I’m Captain Nolan Agner
and I was raised on the banks of a large river and spent every weekend at my family’s lake house. That’s where my love for fishing all began. No catfish, bream or bass was safe once my brothers and I got it all figured out. My dad and Uncle always took us fishing at the coast several times a year as far back as I can remember. I guess I was about 5 when I cut my left ear off while trying to cast a surf rod. I neglected to hold the line of the spinning reel when I opened the bail and the 8 ounce pyramid sinker sliced it right off.
A few years later, I learned the hard lesson about walking behind fellow fishermen while they are casting. That day, I received my first and only ear piercing. I wore the big sassy shad the rest of the day. I made countless journeys to the ocean before moving to Virginia Beach more than 20 years ago. I was finally able to taste salt water daily, and I did.
From the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel every night to the Norfolk Canyon every chance I got, I honed the skill of tricking fish. As my old 1st mate Pete once said, “You get it or you don’t”. Understanding how a fish thinks and what it takes to induce a strike is almost a sixth sense. Having that ability is a requirement if you want to be a charter boat captain. I’ve got it and I have improved on it over many years.
This is one of many characteristics I feel makes me good at what I do. I’m also a straight shooter when it comes to your trip. If the fish just aren’t there, I’ll tell you not to waste your time and money. I promise I can’t stand a long boat ride any more than you can. If that happens, and it rarely does, I’ll be fair and make it right. Being fair is another important trait to keep customers happy. My experience and principles has allowed me to grow a very successful charter business.
Captain Chris Howlin
is a native of Virginia Beach, where he resides with his wife and two children. He has fished his local waters since he was a kid and is grateful to share those same experiences with his own. Captain Chris Howlin holds a 50 ton USCG Maters license and is certified in both CPR and First Aid.
Aside from safety, catching fish is the only thing on his mind. He has been blessed with the opportunity to fish from Maryland to Cape Hatteras, Florida, Bahamas, Virgin Islands, Aruba, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas. Captain Chris is a specialist in Virginia fishing along with being educated in all segments and styles of fishing.
When you fish with Captain Chris you find how welcoming and pleasant he his. He will make sure you are having a pleasurable experience, even if you aren’t catching fish. Captain Chris has flourished in the sport fishing industry and with his knowledge and experience, he has had success in many tournaments: Red/White/Blue Tournament – 1st place bluefin (2yrs in a row), Bluewater Marlin Tournament – 1st place one year and 2nd place the next year, VB Tuna Tournament – 1st place Wahoo, Frostbite Rockfish Tournament – 1st place one year and 3rd place one year, Ducks Unlimited Tournament – 1st place, etc.,. With his friendly and fun personality and particular expertise, you will feel comfortable fishing along the Virginia waters with Captain Chris Howlin.