Flats Boat Spotlight: Charter Fishing New Orleans

For over 20 years, Capt. Miles J. Watts Jr. has made a difference; he’s served his community performing not one, but two full time jobs as a flight paramedic and a firefighter. Heroics aside, as one might imagine the business of saving lives can be quite demanding which makes the appeal and stress relief of the water and fishing all the more inviting.

Miles like so many others learned the craft of fishing the old fashioned way by spending time with his father on the water. As a native Southern Louisiana’s small bayou town of Crown Point, Miles learned to appreciate the vast saltwater marsh of the Baratira Estuary and his desire for fishing grew. Now a husband and father of two children, when asked about his favorite memories Miles says, “Fishing with my Dad is one of my fondest memories of growing up and before his passing being able to take him fishing was another.”

Having a true passion for chasing redfish in Louisiana’s marshes, Miles has owned multiple boats throughout his adult life but is currently reaping the benefits of a flats boat. From the poling platform of his Spyder FX19, he enjoys sighting fish and has even become a hobbyist at tying his own flies. When fishing, he uses both conventional spinning and bait casters but also loves fly-fishing claiming it to be both, “enjoyable and immensely frustrating”.

Recently, Miles has started his own guide service, Sugar Magnolia Fishing Charters. (Yes! That’s a clear cut Grateful Dead reference for all of you with American Beauty on your playlist.) Over the next seven to eight years, Miles plans to build his fishing resume and then retire from firefighting to offer charter and guide services when he’s not flying and saving lives.

Equipment:
  • 2013 Spyder FX19
  • Mercury 150 Four Stroke
  • Power Pole Signature Series
  • Lowrance HDS 7 Gen 2 Touch Screen
  • Atlas Jack Plate
  • Lenco Trim Tabs
  • Carbon Fiber Push Pole
  • Minn Kota 80 SP Trolling Motor

I really enjoy my Spyder FX 19. My days gliding across the marsh chasing redfish are my escape from my hectic schedule as a Firefighter and Flight Paramedic.

Primary Use:
  • Recreational Fishing
  • Guide Services
Contact:

Cpt. Miles Watts Jr.
504-228-6276
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