Together Forever
An older couple stood at the docks eagerly awaiting my arrival. Pulling up to the launch I was surprised to hear a shout out from the lady, “you are late, Captain Richard.” I thought to myself, two minutes late is late? Well I was late…
An Introduction
John & Joan Taylor
Joan was decked out in fishing attire with a brimmed hat tied around her neck; when she spoke, I knew to be on my toes, she was a women to be reckoned with.
As we begin pulling away from the docks John, Joan and I starting conversing. Right from the start, we knew we liked each other and the day began to unfold with the beginning of a long friendship.
Each year approaches, and I am always looking forward to getting Joan and John out fishing. They are an older couple who intrigue me, and I love not only hearing of their life but taking in the many words of wisdom and insights that seem to come along just at the right time.
It’s been fun sharing stories and imagining this couple as young, spirited college students meeting while John was at Bowman Gray School of Medicine and Joan attending NC Baptist School of Nursing. Early on they both had a sense of adventure to live out their lives to the fullest. After graduating, they married in December of 1956 and their life together began as one great adventure.
John is a firm believer that exercise prolongs your life, and they live by those standards. After raising four children, John retired from McGuire VA Hospital in 2000 but is still seeing patients one day a week at the Medical College of Virginia, now known as VCU Health System.
Early on having a family, working and keeping up with the daily routines in life, John and Joan stayed involved enjoying the outdoors doing a lot of hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Today they continue to carry on these activities with their eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. I have had the privilege of having a few of their family members on board.
The countless trips fishing together seem to get better and better over the decades. John and Joan don’t let the number in years hold them back. I remember Joan telling Gina a year or two ago, “we are no worse for wear, but not much better either.” I smile and say to myself, “we will be fishing together until the end.”
“Although we now have a daughter living in Sarasota, FL, we still have to occasionally get back to your east coast to fish with Captain Richard. For years he has always found fish for us and made things very exciting. Also, he is one of the most gracious men we have ever met and always makes us feel very welcomed. And, of course, we still enjoy keeping up with Gina. What would men do without their wives???” Joan
Great company, great knowledge and very professional, I will be booking these guys multiple times a year!
Blaine Larsen
2022-05-05T20:47:10+0000
Always an amazing time with Capt.Richard!!!!!!!Easily one of the best Captains I’ve ever had the pleasure of fishing with!!!https://youtu.be/8_RPCwLhCDQread more
Justin Staats
2021-07-22T03:00:29+0000
We had a deep sea trip planned for Tuesday March 9th. However mother nature had other plans and due to rough seas we decided to go on a inshore trip. We fished for 5 and half hours without boating a fish. I blame this on the weather a few days prior lows in the 50s. That's why they call it fishing and not catching. Capt Richard did everything he could to find fish but unfortunately the fish were not to be found. I was extremely grateful of Capt. Richard's offer for no charge. I did not think that was right due to using his boat ,fuel and his guidance. To me that shows that Capt Richard is a very honest business man. I would highly recommend his charter service and will definitely schedule a trip when I visit Cocoa Beach area again. Bill and Kay Dearworthread more
Kay Dearworth
2021-03-14T02:55:41+0000
Took my son and dad fishing with Lagooner this past week. This was my sons first time deep sea fishing. Well needless to say, it was his best experience in a long time. He caught a 50 pound sail fish on his first catch. It wore him out to reel it in but it was all worth it. We all caught different variety of fish. I got a Barracuda! King Mackerel and Cobia were also caught. And we got to take them home eat! Richard definitely made the experience memorable and enjoyable! We had such a blast and his knowledge of fishing and his experience as a boat captain are unmatched. We will definitely be booking with Lagooner again next year. Thank you Richard and Gina for a wonderful time with Lagooner Fishing!!read more
Joshua David Whitmire
2020-07-06T21:23:45+0000
Took my mom for her first fishing excursion for Mother's Day. She is 76 years old and wanted to catch a "big one"! Richard at Lagooner Fishing was terrific. Taught her some tricks, took us to his secret fishing spot and helped her catch a WHOPPER! I highly recommend this experience for all ages! Thank you Richard Bradley 🐟❤️🎣read more
Karen Smith
2020-05-12T15:21:27+0000
Captain Richard is amazing - knowledgeable, polite, and extremely helpful with pointers and tips. He always put us on multiple species on every trip.
