About the Captain >>

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Captain Kent Gibbens is a life long resident of Daytona Beach.

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He began fishing the Mosquito Lagoon area in the late 50’s with his father. Mostly they caught trout, not what people call GATOR trout but fish in the 8-12 pound class. Most were caught free lining live shrimp. Red fish for the most part were caught in the surf in the fall of the year when the bait pods come through; these were schools so big you could not see the beginning or the end. Red fish, tarpon and spinner sharks were everywhere and life was great. This area has produced more than 25 World Record catches.

Kent began guiding after college. After teaching high school he opened a tackle shop in South Daytona. People would come in looking for a guide and there were none to be had. At the time Kent had a 17 foot Mako Angler with a 85 HP motor.

Over the years Kent has fished using many different boats: 17 Mako, 17 Boston Whaler, 15 Mitchell, 17 Hewes Bonefisher (one of the first 12 Bob Hewes made in 1970), 1890 Action Craft, 17 Maverick HPX and now the custom built Hell’s Bay Guide 18 (1990).

Kent has spent an enormous amount of time learning the area and the fish. He does not have to resort to running the flats to find fish. He knows where they live and loves to share his knowledge and expertise.

Kent is known as a teacher and lecturer. Besides his many talents as a fishing guide, Captain Gibbens has many other accomplishments.
 

• He holds a Master's Degree in Education

• Fly Fishing Instructor, teaching novie and advanced fly fishing classes

• Featured guide on FOX TV Network with Lon McEachern's On The Pole

• Speaker at local Clubs

• Orvis Endorsed Guide