"Testimonial's"

Here are some of the comments we've received about Reel Fun Sportfishing:
(My sincere "Thank You" to all for your kind words)

John: This is Gary from your open boat trip on 9/6. ( The "double header guy")

I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the day being with two professional and courteous men ( you and Rich). I hope that was reflected by my actions and the tip. I really appreciated the effort you put out in trying to find us fish in less than optimal conditions. Also, Dick is a really nice guy and I can see why you and he have hit it off for 15 years.

I look forward to sailing with you again, SOON if not before Striper season.

If you ever need an additional guy to round out an open boat please keep me in mind.

Thanks again Gary Engelhardt

Hello All

If you want to go fishing with the BEST CAPTAIN AND CREW In the fleet, Reel Fun is the One. I have several trips planned with them this year and my Club is also planning several trips. So go with the Best.

Chuck Santoro
Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County

Good morning Captain, I just want to thank you once again for the wonderful day we had on Saturday. Kurt, Kevin and I are all so thankful for all the effort you guys put into trying to put us on some fish. It was a great day and It was nice to sit on the boat and reflect on fishing with my Dad over the years. There was definitely a crew member missing but I know he was there in all of our hearts.

I want to share with you a note I sent over to The Fisherman this morning. I hope I am not overstepping my bounds but I think it is important that people know how much fishing can contribute to ones life. You have always been a great Captain for us as well as a good friend and I thank you for that.

Best regards and tight lines, Karl Lens

To The Fisherman: To the editor,

My name is Karl Lens. I live in Allamuchy, NJ. I'd like to share with you an experience I had this weekend which I think reflects the relationships, camaraderie and character that form through our great sport of fishing.

Ten years ago when my two boys were 7 and 8, I called Captain John Kolias from the fishing charter boat Reel Fun Sport Fishing to see if he would be willing to take me, the boys and my Dad out for a day on the water. Captain John, always concerned with the safety of his passengers was skeptical of bringing such young anglers out on the ocean however after convincing him that my Dad and I would be there to help the boys fish and that he could return to shore at his discretion, he reluctantly agreed. I remember waking my youngest boy Kevin up at 4:30 in the morning and telling him we were going to go catch a fish bigger than him. That day each boy caught a striped bass. The larger one was 45" - 28 pounds and the smaller one was not too far behind. It was an incredible day which started what we tried to make an annual fishing trip for the three generations of Lens fishermen. Year after year we would make arrangements with Captain John to go fishing and year after year we would enjoy a great trip. We didn't alway catch a ton of fish, but we always had fun laughing, joking and sharing fishing stories with the captain and mate.

This past February I emailed Captain John to let him know that my Dad, Eugene Lens had passed. John's immediate response was to invite me and the boys down to the boat for one last trip to celebrate my father. Our original trip would be scheduled for June 17th. True to this season's weather, we got down to the boat only to find dense fog that was not going anywhere. I assumed the generous offer would be considered honored as I know the season for John to make money is short. But as we were leaving, Captain John got out his appointment book and rescheduled our trip for this past Saturday.

So with only one week until my oldest son, now 18 leaves for college and my younger son gets his driver's license, we are out on the Reel Fun charter boat fishing one more time. Although the fish did not exactly cooperate, we were able to catch dinner and more importantly. I was able to spend a day out on the water with my boys, remembering great times with my father and sharing fishing stories with Captain John.

I'm not sure if you can use my story, but I wanted to let you know what a great Captain John Kolias has been for us over the years. He has always kept the safety of my family his number one priority and he is always 100% upfront with his fishing reports. He has cancelled trips because he was not confident that there would be fish for us to catch. He is one of New Jersey Fisherman's true professionals and I have nothing but admiration and praise for him and his business.

Thank you for your time.

Best regards, Karl Lens

Wanted to thank you for a great trip. I know the fish were a little reluctant to bite at first, but you found them!!!!! My Dad really enjoyed the trip, and of course I sent pics to all my brothers and sisters. Hoping I can get them out on a trip with you this spring.

Thanks again,
John Lapenta

Hi Captain John,

"My family and I had the pleasure of a half day Fluke charter with Reel Fun Sportfishing in June 2014. Captain John and his First Mate, Mark made it a great and memorable day. They were professional and friendly - always encouraging safe practices and teaching us tips and tricks for a great catch. Captain John was very good about moving us around to where the fish were biting, which resulted in a good set of keepers to take home. I would definitely do this trip again and recommend Captain John and his crew to anyone looking for a fun day of fishing at the Jersey shore. Thanks again Captain."

