An autobiography of Captain Layne Wagner
I started fishing at a very young age….6 years old, in New York's Central Park. I've been fishing for over 50 years in various parts of the world.

After my family moved to Long Beach, Long Island when I was 10, an old salt took me under his wing and taught me everything he knew about fishing. He made sure I balanced fishing with education by taking me to school through my teens. I still use what I was taught. Times may change, but fish don't. As a steward of the sea, I believe in passing along to the young ones all that is fishing.

In an age of computer games and television, it's important not to have an "indoor generation". Fishing is a way to take our children off the couch and into an outdoor classroom. There's nothing better than to take a parent and child out for their first fishing experience together. It's the beginning of a tradition that will last a lifetime.

I started working party boats as a mate in Island Park, New York when I was 16. My experience runs the gamut from some commercial fishing in the northeast and west coast; to captain on a few head boats; to running a 6-pack charter.

In addition to being an IFGA-certified captain & guide, I'm a USCG 100 gross ton Master Captain and a member of NACO. I've been written up in various local fishing magazines.

I've been involved with teaching all levels of fishing from beginner to advanced. I'm a strong believer in the preservation of our fisheries, safe environmental practices and a strong proponent of catch & release. Light tackle is my specialty…there's nothing like fighting a fish on light tackle.

I've fished all over the U.S. mainland, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico. In the spring, summer & fall I guide on Long Island for local species: striped bass, bluefish, fluke, weakfish, bonita & false albies. In the winter I guide in South Florida.

Check out my posts and feel free to ask questions and post your comments at the HostLongIsland.com Forum

End Autobiography

You can contact Captain Layne Wagner through his website: www.hawkonecharters.com, by e-mail: captainlayne1@aol.com or by phone @ 917-494-1544.

TESTIMONIALS

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Hi Captain Layne,

Sorry these pictures took longer than expected to send. We had such an AWESOME day. Thank you, of course, for putting us on a lot of fish.....but, more importantly...thank you for your kind hearted and effective approach to instructing my two sons. They loved being on your boat and responded immediately to your demeanor. And, they each got a keeper to top it off!! Looking forward to our next time out.

All the best,

James Golden
July 24, 2011

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Captain Layne,

Thank you for one of the best days I've had in a very long time. Hope to see you Tuesday. We had raw clams as an appetizer grilled and ate 2 Flukes, Joe did a fantastic job filleting and grilling the fish, was one of the best meals ever
Thanks,
Timmy

Timothy McLoughlin
May 27, 2011

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Hi Captain Wagner,

We were on a fishing charter with you over the Memorial Day weekend. Attached are some of the pictures we took of our catch. We just want to say thank you for making the experience such an enjoyable one, even though the weather was not in our favor. Thank you and we look forward to fishing with you again!

Alex, Alice, & Sue Wong
June 18, 2009

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Thanks buddie for the fun..

James Brickie
June 26, 2009

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Layne, I want to thank you and Ryan for a great time on the water today. The both of you were great and I finally got to spend some time with my dad. We don’t get a chance to do dad-son things as much anymore and this was great. You both really showed us a good time.

Thank you very much.

Vlad Soltanovich
July 3, 2009

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Layne- Thanks for the terrific trip today! We had a great time learning about the area and you and Ryan were so helpful in teaching us how to fish. I have attached a couple of photos for the website. We will definitely recommend you to our friends and we'll be back to fish with you again soon.

Josh, Beth, Jordan & Gabe Kalter
August 31, 2009

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