I didn’t drive out to New York to interview Captain Jim Samia…but I’ll be the first to tell you that I wish I had! If he wasn’t running a Charter it would only because he’d be retired…and what would he be doing as a retiree you might ask... he would be ‘fishing anyway.’
Adoration, that’s what I feel when I hear that. Adoration, plain and simple. Both a gentleman and scholar, he’s living his best life based on some of the most valuable advice he was ever given. And just what was that advice?
“Take what you love most in life and try to make a living at it.” Hearing great advice is one thing. Possessing the constitution capable of first recognizing, and then harnessing it, now that's something else entirely. Our guest this week, Captain Jim Samia, is one of those rare individuals who was able to accomplish both. He’s ‘having (his) cake, and eating it too,’ as it were.
Here’s our conversation from when we sat down with Captain Jim Samia (Oswego, NY) earlier this month:
Captain Jimmy Samia please tell us a little about yourself. Tell me a little bit about your background, where did you grow up? What is the thing you envision you would be doing for a living?
My name is Captain Jimmy Samia and I own and operate Ace Charters. I was born in North Adams Massachusetts in 1955. I graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1979 with a BS Cum Laude in Natural Resource Studies with an emphasis on Fish and Wildlife. My goal was always to work in the outdoors, preferably in fisheries and wildlife.
What is one thing you do better than everyone else? What are your target species? Approximately how many charters do you book a season? What port do you charter out of (where and how can the readers find you/book a charter).
Our charter business is family oriented and we feel that we are best equipped to pursue that avenue. Our equipment is tailored towards youth sized individuals and women to make their chances of success obtainable. It's easier for adults, too!
We target trophy trout and salmon out of the Oswego Marina on Lake Ontario located in Oswego, NY. We are a full time charter and do well over 150 trips a season. Our website is https://acecharters.com
Over 150 trips a season! Wow, now that’s a tour de force. How was your company born? How did you get into the industry? Did anyone or anything influence your career choice?
I've always loved fishing! The problem I had was finding people who loved to go fishing as much as I do. Once I discovered fishing on Lake Ontario, I was hooked. I decided to go after my Captain's license so that once I got the customers, I could fish nearly every day.
Once I found a way to be at the Lake, I met some of the best Lake Ontario fishermen around. Most notably, fishing with Brian Castle and the Big Fin boys, Gene, and "Little" Gene aboard the Sea Devil Boat, sealed the deal for me. I was also fortunate enough to be docked next to the Late, Great, Capt. Kevin Davis, God rest his soul. Kevin was the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of Great Lakes fishermen.
What do you like most about the Industry?
Meeting people and other fishermen is a plus. Putting smiles on kids faces and making memories is most pleasing! The charter industry and business is what you make of it, and it still really comes down to taking care of the customers and showing them a good time.
How has the Charter business evolved over your time in the industry?
Oh, the tackle and equipment getting keeps getting better and better.
If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
If I wasn't chartering, I would be retired. At my age and this point in my life, If I had free time, I'd be going fishing anyways.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was to take what you love most in life and try to make a living at it.
Ok, what is your favorite Brick and Mortar Tackle Store.
My favorite Brick and Mortar( I have more than one) stores are:
- Fat Nancy's,
- All Seasons, and
- Screwie Louis's
And favorite Online Tackle Store.
My favorite online tackle store is Fat Nancy's!!!!
Anyone planning a vacation near Oswego, New York looking to target trophy trout and salmon should contact Captain Jimmy. The Eastern Basin of Lake Ontario is home to a world-class fishery. Match that fishery with a world-class Charter boat Captain and you’ve got something pretty special indeed.
Captain Jimmy Samia
413-346-7675
Ace Charters
13 Basin St Slip 24
Oswego, NY 13126
Mike Hiller
Editor-in-Chief
HangryBrand