Mike Landschoot
2020-02-11T02:01:15+0000
Wow what a great day on the water. Captain Richard was absurdly knowledgeable with a great sense of humor to boot. Would definitely recommend this to any angler at any experience level. Caught a mess of fish and had an absolute blast doing it.read more
Nickolas Geerken
2019-12-28T19:07:35+0000
Great day on the water with Richard. He knows his stuff and is just an awesome guy. Highly recommended.
Dave Allen
2019-12-28T19:03:25+0000
Excellent people. Excellent everything. ... ✌
Bruno C. Bini
2019-10-30T00:40:02+0000
We went yesterday and was great. We have fished alot and can't say enough good things about Capt Richard. The radio from other charters were complaining while we were catching 30-40 lb Kings and Cobia. Would not go with anyone elseread more
Tammy Briscoe Mancuso
2019-08-27T19:15:18+0000
You won't find anyone that knows fishing better than Richard. He and Gina are the greatest.
Carolyn Bradley
2019-08-18T17:11:58+0000
Well Kept equipment.. Great Customer Service..Great Experience from Start to finish
Wes Beyers
2019-04-02T18:31:04+0000
Had a great time. I will definitely be back.
William Masten
2019-03-02T20:16:58+0000
Richard and Gina are really great people. Since I first fished with Richard about 8 years ago, I try to come back every year. Besides providing a great fishing experience, they have become good friends. Try Lagooner. You won’t be sorry!read more
Mark Mayeda
2019-02-27T20:48:47+0000
My wife and I have chartered Captain Richard for both the ocean and inland rivers. We have had great experiences catching king mackerel, barracuda, and speckled trout. Captain Richard knows how to put you on fish and takes awesome pictures of us with our catch. Would definitely go on another fishing trip with Captain Richard.read more
Bill Sims
2018-12-10T18:21:38+0000
My grandson and I had a great time with Captain Richard. When we are back in area we plan on booking with Lagooner Fishing again
Tammy Bawcom
2018-12-07T20:37:19+0000
My son and I had a lovely time on the ocean today with Captain Richard. The fishing was great, took home two large King fish and a Spainish Mackerel. Had them for dinner tonight, was so yummy. We saw many dolphins, some huge sea turtles, a manatee and a shark. Was not only a fishing trip but also a great nature adventure. Loved feeding the leftover bait fish to the pelicans and woodstorks. I HIGHLY recommend taking this trip. Worth every penny.read more
Kathy Klasek Sayre
2018-06-20T01:47:02+0000
He took money out of my Acct without my authorization so DO NOT give him ur debit car info
Bob Pennington
2018-06-04T20:31:54+0000
My son and his friend had the best time of their life...quoted by Graham and Nick...Capt Richard was fantastic Caught some amazing fish
Shelly Lynne Shapiro-Swan
2018-02-14T13:26:59+0000
We had a slow start but Captain Richard made sure we got on the fish. it was a great time with great people
Tony Lowe
2017-07-22T21:47:12+0000
We had an absolutely amazing experience. Couldn't have asked for a better fishing trip. Thanks Captain Richard.
Kris Wickens
2017-07-07T23:52:22+0000
After 10 straight years of fishing with Capt. Richard we are looking forward to number 11 this year. We always have a great time and catch a lot of fish. We always look forward to visiting with Capt. Richard, Gina and their girls.Dana & Sheilafrom Ohioread more
Sheila Brisker Smith
2017-01-27T01:35:52+0000
Richard is a great guide with a lot of great stories. Worth the time & money.We have gone with numerous times over the last 5 years. The last time was 12/27/16, we caught redfish, blue fish, mangrove snapper, jack & a snook.My husband & I both caught redfish...a 7, 12, 20 & 30 lbs. another great day on the water.read more
Johanna Jensen
2017-01-15T04:31:08+0000
I will definitely go back again. Captain Richard was great. Had a blast and he was good with my 10 year old. Don't hesitate to book a trip with Him. You won't be disappointed.read more
Stanton Jacobs
2016-12-31T15:30:13+0000
Great Experience, we've al ways wanted to go, just didn't know who to select? We fished for 1/2 day, and Cptn Richard made sure we had a Good Time. We would go again, and recommend it for others! Fish On!!read more
James Gibson
2016-12-13T14:13:27+0000
I enjoyed Captain Richard, he was a lot of fun! He's very knowledgeable and funny�! The Haneys will definitely be booking another experience soon!
