The Loaded Pole Charter

The Loaded Pole Charter

By William E. Males

One thing about home grown Floridians, we love to fish. When you have this much water all around a state, with countless springs, rivers, lakes and ponds, you know there are more than a few experienced fishermen in the local neighborhood. However, in Panama City Beach we have more than our fair share of experienced fishermen, but that’s only because we have some of the absolute best fishing waters in the world.

Now that’s all old news for an old sea salt like Captain Chuck Jenkins. He’s about as home-grown as you can get on the Emerald Coast. See, Capt Chuck is a pure local native, born and raised in Panama City who’s fished these pristine waters all his life. When it comes to experience one would be hard pressed to find another with more. Talking with Capt. Chuck it is easy to see he has a real love and respect for the Panama City Beach area which has always been home for this true sea hunter and fish tracker. It has provided him a lifelong livelihood in an environment he loves to share with others, especially kids. I mean, who doesn’t like watching the excitement on a kid’s face when they are reeling in a big one?

Capt. Chuck Jenkins himself grew up on these waters and they are truly his stompin’ grounds. From his early days of working as a deck hand on a party boat, he has more nautical miles under his keel than most. With over 36 years of taking fishing enthusiasts and thrill seekers out to where the action is, Capt. Chuck has been licensed since 1975 by the Coast Guard. With his 34' Hatteras Sport Fisher called “The Loaded Pole” he has plenty of room for the whole family. She's 13' wide and carries up to six passengers, powered by Twin Volvo inline 6 cylinder diesel engines, 200hp each which gets you where you want to be both comfortably and quickly. The back deck has plenty of room for all 6 people to fish. The Loaded Pole is fully equipped with the latest electronics for safety and several of the latest fish finding equipment so, regardless of water conditions, Captain Chuck can locate the catch of the day.

If you don’t have your own favorite fishing rod, don’t worry. The Loaded Rod furnishes everything you need; your fishing license, poles, bait, tackle and ice. You bring food, drinks, cameras and sunglasses.

There are basically four types of fishing trips where anything and everything can be caught with short trips with a 4 hour minimum. There’s inshore trolling, off shore trolling, deep water bottom fishing and shark fishing. Depending on the type of trip travel time can vary from 1-3 hours, but The Loaded Pole is capable of covering plenty of distance fast, so if they slow down biting in one spot then it’s off to another favorite spot to keep the action going.

One of the more action filled outing is trolling along the sand bars looking for Cobia. This type of fishing is really an active sport since you’re literally visually hunting for them along the sand bars and then casting jigs at them for some fast pace fishing. It’s one thing to be dropping bait straight down and waiting a few minutes till a fish hits it and another to spot the fish and actively pursue it with tackle. Some fish like King Mackerel are migratory and tend to move with the bait fish, but knowing how to read the water it is easy for an old sea salt to keep up with them or find them.

For those interested in doing some in shore trolling Capt. Chuck normally stays within 5 miles and trips produce plenty of Cobia, Spanish and King Mackerel. Longer offshore trips up to 12 hours yield everything from big game Yahoo, Sailfish, Swordfish, Marlin, Tuna, and Mahi Mahi. Then there is always good ole’ bottom fishing where arms can literally get tired  reeling in Blackfin, Cabrera, Dog, Vermilion, Yellowtail and Red Snapper, as well as Black, Red, Yellowfin and Gag Grouper plus Trigger Fish, Drums and Sea Bass.

The guys usually like to get together and charter Capt. Chuck to take them out for the some shark fishing Panama City Beach style. If you want some excitement, apart from catching large sails and Marlins, not much else can give everyone on boards a workout like Shark fishing for Tiger, Bull, Black tips, Hammerheads, Lemon, and the occasional Mako shark. Some these guys can get downright monstrous.

The name “Loaded Pole” comes from Captain Chuck’s earlier days as a mate on party boats when the it was yelled out “Loaded pole!” indicating there’s a fish on the line.  So if you’re hankering for some great fishing with someone who truly knows the area, Capt. Chuck Jenkins at the top of the List. The Loaded Pole is moored at the St. Andrews Marina in Panama City proper; Historic St Andrews, a beautiful area that is rich with history that has had many points of interest beautifully restored and with several local fine restaurants and shops. Don’t forget the camera!

Capt. Chuck - 850-624-8003 or 850-785-5711