By Coastal Angler Staff
For the Gloucester Fishing Company (GFC), the well-being of anglers and the angler community is very important. This association, led by co-founders Patricia Dellisola and Nicole Tongue, is based on promoting the fishermen of Gloucester, MA, as well as gaining new fishing business for seaports throughout Cape Ann.
The Gloucester Fishing Company works alongside various independent charter companies by offering fresh ways to promote and market fishing for the entire region. More importantly, the Gloucester Fishing Company is very knowledgeable about the concerns and desires of anglers. GFC is comprised entirely of passionate captains, ones who have been fishing this region for their entire lives.
The goal for Gloucester Fishing Company is to blend local fishermen’s charters into Gloucester’s tourism trends. Their intent is to lead in efforts toward a tourism spike in the Cape Ann area, thus gaining more economic opportunities for the entire angler community. The strategy is to accomplish this task through stay and play packages. GFC has developed an online database, where Gloucester tourists are able to book charters and accommodations, look into local events and even make reservations at recommended restaurants. They have even created the Gloucester’s FUN card. For a purchase of $20, consumers are able to use this card to get the latest discounts offered by local businesses. Inquiries about this loyalty card, or stay and play packages in general, can be seen on the company’s website, www.bookgfc.com.
The Gloucester Fishing Company has made several advancements to showcase their recent promotional tactics. The following highlights some of their efforts such as, representing fishing vessels featured in National Geographic’s popular TV show Wicked Tuna. Going along with this, National Geographic has showcased Gloucester as the tuna fishing capital of the world. In preparation for the 4th annual Bluefin Blowout event (from July 23rd-25th at the Cape Ann Marina in Gloucester), GFC has partnered with Drew Hale of Stay Salty, LLC and Seaboard Products, Co. In addition to these organizations, the Gloucester Fishing Company is working with the Boston Bruins Foundation to co-chair the Bluefin Blowout Brewfest. In doing so, the foundation has donated several items of signed memorabilia, like hockey sticks and photo frames, along with inviting someone to experience a zamboni ride during a home game and also offering 4 game tickets. Finally, they successfully negotiated a major radio deal with WEEI and WAAF to broadcast the upcoming Bluefin Blowout. These contributions will draw more attention to the Bluefin Blowout and ultimately the Gloucester community.
We applaud the efforts made by the Gloucester Fishing Company to help enhance tourism and strengthen the angler presence in the Gloucester community. The company’s work surrounding stay and play packages, as well as sponsorships of the Bluefin Blowout, surely will allow local fishermen to thrive.