If you had to pick just one tool for your tackle box, the multi-tool wins hands down. Whether you’re looking for a pair of pliers, a knife or even a marlinespike, the multi-tool quickly transforms itself into exactly what you need when you need it.
With 35 years as a professional charter captain, an impressive collection of tournament wins and a list of credentials that reads more like a history of Gulf Coast saltwater fishing than a resume, Sergio Atanes is the human equivalent of the multi-tool. If it involves water, a rod, reel and some kind of fish, Sergio can tell you when, where and how to make it happen.
A light tackle expert with an uncanny knack for putting his clients on trophy snook, redfish, tarpon, cobia and more, Sergio has earned a reputation for producing incredible catches. His company, S&I Charters, Inc., boasts a staff of 45 professional guides and serves guests from around the world.
During his 45 years of fishing Florida’s West Coast, Sergio has piled up a notable collection of awards, dating back to 1979 when he won Mako's Master Angler Award. Since then, he’s added a number of other titles, including back-to-back GTSFC Master Angler, Springfish Challenge Champion, Brac Reef Offshore Champion at Cayman Island and largest kingfish caught in 2004.
Perhaps more important than any of his angling achievements, Sergio is also a representative of the sport, actively involving himself in just about anything related to fishing. An accomplished radio show host, outdoor writer for 5 magazines and guest host on numerous fishing shows, he’s made the piscatorial arts his life – on and off the water. His influential radio show, Outdoor Fishing Adventures, is broadcast in eight major markets on Saturday mornings, and Sergio frequently appears on several television programs for local affiliates of CBS and NBC.
As a big believer in sharing his expertise and the joys of fishing with others, Sergio conducts a popular fishing school that was rated the top of its kind by Vessel Assist. He’s also been invited to deliver seminars and perform as guest lecturer at fishing clubs, civic groups and boat shows.
For his incredible dedication to the sport and active involvement, Sergio has also earned dozens of spots as a field-tester with some of fishing’s top companies – including Motor Guide, MirrOlure, Eagle Claw, Power Pro, Yamaha Outboards, YO-Zuri, Daiwa, Exide, Magic Tilt, Ocean Waves, Plano and many others.
In his "spare time," Sergio is tournament director and show coordinator for major events such as the Florida Aquarium, Clearwater Aquarium, CREW, Tampa Chamber of Commerce Tournaments and the Tampa Bay Boat and Sports Expo. In other words, he’s the fishing world’s equivalent of the multi-tool.
Capt. Sergio Atanes
Current Information:
Outdoor writer for the following magazines:
Florida Leisure Sportsman
Florida Outdoor Adventures
Marine Times
Rod and Gun
Woods N Water
Radio:
Co-Host of Outdoor Fishing Adventures - ESPN Tampa Bay 1040 AM Radio on Saturday morning from 8-10 AM.
TV:
Starting to film in November for the spring of 2008-Capt. Sergio’s Fishing Adventures.
Tournament Director for the following companies or non profit groups:
Boys Scouts of America (Gulf Council Group)
Builders First Source
CREWS (Commercial Real-estate Women)
David Weekley Homes
Dixie Plywood
Eckerd College
Florida Aquarium
IDI
Insight Corporation
Northside Christian School
Tournament fishing:
Xtreme Redfish Tournaments (4th place in points as of October)
Boat Shows:
S & I Charters, Inc. has a booth at all major boat shows in Hillsborough-Pinellas-Pasco County. My company also is responable for setting up all the guest seminar speakers at most the shows.
Guide Service:
S & I Charters, Inc. has 55 captains working under its umbrella covering from Yankeetown in the north to everglades in the south and 3 captains in the Cayman Islands.
Fishing School:
Capt. Sergio’s Saltwater Fishing School taught for Hillsborough County at Brandon High School. A five week course covering everything from knot tying to when-where-how to of fishing. Teaching four courses a year.
Current Sponsors:
D.O.A.
Daiwa
Eagle Claw
Exide
Igloo
Jerry Uln Dodge
Magic Tilt
Map Tech
Mirr O Lure
Navonics
O Hero
Ocean Waves
Power Pro
Raymarine
Sheaffer Boat Co.
Shumakes
Tampa Fishing Outfitters
Team Fish
Yamaha