Take care! Jessie

Hello Captain John,

Thank you for running this morning. You gave my son and me the best possible Father’s Day gift. My son was so excited about the flukes he caught with you that he insisted on having fluke sandwiches for lunch. (They were delicious!) We have much more fresh fluke in the fridge for dinners this week too.

My son is already asking about when we can go out with you again. We will be back soon. Thank you again for your professionalism, expertise and kindness. Alexander thinks you guys are “Great!” I too am going to brag about finding you, Captain Marc and Captain Greg for a long long time.

Happy Father’s Day.

Mark

Hello Captain John,

Just wanted to write a quick note to thank you for the incredibly perfect fishing experience!!! Not only are you a consummate Captain in that you know where, when and how to catch fish, you made it so much fun and relaxing. We had perfect weather, spot on instructions and who can argue with the results!! The Striped bass were huge and you were right, my arms were tired. Deckhand Bradon was awesome! What a pleasure the whole trip was. The extra added bonus and original reason? We turned my husband on to fishing.

We will be back for sure!! I’m sending his pic to the Asbury Press for their Hook Line and Sinker section. Is it okay to reference Reel Fun Sport Fishing?

Thanks again!! Trish

Hi John,

Hope you and your crew are doing well. We are looking forward to fishing with you again this year. Please let me know when you can take us . It will be me, my Dad and Ray. Dad turned 83 this year and we are all excited about fishing for stripers.

Thanks again for all the great fishing trips . God has blessed you with great fishing and boating skills and we are grateful you are sharing it with us and everyone else!!

Looking forward to spending another fishing adventure with you and your crew.

Bob Corduan

Dear Capt John,

"We all had so much fun! It is definitely something we want to continue to do with our kids and other family! You and Mark gave us a great experience and we couldn't have had a better team to be with! I will catch up with you when I'm out of work today and talk about setting up another trip for this fall, and would love if it was the same great team as our first experience. If anyone asks me who they should come too, I am recommending you hands down!"

"Thank you for everything and creating wonderful memories for me and my family! We are so blessed."

"Again, thank you for all that you have done."

Sincerely,
Michelle Hildebrant

Dear Capt John,

"Thanks so much for a wonderful family fishing trip, we all had a blast. I have been telling anyone who will listen that I caught a 35" inch striper.............and only a few that he almost caught me! ;)"

Karen McAleer and family

Dear Capt John,

"Please tell Michael, your amazing deckhand, thank you for netting every striper today, all ten and the two throwbacks since we limited out!!! It was amazing that we had absolutely no shorts, and each hook up remained a hook up and in the cooler. I have been fishing with my uncle since I was 5 years old. This is a special day even when you are 43 years of age. Reel Fun was a Reel Blast, Reel Equipment, Reel Honey Holes, Reely, I mean Reely, I mean Reely a great time had by all."

"Thank you Captain, we will be back !!!!"

Mark Rodrick

Dear Captain John,

"I just wanted to thank you again for a great day yesterday on your boat. We really appreciated the attentiveness of both you and your mate, Mark with our son Charlie. He had an excellent time catching fish, being out on the water, and learning as much as he could possibly soak up in 6 hours! We all had a great time being out there with such a professional and attentive crew and we hope to make a trip on your boat a tradition."

Thank you again,
Dana

Fellow Anglers,

I am extremely proud and humbled to share with you this review from Carl Bruger of the Hudson River Fisherman's Association pertaining to the June 12th "Better Bucktailing for Fluke" seminar that I gave at the Ridgefield Park Elk's Lodge. It's an honor to read Carl's thoughts about my seminar. It's just an affirmation of all the hard work and effort that I put into trying to become someone I would like to fish with if I had the choice. Once again, Thank You Carl and all the members of the HRFA.....I'm very humbled. To read the review....click here

Dear Capt.John,

Bailey and I want to thank you for one of the greatest fishing days ever - we knew there was divine intervention as soon as we woke up and looked outside - what a spectacular day - the best of the summer. Then your directions to the dock were crystal clear. Like a couple of angels come from above, you and Mark suddenly appeared stage right and left at the dock, both with hearty smiles and welcomes. Then, in a flash, we were aboard the Reel Fun Sportfishing luxury liner. Beautiful boat, well-equiipped, clear, and, of course, 'the brothers' at the helm. (I know you're not related by blood, but you work so well together and seem such good friends, it's hard to tell the difference.).

Put up our feet and enjoy the beautiful sites along the way off Sandy Hook. Then you sneaky guys found your 'special spots,' which you both described giggling like children. "Oh, this is one of our spots." Wham! No sooner did Bay have his line overboard (after expert instruction) than little mr. 5-lb flounder was on the end of his line. 27 flounder and blues later, the beautiful sunset appeared and in one fluid motion the deck was being cleaned and prepped for more adventures the next day and we were underway back to the dock, sad, but with 20lbs of smartly filleted flounder in hand, good friendships made, a happy son and contentment in our hearts.

