This month we’re shining a light on Capt. Jason Shingler, owner operator of Adrenaline On H20 Charters. This near-shore/in-shore guide has been on these local waters since he was a kid and he knows what he’s talking about when he pens one of our local fishing forecasts and he knows how to put his clients on fish.
Capt. Jason is the text-book example of the grit and determination of what it takes to be successful in the business of charter fishing. Given the fact that he averages more than 150 trips per year and is about to reach a milestone of over 1000 trips, I’d call that a success in this business. He maintains a steady rate of over 75 repeat clients from all over the country and some from outside the U.S.
If you’ve ever hired a guide before and maybe they came off as a little cocky or brash or maybe even a bit egotistical….well perhaps it’s because those are some of the common traits in a person willing to give up a steady paying job in the mainstream work-force and jump into charter fishing. There are NO guarantees in this profession. The risks are great and the odds are against you at all times. The pay can be rewarding but that’s not the only reason why guys like Jason enter this profession; his passion for fishing is so deep, that the call to make this his profession couldn’t be denied.
Born in Lock Haven, PA, Jason’s Mom died when he was just six years old. His Dad soon decided it best for them to move to Florida. It was his Dad’s friends Lee Griffin and the late Jerome Webb that introduced Jason to the fishing in this area. At that time Jason liked fishing enough it seemed, but it was when he started taking his kids and their friends out fishing that he realized his passion was seeing others catch fish. Their reactions were all it took to for him to decide that he didn’t need a rod in his hand anymore but rather, the opportunity to provide exciting adventures for people and help them create great fishing memories. His passion, and his profession, is creating that excitement for others.
Having been a contributing writer for this magazine for two years now, I’ve come to know Jason fairly well…he’s a good, honest, caring man. Maybe he is a little cocky and brash, but he’s a true professional and he gets results for his clients. If you’re going to spend your hard earned money on a guided fishing trip, hire a pro like Jason; you won’t be disappointed…he’ll put you on the fish and make sure everyone on board has a great time!
Capt. Jason is regularly found introducing his clients to the fishing action found in St. Andrews Bay and in the Gulf of Mexico. His vessel is a 22’ Carolina Skiff powered by an always reliable Honda outboard.
Capt. Jason Shingler can be reached at (850) 348-2282 or visit his web site at www.adrenalineonh2o.com