Jeff Arevalos, The Most Fortunate of My Friends

Jeff took Schweetie out for a morning on the water with Captain Richard aboard the Lagooner.  He managed to discard his unlucky reputation and catch some spectacular fish.  On another note: Jeff is a noteable chef and made a wonderful meal of his catch for friends to enjoy.

A Friendship Begins

Transferring to Robert Lewis Stevenson Elementary School in sixth grade was a transition from familiar friends to unchartered waters and new faces.  My life on the Westside of Merritt Island was comfortable and familiar. Dad moved us closer to his brother (uncle Robert) on North Banana River’s shoreline on the Island’s eastern banks. I was thrown into new territory and friendships. Jeff Arevalos and his brother Kevin were some of the first relationships I cemented. To clarify; Kevin was my age and Jeff was simply the little brother.  Over the years, I lost contact with the family and reunited again in the early 2000’s on Facebook of all places.

-Captain Richard Bradley

Jeff and Captain Richard

Jeff’s mind is a treasure trove of lifetime experiences.  Partly bullshit but mostly true, Jeff has an uncanny ability for total recall from years gone by.  Upon reuniting Jeff reminded me of my marble collections and games we used to play in grade school. I’d forgotten about many of the things he can quickly pull from his memory banks.  People, places, events and tragedies are articulated in detail.  Jeff is truly amazing in this regard.

Jeff’s brother and much of his family has passed on now, but he’s remained one of the most positive people I’ve met over the years.  He’s a dedicated husband of Lynn (another High School acquaintance) which is identified as “schweetie”, which he obviously adores.  Jeff is a good friend to many and often speaks honestly and open about his strengths and shortcomings with everyone. Gina calls Jeff a “very smart cookie” and I’d have to agree.

During our school years, SeaRay Boats opened a factory on Merritt Island’s Barge Canal.  It seems everyone but myself became employed at the luxury boat company.  Upon graduating from college, Jeff found himself amongst friends engineering for SeaRay. Over time, Jeff moved around the marine industry as a respected consultant for boat manufacturers.

If you sat down with Jeff, you’d think he had a personal chapter in Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events novel.  Personal tragedies, family events, health, and many other experiences are told at each outing.  If you didn’t know better, you’d stay clear of Jeff and remain aloof from his misfortune.  While Jeff seems prone to “unfortunate events”, many of his friends have learned to roll their eyes and listen to his next tragedy unfold.  You can be assured that the waitress will miscalculate his bill or he’ll blow a flip flop strap and stumble out the restaurant parking lot.  Whatever happens, we all feel fortunate to know Jeff and his beautiful blue-eyed partner Lynn.  Just be aware that you may too become a tragic footnote in the next outing if you happen across Jeff.

There really is nothing like being out on the water, especially with lifelong good friends, Capt’s Richard and Gina. It is the joy of great friend and Team Lagooner, they could catch fish in the mud. Both are very skilled and know our local waters like no others. So yes it was day fishing, but more importantly sharing the good time with the Capt’s Richard and Gina. You can fish with anyone, but the two of them make it a memory.

Jeff Arevalos

Great company, great knowledge and very professional, I will be booking these guys multiple times a year!
Blaine Larsen
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dave Allen
2019-12-28T19:03:25+0000
Excellent people. Excellent everything. ... ✌
Bruno C. Bini
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
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
Carolyn Bradley
2019-08-18T17:11:58+0000
Well Kept equipment.. Great Customer Service..Great Experience from Start to finish
Wes Beyers
Wes Beyers
2019-04-02T18:31:04+0000
Had a great time. I will definitely be back.
William Masten
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rick Donnelly
2016-05-15T00:41:49+0000
Was awesome. Captain Richard was absolutely great with my nephews.
Mark Shute
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ray Norman
2015-01-21T17:48:40+0000
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