Charting His Own Course By: Paul Presson

  He was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area.  Fishing and being on the water has been a lifelong passion.  As a college graduate, he could have gone in many directions.  The family business was definitely one of his options. This quiet, reserved, seafarer is not one to live in the world of sponsorships or hashtags.  Not that he couldn’t–he is well known in the local fishing community and has done well in tournament angling. Through creative thinking, networking, timing and angling skills, he has carved out a niche career that many would love to do.

There are no fancy wraps on the boat nor the truck. His vessel does not glisten in the sun as it cruises the waterways. It is a working machine–just a tool of his trade. In this line of work, there is no need to compete with the multitude of the experiences and newbie charter captains of the Tampa Bay area.  In many instances, he assists captains in their daily routine. This occupation is imperative in helping new anglers catch trophy fish and even contributes to the tourism industry as a whole.  This job is not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but contributes greatly to supporting his family.

Buka Harris is a bait supplier and a commercial fisherman. This is not an occupation learned through osmosis. He took the time to befriend older fishermen that have been doing this for a lifetime.  Many of these elderly anglers are true” individuals” and won’t give most people the time of day.  Buka appreciated their stories and learned as much as he could.  Just like any other job, in the beginning, most learning is through trial and error.

Buka hits the boat ramp each morning to launch his 18′ tri-hull vessel powered by a 115 Yamaha two stroke engine.  The boat is loaded with pinfish traps, fishing gear, net and two 55-gallon drums used for bait wells to keep the pinfish healthy for delivery. A saltwater products license is necessary for him to trap and sell pinfish.  His day has started, and it is time to set the traps.  Each is sent into the water by using previous history, depth and the current water temperatures.  When he reaches his destination, these wire mesh enclosures are baited and the floats and traps are thrown into the water.  Unlike crabbing, Buka’s traps do not need any identification numbers.  As the boat drifts, more are baited and flung into the depths.

After all of the traps have been set, most would think it is time to sit back and let them soak–that is not the case.  It is time to fish. Buka is also a commercial fisherman with a RS license (restricted species license). There is a poundage limit and specific species list he must adhere to.  Flounder, sheepshead, black drum and mackerel are just some of the main staples on a list that contains quite a few more species.  Buka can also subsidize his living by netting mullet.  This type of living is never boring, but is hard work that many could not withstand.   With a cooler full of his catch, it is time to move on.

Unlike crabbing, where the traps can soak for several days, pinfish are different.  The traps must be pulled the same day to ensure live, healthy bait.  This also helps the mortality rate of the by-catch which is very limited.  On a good day, Buka will trap up to100 dozen pinfish.  If the morning does not produce, he can and will do this process twice in one day.

Buka is the sole provider of pinfish to the Hubbard’s Marina charters. Not only does he supply their bait, he also cleans their tanks so that the bait is healthy to entice some large fish for a happy customer.  If you live in this area and love seafood, partial thanks may go to Buka. He supplies many restaurants in our area with quality, fresh fish.  Someday, Buka may get his captains license. For now, he is just “Charting His Own Course”.