by Maren Schober
Greg Dubrule, owner and captain of the Blackhawk II fishing party boat out of Niantic, dedicates his life to instilling a love and knowledge of boating and sportfishing in all those fortunate enough to spend a day off shore with him on the Blackhawk. His purpose is driven and thrives on the happiness and success of all those fishing on his boat. His earnestness and enthusiasm are catching and his customers return time and time again to the Blackhawk.
“I love what I do and I especially love it when children are on the boat. I let them climb up to the pilot house and stand behind the wheel, giving them a chance to steer,” states Greg. “If we don’t hook people at entry level with a love of boating and fishing, we will not get them later. We need to encourage them when they are young.”
“My day starts early, very early. On a typical day, I arise at 4:15 a.m. and am on the Blackhawk with my crew by 5:00 a.m. All the boat operating systems are checked thoroughly, the boat and heads [bathrooms] inspected for cleanliness and the navigational equipment tested. The tackle and rods are set up. In the summer months, we make two trips a day with the first trip leaving at 6 a.m.”
During the fishing trip, Greg takes the time to welcome the fishing party and teaches them how to hold and use their rods. He often walks among the fishermen helping them and answering any questions. Greg knows just where to take the boat this time of year so everyone is catching lots of bluefish, striped bass and black fish. He cares about his clients and they all appreciate it.
At the end of the trip, Greg can be found shaking hands with everyone as they leave the boat. Then he and the crew work hard to hose down the decks and clean the boat before going home. He is home about 8:00 p.m. and ready for a good hot meal.
A leading figure in the New England sportfishing industry, Greg appeared on a number of television shows including “Good Morning America,” “The In Fisherman,” “PM Magazine,” “New England Rod and Reel,” “Trophy Fishing” and “Fishing with Kastaway Kuluis.” During the off-season, Greg gives seminars at many fishing and boating shows across the country. “I have had many unique experiences. One that comes to mind is when we caught a 942 lb. blue marlin.”
No stranger to the local waters, Greg grew up spending his summers fishing in Niantic where his parents rented a summer place. “I fished right here where my boat is,” Greg tells me. “I also used to catch crabs and sell them at Hillyer’s Bait & Tackle Shop.”
Born 1950, in Hartford, Greg lived in Windsor, graduating from Windsor High School. He went on to Manchester Community College where he majored in Business.
Greg lives in Groton and enjoys spending time with his daughter Heather and son Ryan. He also likes to hunt when he gets a chance.
Anyone interested in learning more about Greg and the Blackhawk Fishing Charter Boat, can go to his website www.BlackHawkSportFishing.com.
