Stuart Big Game Fishing Charters creates an unforgettable experience for our guests! Captain VJ Bell brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and dedication to every fishing adventure!
Captain VJ Bell: Your Trusted Guide Through the Treasure Coast
With more than three decades of experience, Captain VJ Bell is your trusted guide to the waters of Stuart, Florida, and beyond. His dedication to providing the best possible fishing experience for guests has earned him a loyal clientele, some of whom have fished with him for more than 20 years.
Captain VJ Bell's commitment is to get you on the fish and ensure that every guest has a fantastic time on board the Unbelievable. From providing lunch, snacks, and beverages to making sure everyone is comfortable and having a good time, Captain Bell's passion for fishing is matched only by his dedication to creating memorable experiences for you and your fellow anglers.
Read more about Captain VJ Bell's legendary journey
Meet Elijah Krogen: Your First Mate
Assisting Captain VJ Bell on every fishing voyage is Elijah Krogen, our hardworking and people-loving first mate. Born and raised in Stuart, Florida, Elijah is 21 years old. His youthful energy and love for the sport make him an invaluable member of the team. Whether it's helping you reel in your first catch of the day or providing expert guidance, he's always ready with a smile and a helping hand.
An Unbelievable Fishing Experience in Stuart, Florida
Now, let's introduce you to the star of the show—the Unbelievable. The boat is a custom-built 2013 61' Ritchie Howell Sportfishing Machine, equipped with the latest technology to optimize both your comfort and fishing success.
One standout feature of the Unbelievable is its state-of-the-art Seakeeper—a boat stabilizer that significantly reduces rocking, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride for all passengers. No more worries about seasickness; you can focus on the thrill of the catch!
Our boat also boasts a Caterpillar generator, providing ample power for all your needs, including ice-cold air conditioning to keep you cool in Florida's warm climate. And for those moments when you want to unwind, we offer satellite TV and radio, as well as Starlink Wi-Fi to stay connected when needed.
Fishing Equipment and Amenities
The Unbelievable is fully equipped for your fishing adventure, featuring a Furuno 360° Sonar to help locate fish. We provide everything you need to be energized throughout the day, including:
- Lunch
- Cold beverages
- Snacks
- Coffee in the morning
With Captain VJ Bell and Elijah by your side and the Unbelievable as your boat, you're in for an unforgettable fishing experience! At Stuart Fishing Charters, we're more than just a fishing trip; we're a memory waiting to be made. Step aboard, have fun, and let us take care of the rest! Book your adventure with us today, and let us show you why we call our charter UNBELIEVABLE!
Captain VJ Bell's Fishing Journey
Captain VJ Bell's fishing journey began in the coastal town of Wachapreague, Virginia. He grew up in a community where fishing was a way of life. Most kids in the area spent their summers working on boats as mates, but for VJ, it became more than just a seasonal gig.
At the age of 11, Captain Bell became a mate on a fishing boat, and by the time he was 13, he was already working on a boat that ventured out nearly every day during the summer season. Even while he was in school, weekends were spent honing his fishing skills.
Captain Bell's passion for fishing led him to Stuart, Florida, where he arrived at the age of 20 to work as a mate. He would spend winters in Stuart and then return to Virginia each summer to continue his work on the water.
After a few years of traveling back and forth, Captain Bell decided to make Stuart his permanent home and fulfill his dream of making a career out of fishing. His dedication paid off when, at the age of 26, he secured a captain's position on the renowned vessel, the Bone Shaker.
The Bone Shaker was no ordinary boat. It participated in local tournaments and ventured as far as Nantucket, Ocean City, Cape May, Cancún (Mexico), and the Bahamas. Just two years after becoming captain, Captain VJ Bell was running the Bone Shaker, kickstarting his legendary fishing career.
Throughout his journey, Captain Bell achieved numerous awards and milestones:
- Fished the 1999 Nantucket Billfish Tournament and emerged as the winner.
- Participated in the Marlin Open, achieving remarkable success in sailfish tournaments.
- In 2003, Captain VJ Bell was awarded the prestigious Captain of the Year Cup by In the Bite, the inaugural year of the award.
- In 2009, he won The Billfish Foundation Award in the Release Category for sailfish.
- Captain Bell secured multiple victories in Stuart Light Tackle tournaments, including the Pelican Yacht Club Tournament, and even clinched victories in Ladies' tournaments.
- He earned recognition in international waters, placing in tournaments in the Dominican Republic, including the Cap Cana White Marlin Tournament.
Captain VJ Bell's career extended to participating in various tournaments such as the:
- White Marlin Open in the Mid-Atlantic
- Pirate's Cove Tournament in North Carolina
- Rockstar Tournament in Costa Rica
- Marlin tournament in Venezuela.
Along with successfully captaining the Bone Shaker, Captain Bell continued to excel, running the following boats:
- 41
'Viking Somewhere in Time (1992-1994) - 40
'Whiticar & 54’ Willis Bone Shaker (1994-2006) - 51
'Bertram Challenge (2007-2009) - 59
'Spencer Sea Check (2009-2014) - 54
'Viking Fully Occupied (2014-201) - 60
'Jim Smith & 61'Ritchie Howell Unbelievable (2015-Present)
Book Your Fishing Charter
Get ready for an exciting charter fishing adventure in Stuart, FL with Captain VJ Bell. Schedule your fishing charter today and prepare for a journey packed with stories, victories, and exhilarating catches!