Meet The Captain

---

Hi, I’m Captain Justin Melin, a native of Beaufort, NC. I first started fishing with my father and uncle at the age of four. I can remember being out at Cape Lookout in our Jones Brothers Skiff from dawn to dusk catching creatures like false albacore, speckled trout and redfish until I could no longer lift my arms. During my school years, I was heavily evolved in sports, my favorite being wrestling. However, I would frequently run my boat to school to ensure I would catch fish as many days as possible. When I was around thirteen years old, I saw my neighbor casting a fly rod in his yard. I remember being in awe as I watched the line move through the air so beautifully. From that point on I knew I was going to be a fly fisherman.

The day I graduated high school I landed my dream job. I started working as a first mate on the Morehead City Waterfront. As a youngster on the dock, I was extremely privileged to be surrounded by so many veteran fisherman, often many times my age, and over the next few years, I was able to work with countless Captains and first mates chasing pelagic species like Marlin, tuna and mahi. To this day, many of the crews I worked with are still my dear friends and mentors.

Upon graduating college from North Carolina State University, I decided to seek service in the United States Marine Corps. After a couple summers of fun in the sun, I was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and packed a couple bags and my skiff for Pensacola, Florida, to begin Naval Flight Training. While living in Florida, I discovered my obsession with Tarpon. I remember thinking to myself “that’s it for me!” when I first saw them swimming around carelessly on the flat. The obsession continues and Tarpon will always be my most sought after fish.  

Between all the fishing, I somehow managed to graduate flight training and move forward with an incredible career in the Marine Corps. Lucky for me, many of the destinations I would call home while in the Marine Corps ended up being incredible fishing spots, including my home here in Beaufort, SC. 

Fishing has really been good for me. I owe all of my success to my family, my loyal mentors and friends. After twenty plus years of fishing I often get asked, “Do you ever get tired of fishing?” The answer is no, being a fisherman is just who I am. Every single morning when I get up I am excited and ready to go. My goal is to provide you with a safe and exciting fishing trip, one that you will never forget. I will always give 100% until the day is done. I am ready to guide you and share my little slices of heaven, let’s get hooked up!

Your friend,

Captain Justin S. Melin