Double Eagle Equals Double FunBy Contributing Writer Donna Malloy
Photo Courtesy of Chad Haggert CLEARWATER BEACH - It's a few minutes before launch and all the Captains line the sidewalks in front of their charter fishing boats at the Clearwater Municipal Marina waiting for their reservations to show. At the last minute, two carloads hastily park, unload their fishing poles and excitedly board the 88' Double Eagle III for a half day of fishing and fun. Fathers and sons, grandpa and grandsons, singles and couples then enjoy the 50 minute catamaran ride that will take them up to 15 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico; just another day in Paradise! Captain Chad Haggert heads up the crew this sunny morning, assisted by 1st Mate Greg Sonnenberg and Cook Bob Green. Haggert is a 6th generation fisherman, following in the footsteps of his great grandfather and Molly "Pappy" Haggert who ran a charter boat business and seafood market at the Clearwater Municipal Marina for many years. Chad's father Sandy worked his way from deckhand up and in 1971 acquired his captain's license. Less than 20 years later, Sandy came full circle and is now sole owner of the Double Eagle. In those early years, young Chad would catch pin fish and sell them for 25 cents each until he had enough money "to buy a cheeseburger" stated Chad with a chuckle. "I worked part-time on weekends and holidays until I graduated from Largo High School in 1987. Then in 1994 I got my captain's license and started as 1st mate." Today Chad is Captain of the Double Eagle III which offers half day fishing trips for $50 for adults, $30 for children, 7 days a week; tackle rental available and bait included. Their second 65' catamaran Double Eagle II travels up to 35 miles offshore, offering all day fishing trips for $68 for adults and $48 for children; tackle rental available. No fishing license is required and your bait of frozen squid and sardines is included. Game fish such as Grouper, "Grey Snapper" or White Grunt, Black Sea Bass and Sand Perch all feed on the juicy squid. En route, Cook Bob heats up the grille, ready to prepare from his "Double Eagle Gourmet Menu" anything from a fried egg sandwich, grilled cheese sandwich to a double hamburger. Snacks include peanuts, chips, crackers, candy; beer, water and soda are also available. The four diesels hum through the waves at 12-1/2 knots to a destination determined by both a depth finder and father Sandy's past history of successful fishing holes. In the old days, according to Chad, fisherman used to tie a piece of soap to a lead brick and lower it down to the bottom. The goal was to find the rock bottom; if the soap came up sandy, they moved on. As the engines shut off, the fisherman set up their stations. There is no need to cast because the fishing spot is already at least 30' deep. "This is a comfortable boat" stated Chad. "The railings are lower for fishing and we also have a sun deck upstairs." The Double Eagle III was custom built in Panama City, Florida in 1980 by Queen Craft. She was built for "speed and stability" stated Chad and is at full capacity at 100 people. Who will catch the first fish? The suspense builds until one fisherman catches his first "Grey Snapper." From then on, it' a continuous cast, hook, unhook, bait and cast again. First mate Sonnenberg stands at attention, taking each fish and stringing it to your other fish before placing them back in the cooler. All in all, each fisherman averaged between 5-13 fish on this particular day. It's 11:25 a.m.; we lift anchor and head home. Once secure at the dock, the fisherman hold up their fresh catch of the day. Pictures are taken, memories are made. For 25 cents each, Sonnenberg will fillet your fresh fish and if you don't feel like cooking, you can walk across the street to Cooters and the kitchen will fry, grille or blacken it for you. For more information, please visit Double Eagle's website at: www.doubleeagledeepseafishing.com Open 7 days a week, reservations are not required but suggested and Private Charters are also available. Phone: 727-446-1653 or Toll Free: 877-446-1653. Please look for our $5 off coupon in this issue.
Photo Courtesy of Chad Haggert
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