The Captain Behind the Charter : Jacob pridgen
About Reel Influences
A St. Augustine native, lifelong angler, and passionate advocate for inclusive outdoor adventure.
How It Started
Born on the Water
I grew up fishing the inlets, flats, and offshore waters of Northeast Florida. From the time I could hold a rod, the water was where I felt most alive — most myself. It's where I learned patience, resilience, and what it means to be present.
After years of fishing trips with my family, watching everyone light up the moment a fish hit the line, I knew this was more than a passion. It was a calling. Reel Influences was built on a simple idea: everyone deserves a shot at that feeling.
That belief became personal when I started guiding guests who wouldn't normally have this opportunity or take the change at a fishing charter. Watching those barriers disappear on the water — that's what drives everything we do.
Certifications & Experience
- USCG Licensed Captain
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- 15+ Years on St. Augustine Waters
- Adaptive Recreation Trained
- Fully Insured Charter Operation
- Florida Fishing License Provided
What We Stand For
The Reel Influences Philosophy
Inclusion First
Every trip is designed from the ground up to welcome guests of all abilities, ages, and experience levels. Accessibility isn't an add-on — it's the foundation.
Private & Personal
We never mix groups. Your charter is yours alone — your pace, your priorities, your experience. No strangers, no compromises.
Local Knowledge
Raised in St. Augustine, I know these waters intimately. Every productive flat, every tidal creek, every spot where the fish are — that knowledge is yours for the day.
Safety Above All
Every trip meets the highest safety standards. Our vessel is fully equipped, regularly inspected, and chosen for stability and ease of access for all guests.
Let's Get on the Water
Whether it's your first time fishing or your hundredth, whether you need adaptive equipment or just a great guide — I'm here for it. Come see why St. Augustine's waters have a way of changing people.