From commercial fisherman to charter guide
Fishing runs through Ripp's family. Before guiding professionally, he worked as a commercial fisherman and sometimes took people fishing when shrimp season closed.
As commercial fishing changed, imported shrimp, turtle exclusion devices and rising costs for fuel, equipment, boats and labor made the work increasingly difficult. Ripp started his guide service in 1989 and never looked back.
Why he still enjoys the work
Ripp enjoys meeting new people, teaching them how to fish and seeing their reaction when they catch one. He also shares the history of the bayou and Jean Lafitte, including what the area has endured through the years.
His goal is not to show customers how many fish he can catch. Ripp and his guides help the guests catch fish and normally fish themselves only when diagnosing what may be going wrong.
The standard Ripp sets
- Patient and knowledgeable guides
- Clean, safe and insured boats
- Punctual, polite service
- An experience guests want to share with friends and family