I'm not a religious guy, but this is as close as I've come to a religious experience in many years.

THANK YOU...... Captain John and Mate Mark!!!

Looking forward to our next visit.

Robert Lieberman

Good Morning Captain John,

My sisters and I were checking the website the day after our wonderful fishing journey with you and Mark. It was awesome and Susan and Laura were so incredibly excited to see themselves on the website. They had an amazing time and you guys were so patient and wonderful with them and I cannot thank you enough. It was a glorious evening and one that will not be forgotten by myself or my sisters. You are a prince among men John and I thank you and Mark again for the evening and your very, very kind words for me and my sisters on the website. I cannot wait to come back out with you guys very soon.

Elizabeth Dickerson

Captain John is very methodical about his business to get things done just right before the trip begins so that you have a good day of fishing. While on the water, he continually monitors the action and moves when necessary to maximize fishing results. Fishing with Captain John and his Reel Fun Fishing charter is just that: Real fun fishing!

John Toth
Salt Water Anglers of Bergen County

Michael I. Goldberg M.D.

Captain John,

"Just wanted to let you know, we all had a great time fishing with you and Mark on Sunday. All the guys said to me, that they really enjoyed the trip. You definitely run a first class charter service, and also know the waters and how to fish! I will spread the word about Reel Fun Charters. We all hope to fish with you again in the future."

Thanks again,
Bill Kuczewski

Captain John,

"Just a note to express our thanks again on a great trip with you and Mark last week...we all had a blast and you guys made it a really special memory...and the fish were tasty too!!! See you soon"

Scott Pass

Captain John,

" I just wanted to thank you again for making our trip so delightful.. This was going to be one of the best memories that my dad and I have will have. My daughter still has bragging rights to this day!!! She wants to have her birthday on the boat with you guys!! She loved Mark the mate… I got back the photos and my daughter has a perm-a-smile in every photo! This was the best fishing trip that I have been on… I want to plan a trip when the "door-mats" are in… Well again thanks for making this trip the most enjoyable trip ever. This tops the trip my dad and I did in the Bahamas… Stay safe and see you soon..."

James M. Wyckoff

Capt John,

Just wanted to take a minute to say thanks again for a great trip. My son in-law is still bragging about catching the big one (OK...a 6 pounder is a nice fluke). All in all a very good day fishing...better yet everyone got to bring home a few keepers. It's always nice to fish with someone who knows what they are doing. Learning a few new tips doesn't hurt either (never fished with sea robins as bait before). See you next summer.

Thanks again,
Keith Wakefield

Reel Fun is the best charter I have used in Sandy Hook. John has always found us fish and when my sons were young he was extremely patient with them. His boat is clean and very well maintained and the equipment is first class. My youngest, now 20, still looks forward to our fishing trips with John every summer.

Steven Dilk

My father, two sons and I have been fishing with Captain John every year for the last 4 years and keep coming back for more. Captain John is a true professional with a high regard for the safety of his boat as well as the fish he brings on board. We find his fishing reports to be up front and accurate. If the fishing is good, he lets you know. If the fishing is not good, he lets you know. Reel Fun Sportfishing is a first class operation and we would gladly recommend Captain John to anyone interested in a serious fishing experience.

Karl Lens

After spending more than 40 years in the Raritan Bay/Sandy Hook area, I have had the opportunity to meet many fisherman, recreational and professional. Its refreshing to see Captain John's approach of his charter business. It has always been run professionally and driven by his knowledge and experience of fishing New Jersey waters. In an industry that is full of challenges, it's easy to see Reel Fun Sportfishing is not a "sideline" for Captain John, it is his passion and proves it everyday.

Don Shapiro
Tastee Subs of Somerset

After a long hiatus from fishing, my friends and I were lucky to find Captain John and Reel Fun Sportfishing! We fished with Capt John on a number of occasions last year and everything, from the tackle, equipment and bait, to the friendly and experienced mates, made each trip a fun experience. And Capt John WILL find you fish - your job is just to catch them!!! I can honesty say that "top class service and professionalism" are the perfect words to describe the experience.

Tom Tanacredi
Aberdeen, NJ

Captain John,

I just wanted to thank you again for an awesome fishing trip. It was my first trip with my husband and uncle but I have been going fishing with my dad for the last 5 years and the trip on your boat was the best trip we have ever had. Your knowledge was very much appreciated. The mate Chris was also extremely attentive and patient.

Thanks again,
Jennifer Carney

To reserve your date call...
Capt. John at: 908- 421- 4761

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