At the wonderful age of 8, Captain Kenneth became a first mate working on his fathers charter boat, the Erma Queen. That was the beginning of a unique career that he is just now realizing how lucky he is to be involved in.

After 10 summers as a mate for his dad, Captain Kenneth moved up to Gulf Stream Fishing. Captain Omie Tillet brought him aboard as a Gulf Stream Mate in 1990 which lasted until his graduation from North Carolina State University in 1995. At that time, with mechanical engineering degree in hand, he moved to Virginia and actually worked a "real job" long enough to get his wife to agree to marry him. Eight months later, Captain Brynner Parks lured him back to the Outer Banks as if he were a blue marlin lunging on a teaser. Following his position on the Smoker, he worked with Captain Ned Ashby on the Wildfire Charter Boat before ending up as a mate for Captain Tony Tillet on the Carolinian.

Once again it became time to "move it on up". Ironically, the boat he purchased was the first boat built by Captain Omie Tillet. Whether you're talking about experience involved in fishing, boating or more importantly knowing the needs of the angler, the best way to learn it is to experience it.

In charter fishing, there is two main criteria to consider. One is the knowledge and experience required to consistently produce the catch. Captain Kenneth began learning this with his father and continues learning the trade today. The second factor is customer satisfaction. Through countless hours of dealing with the anglers on a first hand basis, he gained an understanding of their needs and that just can't be learned any other way.

Captain Kenneth's grandfather, Aycock Brown, is considered by many people to have played a key role in developing the tourist industry on the Outer Banks. He showed us the importance of visitors to our area. I think fishing is a great way to keep people returning to the Outer Banks, and when you're reeling in the big one, nothing else really matters!

kennethbrown@charter.net