Derwyn’s fishing journey started early in life, with deep sea fishing quickly capturing his passion in the 1990s. By the mid-90s, he advanced to becoming a captain, and in 2005, he expanded his expertise by acquiring a commercial reef fish license, blending commercial fishing into his extensive career. Over the years, Derwyn has managed and captained various vessels, including models such as a 30 Rampage Sportsfisher, 28 Ft True World, 26 Ft Everglades, 33 ft World Cat, 23 Ft Hydrasport Bay Bolt, and most notably his current boat, the Glacier Bay Ocean Runner.

His intimate knowledge of the Gulf of Mexico’s fishing grounds includes numerous secret hotspots not commonly known. But Derwyn’s love for the outdoors is not limited to offshore fishing—he can often be found at Sam Rayburn Lake targeting bass, crappie, or catfish with trot lines. Fly fishing has become his top passion, frequently leading him to rivers in Arkansas, and he’s also an avid waterfowler with decades of experience. Between the early 60s and 2017, he owned and operated a waterfowl outfitting business in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Derwyn’s dedication and enthusiasm for outdoor activities also inspired him to launch an online retail store in 1998, which he successfully ran for 22 years before selling it in 2020. Since then, he has focused entirely on his fishing charter and commercial fishing operations.

The feedback from guests reflects both high points and learning experiences. Many appreciated the smooth seas, professional captains, and an abundance of fish, describing their trips as memorable and enjoyable for the whole family. Captains like Marshall and Jeb were noted for their expertise, friendly demeanor, and perseverance in keeping the lines wet and chances high, even when the fish were elusive.

However, some trips were met with mixed feelings, particularly when extended travel led to limited catches. For example, a challenging day involving a 2.5-hour ride through rough waters resulted in only a single small shark caught during trolling, followed by time nearshore to reel in a modest red drum limit. While this left some guests wishing for more, the captain's strategy was based on both experience and promising conditions. Fishing inherently involves unpredictability, and even the most seasoned captains encounter “zero” catch days. These trips still offer valuable experiences and demonstrate the ongoing effort to find productive fishing spots.

Derwyn emphasizes that many factors influence the outcome of a trip, including the natural feeding patterns of species such as king mackerel, which may bite intensely for a few hours, then go quiet for several. Throughout a journey, the crew scouts for productive features like weedlines, anchored vessels, and floating debris that can attract fish like cobia and mahi-mahi. When such opportunities don’t materialize, captains adapt by shifting locations toward areas known for reliable catches like bull redfish and blacktip sharks, ensuring guests still enjoy exciting fishing action.

Ultimately, the best captains recognize that no outing is guaranteed to produce a big haul, but they bring unwavering commitment to maximizing every trip’s potential. Derwyn’s team welcomes guests back time and again, many requesting a nearshore finish after offshore efforts to increase their chance of catching gamefish. They strive to communicate honestly about what to expect and remain dedicated to providing superior service and adventure on every fishing expedition.

Derwyn appreciates all customer feedback and encourages guests to reach out after their trips to plan future outings under hopefully more favorable conditions. Despite occasional setbacks, the shared passion for fishing and the outdoors remains at the heart of every journey they undertake.