About Us
Meet the experienced crew behind The Miss Venice.
Our highly experienced staff loves taking people fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. We are very proud to have such a knowledgeable and customer-focused crew!
Sarasota Fishing Fleet, home of The Miss Venice, was founded by Joe and Deborah Bernhard as a result of their lifelong passion for fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.
Captain Joe
Joe was born in Sarasota and grew up fishing in Manatee and Sarasota counties. He became a marine law enforcement officer, operating police patrol boats and enforcing wildlife regulations. Joe has also worked on and captained commercial fishing boats, private charter boats, and more. With over 30 years of experience, Joe ensures you will catch fish while prioritizing safety above all else.
Captain Skip
William "Skip" Turner grew up fishing on the West Coast of Florida. He joined the United States Coast Guard, rising to the rank of Senior Chief. Skip has operated numerous vessels catering to watersports enthusiasts and has extensive experience in commercial fishing. Like Captain Joe, Skip prioritizes safety while ensuring you have a fantastic fishing experience.
First Mate Tommy "One Glove"
Tom Taylor has lived and fished on the West Coast of Florida all his life. With a background in construction, Tom brings a "do it right the first time" attitude to the team. His ability to teach others how to fish and his attention to detail make him an invaluable part of our crew. Be nice to Tom—he brings you your bait!
Joe and Deborah's four kids are all out of the house and living on their own, following their dreams. Their youngest, Alex, has joined the U.S. Coast Guard. Please keep him and all of our service members in your prayers.
All of us will do our best to make sure you have a fantastic time while fishing with us. Please call (941) 809-5393 if you have any questions or to make a reservation.