BOAT INFORMATION Make & Model: Calvin Beal 34 custom built
Length: 34ft
Power Plant: 465 HP Yanmar diesel
Team Free Spirit Fishing LLC
Hailing from South Jersey area, Team Free Spirit Fishing LLC is captained by Steve Bent. The team is involved with South Jersey Shark Tournament and Seminars at the Atlantic City and New Englan Boat Shows as well as dealer shows and some seminars for organizations such as the RFA and owners clubs.
Club/Organization Involvement:
Recreational Fishing Alliance, Cape May Party and Charter boat Assn, NACO
Recent Accomplishments:
Largest striped Bass ever caught on hook and line in Delaware Bay- 66lb.
Steve says...
I have been a charter captain in the South Jersey area for over 30 years. I usually fish 150+ days each year and fish from the Delaware Bay to the offshore canyons. We catch many species of fish including Striped Bass,Black Drum, Fluke, Weakfish, Croakers , Sea bass, and all the offshore pelagics from marlins to 4 species of tuna. I enjoy watching folks catch fish and become as excited as I am about fishing. I pride myself on what I do and how I do it as well as my ability to teach folks of all ages to become better fishermen and respect the great bounty that we have.
Top 3 HI-SEAS line and reasons why:
Grand Slam Braid- I use it for bait fishing drum and stripers as well as for trolling stripers and jigging tuna. It has not failed me at all
Quattro Plus 80 and 60 lb. Mono. I like the way it handles and it holds up well for these tough offshore fish.
Grand Slam 60 and 80 mono- same reasons as the Quattro Plus
Top AFW lines and reason why:
Tooth proof wire- Handles easily and holds up to tough critters offshore
Favorite Fishing Technique:
Any that will catch fish including trolling, bait fishing and jigging
Favorite Area to Fish:
The Atlantic Ocean
Most Memorable Fishing Experience:
Watching folks faces when they catch the biggest fish they ever caught
What tip would you give a non professional angler?
Every day that you go fishing, have a positive attitude. That is, you have to believe that you will catch fish or you will not do so. Every day that we break the inlet whether we are fishing inshore or offshore, I am certain that we will catch fish, and we generally do. It helps you to work hard enough to be successful. Also, choose quality tackle and products to fish with. Hi Seas and AFW products are reliable, and can’t be beat in my estimation. Don’t buy tackle because it is less expensive, It may cause you to lose the big one when you get the shot.
When not fishing I like to…
Play golf, and spend time with my family, especially my 4 fantastic grandkids.