Timeka Reneá
2016-11-24T02:25:43+0000
This was the best, we would go again in a second. He treated my 13 year old like a young man. Caught very nice fish in a beautiful area. Felt safe at all times. Cpt. Richard made quite the impression on my son. We will be going again, and I would recommend this trip to anyone.read more
Angie Coyne Hale
2016-08-22T21:50:50+0000
Great Captain, great trip.Local/Native to the area, knows these waters.You wont find better.
Jimmy Ryder
2016-08-01T17:25:17+0000
Best fishing experience EVER! Capt Richard knows all the hot spots and is an expert guide and angler!
Rick Donnelly
2016-05-15T00:41:49+0000
Was awesome. Captain Richard was absolutely great with my nephews.
Mark Shute
2016-04-27T09:10:53+0000
Experienced, knowledgeable, diligent and a very pleasant captain with whom to share the day. His hard work payed off under trying conditions.
David Fass
2016-03-09T04:30:39+0000
Capt Richard and Capt Gina are awesome...! Very accommodating and they surely will guarantee anyone that goes out in the water with a great time! It's been awhile since I've gone charter fishing with them but I still remember every single moment I was out with them. Thank you Capt Richard and Capt Gina. Keep up the great work and more success to you guys. Fish ON....!!!read more
Allan Martin
2015-06-26T12:33:37+0000
Having been fishing a number of times over the years with Captain Richard I can highly recommend Lagooner Charters. We have always had a great time and he puts you on the fish. Richard and Gina have not only been our charter captains but have become our friends. Give them a try you won't be disappointed.read more
Dan Roach
2015-02-12T21:42:28+0000
I have been honored to share a boat with Captain Richard more than once. He and Captain Gina are fantastic people, kind, courteous, and extremely knowledgeable. I have been blessed to fish from Canada to Florida and I can give Lagooner Fishing Charters the highest of praise and I look forward to fishing with them multiple times in the future!read more
Shane Roberts Walton
2015-01-29T18:21:54+0000
Captain Richard was great company on the boat. He's a blast to hang out with and will glady joke around with everyone. When it came to the fishing it was a tough day to start but we were able to find a school of drummer fish. He was able to spot a school of fish from his boat which was pretty cool. We caught a good 20-25 lb black drumfish which made the whole trip worth it. For sure recommend captain Richard.read more
Sam Teitelbaum
2015-01-22T05:41:54+0000
A very knowledgeable guide and knows the area waters well. We were on big reds and trout within minutes of the leaving the dock and ventured about the lagoon to catch different species. The scenery in the Lagoon is remarkable! Richard’s boat was well equipped with good equipment, he was well prepared to adapt to the different types of fishing through out the day. My primary focus was sight fishing for big reds on fly - the flies that Capt. Richard provided were right on! Booking the charter was a breeze, his wife Capt. Gina was very accommodating to work me in (thank you Capt. Gina).Capt. Richard seemed to know who was hungry at the right times – and we had some impressive catches! Well done Capt. Richard, and thanks for a great day on the water!read more
Ray Norman
2015-01-21T17:48:40+0000
For me, it’s hard to express every little detail of how my life is touched and impacted by the experience of John and Joan. One thing I admire about Joan is that she genuinely loves her husband and consistently brags about him. There is nothing that has brought more pleasure in her life than to roam the world with her best friend. Staying active together continues to make their life worth living all the better!
Thank you, John and Joan, for being a part of mine and Gina’s life.