fishing....Many thanks to all the guys who boarded the Big Boy II - Kyle Peterson and crew, Mike Miles and crew, Rob McAuliffe and crew, Tom from TJW Contracting and crew, Steven Marsh and crew, and Dennis Kelly and his sons - we enjoyed fishing with all of them - and they all brought great keeper Stripers to the boat - not to mention several 40 plus pounders!  Block Island is hot right now and the fish are stacked and racked.

Call us to help you customize a fishing charter for you - Let's go fishing!!

JULY 1, 2012

Many thanks to Rob Fernandes and crew for having their Bachelor Party aboard the Big Boy II - a great day of Striped Bass and Blues fishing...water conditions were great, and so was the fishing.  We look forward to another day on the water with them again soon!  Great Job Guys!!
Captain W. Duane Sousa, Jr.

JUNE 30, 2012
Big Boy Sport Fishing Charters has been going pretty much non-stop...thanks to the Nicholson crew, the Javery crew and Jim Rush and his sons - all three days yielded keeper Striped Bass and Blues around Block Island...great job to all!!!

Friday June 29th was bumpy - but the Peterson crew still managed to put fish in the boat - great job guys. We will be out on the water for the next five days straight....give us a call to customize a fishing charter for you (401) 258-2157
Captain Duane Sousa



JUNE 18, 2012

Many thanks to Jim Masters and his family for allowing us to spend a great day on the water with them....can't wait to do it again. And special thanks to Jason Sousa, First Mate, for all his hard work.....we are proud to be a Family Owned and Operated business.


June 9, 2012

Brian Alexander and crew boarded Big Boy II at 6:00 AM and off with First Mate Jason Sousa for the Striper grounds.  The guys worked hard all day trolling wire line and jigging - and the hard work paid off - they put Keeper Stripers and Blues in the boat - we really enjoyed having them on the boat and look forward to fishing with them again soon.

June 6 & 7, 2012

Captain Duane Sousa was honored to have aboard the Big Boy II the film crew from The Animal Planet for two days to film a documentary about "Skishing".  The Captain and crew put in 14 and 15 hour days and fished Newport, Jamestown, and Block Island Sound - the shoot was successful and we will let everyone know when the documentary will air.  Thank you Cat, Peter, Ed, and crew for allowing us to be a part of this very special honor.

May 19, 2012

Big Boy II was off the dock at 6:00 AM with Senad Ahmetovic and crew and headed for the Striper grounds.  They had 2 to 4 foot seas, and the day turned out sunny and beautiful.  The guys had a good time targeting Bass and Blues, and they all did a great job bringing six keeper Bass to the boat as well as five Blues.

Our afternoon trip left the dock at 2:30 with Brian Rosenberg and crew aboard - seas picked up to 6 to 8 foot swells, but the guys held their own, and had a good four hours on the water fishing Stripers and Blues.  Good job guys!

May 6, 2012 - SUNDAY

We had a good morning on the water bottom fishing for Flounder off the beach - some really good bites, but water temperature still needs to come up a little bit more.  Also the Supermoon has most likely had an impact on fishing.  Wind picked up as the day went on.  All in all it was great to be back out on the water.....Let's Go Fishing!!!
Captain W. Duane Sousa, Jr.

MAY 2, 2012

It's official - Big Boy Sport Fishing Charters is ready to fish - both of our boats are in the water and ready to go...we are still taking up to a six man crew on our 30' Chris Craft (with special accomodations for larger groups) and are excited to announce new rates for smaller groups of 2 or 3 people aboard our other vessel - our 24' SeaPro.  Call us for details.

Some updated fishing regulations are as follows:
Summer Flounder is open
Scup is open - up to 20 fish per person per day
Striped Bass is open - up to two fish per person per day
Tautog is open - through the month of May - 3 fish per person per day
Black Sea Bass will open June 15th.

Tall Ships will be visiting our Rhode Island waters July 6 to 9, 2012 - call us to book your sightseeing cruise for an unforgettable day on the water!!!
(401) 258-2157 or (941) 773-7246.

Come fish Block Island Sound aboard the Big Boy II or the Big Boy Two - let's kick off the 2012  Fishing Season with a bang.........
Fish On!!!
Captain W. Duane Sousa, Jr. and Family

APRIL 25, 2012

Squid is showing up on the beach and there have already been some reports of anglers using squid as bait for Stripers with great results...it's that time...Let's Go Fishing!!! 

