Pro Staff
Janet Messineo
Cape Cod & The Islands
Janet Messineo lives in Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts and considered a pioneer of women surfcasters with over 40 years of fishing experience. She is an accomplished shore guide, taxidermist and author. Janet has been a pro-staffer for multiple businesses such as Lamiglas and Trailhead tire deflators. She is passionate about "hunting" for huge fish and teaching others on how to do the same. Learn more about Janet by visiting our Links page.
Finn Hawley
North Shore Boston
Finn Hawley is consumed by the sport of surf casting for striped bass, especially BIG bass. He has accomplished more this season than most people do in their lifetime, posting bass up to 48” from the rocks. And he’s only 17 years old. Finn fishes often fishes at least five times per week, so he puts his time in. He exhibits a unique talent for finding big fish based upon location, tide and time of day. He is particular about the equipment he uses and knows how to use it well. He is especially knowledgeable in artificial baits and how they should be properly presented. Check him out on Instagram @stripedbasshunt or YouTube as "Striped Bass Hunt".
Bernie Hoyt
Long Island
New York
Bernie Hoyt is a NY State Certified Fishing Guide who specializes in surf fishing with over 30 years of experience. Bernie is a native Long Islander who was introduced to surf fishing by his father at a young age along the beaches of Fire Island. Today he continues to fish those beaches of Long Island; including the “mecca” Montauk, NY. When not fishing the Long Island Outer Beaches and inlets; he conducts trips to the Cape Cod Canal, Cuttyhunk, and other striper coast locations. During the off season he can be found conducting seminars and workshops at some of the premier fishing shows in the northeast. Some of his shows include the New England Saltwater Fishing Show (RISAA), Surf Day NJ, and the Ward Melville Fishing Expo. He currently writes a monthly article on surf fishing for IBASS360.COM. He is a team member for S&S BUCKTAILS, ODM RODS AND IBASS360.
Cooper Fersen
Northeast Atlantic Coast
Cooper Fersen (the namesake of the legendary Cooper Gilkes of Edgartown, MA on Martha's Vineyard) is a recent grad of UVA and inspiring young guide. Cooper entered UVA as one of the top lacrosse defensemen in the US, but his first love is fishing. He is an outstanding boat pilot and will soon have his captain's license. In just a few short years Cooper has developed a large clientele for shore guided trips on the Vineyard due to his easy-going personality and extensive knowledge of the Vineyard's fishery and uncanny ability to put clients on fish. You can find him at Coop's Bait & Tackle i Edgartown. Learn more about Coop's by visiting our Links page.