Meet our Amazing Crew
Captain Brian Howard (Owner)
Capt. Brian's own roots have been planted in the Emerald Coast since 1969, but they truly run so much deeper than that. As a direct descendent of the founders of Destin, fishing has been in his blood and heritage since the mid-1800's. He has been fishing recreationally his whole life and became a serious, dedicated angler in the mid 1990's.
He has owned and operated the TradeWinds since 2007, amassing a large and loyal client base. You're likely to see Capt. Brian in the mornings doing pre-departure inspections, mechanical upkeep, and overall maintenance and improvements. Brian's financially conservative yet innovative mind has (pun intended) kept the TradeWinds afloat through tough economic times, when others were not so lucky. Brian is the head-of-the-spear and the main reason we can offer the most comparatively stellar prices for the most comparatviely stellar product- the overall best private fishing charters in the Gulf of Mexico.
Captain Larry Meyer
Captain Larry is a US Marine Corps veteran who took to the seas upon his honorable discharge in 1969. He began his seafaring career commercial diving, spearfishing, harvesting lobsters, and selling his catches to local restaurants in Pompano Beach, FL. In the 1970's, he began commercial fishing and built upon his fishing expertise. Once life and career allowed, he acquired his own boat and fished commercially in the Florida Keys for 25 years. Finally, in 2003, he gained his Captain's License and has been in Destin ever since, running oil field boats and fishing.
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In 2014, the oil-rigs' loss was our gain when Capt. Larry joined us on the TradeWinds, and 2024 begins his 11th season with us.
Shipmate- Justin Howard
An Emerald Coast native Justin has lived and fished in the area his whole life, 30 years+. A professional aviator, he has been in the aviation industry for over a decade, currently flying for a major airline during the off-season. However, as the son of Owner, Capt. Brian, Justin takes great pride in maintaining active involvement in most areas of TradeWinds operation as a proud family endeavor. With close collaboration with Capt. Brian, he monitors and manages all digital media, many areas of public relations, community outreach, marketing campaigns, and onboard marine technology. After dedicating a decade to the aviation industry, Justin has recently rejoined the active TradeWinds crew as a deckhand, providing support and assistance to our full-time onboard professionals.
First Mate- AJ Casey
What can we say about AJ? The son of his parents, he has lived on Earth nearly his whole life....we're almost certain. An avid fisherman, you just about cant keep him off the water. AJ is the TradeWinds' primary deckhand, bringing decades of fishing experience to the table. He has been with the TradeWinds for 4 seasons now, keeping customers coming again and again.
Honorary Mate- Juan Hinze
In loving memory, we'd like to never forget our Honorary Mate- Juan. A Vietnam War Veteran, Juan served in the US military with multiple deployments overseas. While in Vietnam and in service of his country, Juan was exposed to agent orange, which affected his health throghout his adulthood. Not to be kept down, Juan was a lifelong, experienced and dedicated fisherman who knew the water like no other. Juan was a loyal First Mate aboard the TradeWinds from 2015 until shortly before his passing. His knowledge and expertise was freely shared with all those around him, and boy was there a lot to share. Juan set sail into the next life in March 2021, and he will be forever missed. Thanks for all the great times, buddy. Fish-on!
