Meet RJ Boyle | Professional Fisherman, Marine Artist, Instructional Teacher & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with RJ Boyle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi RJ, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My dad owned his own business, so at an early age I was exposed to entrepreneurship. My dad owned a successful retail furniture store in south Florida. I grew up in the warehouse and around all of the employees. I attended all industry trade shows and was exposed to entrepreneurial thinking in my early years. My dad never pressured me to be in his business, he always encouraged me to find something that I loved and if I found it, to give 150%. With regards to my own business, it was a step-by-step process. I spent years honing my skills as an artist and fishermen. Until eventually I was perched to start my own business in art and big game fishing tackle. Prior to starting my own business, I worked as a mate on boats for 15 years. At the same time, I was doing illustration and artwork as a side hustle to make extra money. Eventually the two trades culminated into what we have now: a big game tackle store with my personal art gallery.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is unique because of my involvement and role in the succession of daytime swordfishing. Not that long ago, swordfish were only being caught at night. I was one of the first pioneers of the technique and strategy used today for swordfish being caught in the day. People come from all over the world to go daytime swordfishing with me. It truly is an honor to be involved in fishing during a time where so much is still being learned!

I have spent the last 25 years honing my skill day in and day out. Learning from other people, trying a new technique, fishing in a new location etc. My passion for teaching other people and sharing in my experience led me to create an instructional teaching platform where I share the knowledge I have learned over the years. I am lucky to have forged relationships with some of the word’s best fisherman who I bring on the platform to share their knowledge as well. We feature instructional films on everything from knots & rigging to the most advanced technique. I try to cater toward every angler out there because nobody was born knowing how to fish and we are all still learning!

Daytime swordfishing and teaching really positioned us to create a group of followers who share in the love of sportfishing at every level. Our brand is really unique because we do fishing charters most days of the week, the retail store is open six days a week, we are out every week filming for The Crew Platform, I am painting and doing art a few days a week and trying to balance it all in between. It is definitely very challenging and requires a lot of organization and having a great team of people who you can rely on.

I am really proud of the brand that we have built. It was extremely hard getting to where we are now and going through the ups and downs of being in retail, managing so many different sub-businesses within the brand and wrapping it up in a way that caters to everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Deerfield beach community is focused around the beach, boating and fishing. On the day you’re taking a break from the beach you’d have to take our charter boat, Lisa B Sportfishing, out for a spin. Running out of Lighthouse Point, Captain Mark Danley will catch you more wahoo and mahi than you can imagine. The “Fish Shack” and “Whales Rib” are great restaurants to bring in your fish for a catch and cook!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I accredit all of my success in life and business to the Lord above.

Website: https://www.rjboylestudio.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjboylestudio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjboylestudio/

Image Credits
Adrian Gray