Captain Rob Harris
Captain Rob has been living and fishing in the Lower Keys and Key West since 1999. Born and raised just outside Houston, he started fishing at a very young age. His Father had been born into the meat business which he expanded in the fish business. Commercial fishing was a great fit for Capt Rob as it started him on his path to reading the weather and various sea conditions based on operating vessels of varying sizes.
He joined the US Navy in the early 80s with the goal of seeing the world and exploring fisheries that he had only read about. Starting out as a Deck Seaman, he learned the importance of safety at sea during the many evolutions that our Sailors conduct. After a short time striking as a Gunners Mate, he found his true love as an Operations Specialist. In this capacity he would serve on 5 ships and a Battle Group Admirals Staff, as well as a shore tour at NORAD in Colorado Springs.
After 2 full trips around the world and several deployments to hot spots (Persian Gulf, Lebanon, Kuril Islands to name a few) and 3 years stationed in Japan, the Navy needed his expertise in Key West as the Leading Chief Petty Officer for the TARPON Military Radar Unit (Tarpon Control) in 1999. This was the assignment that he had been looking for. In 2003, he decided that it was time to settle in and ended his career with the Navy.
Since arriving in Key West, Captain Rob’s interest in competitive fishing through Tournaments was rekindled. Starting in 2000, he has amassed an impressive listing of tournament Wins and Top 3 finishes, including a 3rd Place Marlin Division, 1st Place Wahoo Division and 2nd Place Dolphin Division while Captain of Easy Rider in the first Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament that Easy Rider has entered. 2013 saw Easy Rider’s second appearance in the Drambuie Tournament, this time taking 1st Place Dolphin and 2nd Place Wahoo.
As Captain of other vessels fishing in Tournaments, he has also excelled. Most recently in the Key West Gator Club Dolphin Derby (2012) with a 1st Place finish and podium finishes in the 2011 and 2012 Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament.
For the Key West Fishing Tournament, he has guided anglers to division wins in every year since he started participating in 2005. 7 times during that period he has been recognized as a Top Guide and has had 7 of his anglers’ win Tournament Master Angler honors.
More than just a fisherman, Captain Rob has held a seat on the South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council’s Snapper/Grouper Advisory Panel, and was 1 of 3 nominated by the Governor of Florida to represent the State of Florida on the Full Council. He has also held a position with the Monroe County Tourism Development Council’s Fishing Umbrella, which is chartered to improve the development of the quality of fishing in the Florida Keys and help promote tournament based fishing.
Capt Rob and Got TA Go are both familiar with TV shows and Capt Rob was the host of the “Reelin’ in the Keys” program. Through the years, Capt Rob has brought camera crews aboard both Got TA Go and Easy Rider to film TV shows and for Easy Rider’s Drambuie premier.
Capt Rob has 20 years experience aboard Got TA Go as an Angler, Owner/Operator and Captain. Fishing the waters off the Lower Keys and Key West for Marlin, Swordfish, Sailfish, Dolphin, Wahoo and Tuna are a personal passion of his. He is also a specialist in the Deep Water species such as Snowy Grouper, Golden Tilefish, Blueline Tilefish and Rose Fish. Got TA Go is made specifically to match these fisheries.
You’ll feel his lifelong love of the sea and all things fishing within minutes of talking to him.
Captain Rob has two (2) main rules for his clients…. #1 Be Safe, #2 Have Fun!
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