The charter boat fleet is a big part of the Outer Banks experience and if there is a first family of the fleet, Captain Ernie Foster would be its elder statesman. In his article for Our State Magazine about Captain Foster, Michael Graff explores the history of charter fishing in North Carolina, examines its future and asks some important questions about the state’s fishing industry and how it will be sustained.
“Capt. Ernie Foster is likely the last captain in the original family of sport fishing — his father started the first charter boat in North Carolina in 1937. Now this Hatteras captain works to keep the family fleet that fishes for fun in harmony with neighbors who fish for profit.
Capt. Ernie is lost.
A blue ceiling tops the world laid out in front of him. White clouds etch into the sky. The air smells like diesel fumes and seawater. All of that is normal. And at the bottom of the scene is water, right where it should be, holding him up. But something’s not right.”
[box type=”bio”] To read the complete article, click HERE.[/box]