Ask us about our special rates for smaller charters aboard our second boat - the BIG BOY TWO - a 24' SeaPro Center Console - as well as our 6 pack crews aboard the BIG BOY II - a 30' Chris Craft - let us customize a fishing charter for you!  Call us at (401) 258-2157 for details.

Captain Duane Sousa

APRIL 5, 2012

The Summer of 2012 is fast upon us, and as summers go - will be gone before we know it.  Make the most of your summertime family fun - let Big Boy Sport Fishing Charters customize a fishing charter for you and your crew.

Important Dates To Remember!!!

Memorial Day - Monday - May 28th, 2012
Father's Day - Sunday - June 17th, 2012
Independence Day - Wednesday - July 4th, 2012
Labor Day - Monday - September 3rd, 2012

These dates book quickly, as do weekends - so call us early to ensure availability of dates.

Ask us about accomodations for parties larger than 6, Bachelor Parties, Birthdays, Tall Ship Cruises and Gift Certificates...
LET'S GO FISHING!!!
Captain W. Duane Sousa & Family
(401) 258-2157

MARCH 25, 2012

BIG BOY SPORT FISHING - A NOTE FROM THE CAPTAIN’S WIFE

Every Spring for the past several years, Captain Duane sends a note off to all of our faithful customers, who have ultimately become our friends, who return to fish with Big Boy Sport Fishing Charters every season. This year we will do the same, but along with that, because you are our friends, I wanted to share with you a little bit about the Sousa family.

We have always proudly let all of you know that we are a family owned and operated business - whether on our website, when we sign our emails to you, or when you call us on the telephone for the first time to book a charter. Captain Duane has always believed in his family, put us first, worked hard to provide for us, and has never complained about the long days, or hard work. He instilled the same values in his children, which I’m sure is evident when you board the Big Boy II in Galilee, and see his son and First Mate, Jason, work as hard as his Dad. What you don’t see, nor do you need to, are the hours before and after each trip. The boys arrive early to get the boat ready for the crew coming aboard that morning, and stay late to get it cleaned up and checked up for the next days trip, so that the crew coming aboard tomorrow will have as good a day as the crew that got off the boat that afternoon. When they finally get home, my kitchen table, coffee table or both (usually both) got stockpiled with fishing line, hooks, crimps, pliers, and a host of all kinds of parachutes, lures and whatever else they think will get the fish to bite. Not to mention the fishing poles that come out of the spare room, two by two by two - some nights there is a little path that leads to the stove amid the fishing tackle - dinner is usually late, and finally they call it a night, to get up before the sun and do it all again.

Some would ask why do this - I used to myself - but have finally figured it out - I believe you have also..otherwise you wouldn‘t board our boat each year with your sons...Amidst the craziness of this life we lead - the rising cost of living, the fear of losing a job, the uncertainty of our futures - one thing stands true - Family. I believe the Captain has no greater joy in life than to get on his boat each day with his son, and spend time fishing with you - for he knows, as do I now, that there is no greater peace or serenity that we can experience than being out on the water. Somehow we leave the problems behind for a little while, we are able to put things in perspective, and know for sure that our families are truly the most valuable possession we have - not the house, not the car, or anything else for that matter. Out on the water it’s okay to be a “blue collar” worker, and to that end - something to be proud of. A long time ago, Duane told me his secret - that “Water is Life”. As each of you spend time with him, I know that you must finish your day believing the same, and carrying your memories of a day on the ocean for a very long time to come.

So - Schoolie Stripers are everywhere, the water is getting to that magical 50 degree mark that he talks about often, Tuna is already showing up, the Big Boy II is in the water and will be ready to fish mid-May. We are already booking trips and weekends are filling up quick. We hope you all withstood the winter, and that you are ready for a great 2012 Fishing Season. Call us to help you book your charter - or just to say and get a fishing report.

And as always,

Warm regards,

The Sousa Family - Captain Duane, Elizabeth and Jason

Big Boy Sport Fishing Charters

(401) 258-2157 or (941) 773-7246

bigboyfishing45@aol.com