We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Capt Armando Alejo . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Capt Armando below.

Hi Capt Armando, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Close one decade ago, I caught a 40 lb. Black Drum (A popular game fish in south FL, known for it’s pulling power!). It was on this day and after fishing recreationally in the Flamingo Everglades of South Florida for nearly three decades that I decided to create a business to help show my passion for fishing to others. I went to Captain’s school, obtained all of the licensing needed and went to work as a fishing guide. One of my first goals was predicated around customer service, and so I used that to help drive my business- how can I provide a service on the water, that others haven’t? I still remember my first guided trip! My group and I caught MANY Speckled trout, and had a GREAT day! From this point forward, I never really looked back. Today, I take pride in boasting close to 160 FIVE star reviews and counting! Quite simply, the simple premise “customers first” has helped create an incredible success story, and a successful business in one of the world’s best fisheries! The Flamingo Everglades. Join me aboard today!

Capt Armando of A2 Fishing Charters
South Florida

Capt Armando, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Capt Armando Alejo of A2 Fishing Charters in South Fl. The first time I held a fishing rod I was 6, this year I am blessed to have spent nearly four decades practicing my passion, Fishing!

I always like to tell the story about my dad. Armando Sr. My dad took us all fishing when we were kids, at the time the most feasible and affordable option were the fresh water canals of the Everglades, so that we did. Our family and I took to these canals and caught Oscars, Bass and other fresh water fish- it was a blast! We practiced catch and release, my three brothers and I loved this pastime, not really thinking anything of it at the moment, except it was our escape. Fast forward 20 years… while fishing with our dad, my brothers and I were all wondering if my dad liked to fish also, and asked only to learn that he had zero interest in the sport and merely took us because we loved it. Fast forward another 10 years and I am proud to run a highly rated and successful fishing charter in South Fl.

I like to ensure that my customers receive world class customer service. This begins the moment they come aboard… First, customers jump on a well maintained and very clean vessel. Next, everything they need for the day is ready for them; Gear, Bait, Ice, Fishing license, etc. I also like to take pride in explaining to my customers what we are doing, what to expect from the day and what the weather will be like. My customers and I always take a mid day break where we each refresh our sunscreen, eat together and take time to get acquainted. I sincerely take interest in my customers and their lifestyles and families, often times many new customers will say “you treat us like family”, or “we feel like we know you”, etc.

I am most proud about my reviews, as write this, I am proud to boast that I have close to 200 reviews, all of which are FIVE stars. Quite simply, the experience my customers receive cannot be touched by any Captain in my area or in the New Orleans area, where I am fishing guide for the summer season.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Growing your business is predicated by your reputation and the power of “word of mouth”. When I first became a fishing guide I spent a lot of time and effort into “putting my brand out there”, and that I did! From marketing dollars spent to, comped trips I did what I had to do to show guests what and how I do what I do. Thankfully, and through many years of hard work, I am now proud to share that 60-90% of my business is now referral/ return business.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Emails. Texts. One tough lesson I learned is that you must have a means of making contact with your customers! What I did to keep a more detailed track of customers is, I had a database created where each time I ran a trip my customers entered, on my database their name, email address, and other pertinent contact information. Weekly, or sometimes monthly I pull reports and make contact with old and new customers as needed. That is my opportunity to provide promotional rates and other incentives.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.A2CHARTERS.COM
• Instagram: @Capt ArmandoAlejo
• Facebook: @A2Charters

Image Credits
Credit to my sponsors; Fortress Anchors- www.Fortressanchors.com IRT Reels- www.IRTReels.com Cajun Custom Rods- www.Cajunrods.com Donnmar Pliers- www.Donnmarpliers.com TFO Fly Rods- www.TFORods.com Four Horsemen Corks- www.4Horsementackle.com Palmyth Gloves