R&R Charters specializes in Salmon, Halibut, and Lingcod fishing in the beautiful San Juan Islands. We not only have the knowledge and the know how, but we are willing to share it with you! Come spend a day on the water with us at R&R!
Our Story
Hello, my name is Captain Austin Forsman and I am the operator of R&R. I grew up in the town of Anacortes and have been fishing its surrounding waters since I was 5. My goal is to see that you walk away totally satisfied, and though I can't make the fish bite, I'll do everything in my power to see that they get on the hook, and stay there, til they're in the net! But before I get to the specifics of what we offer, let me give you a little backround about how R&R got started.
R&R Charters was created by Ron and Joyce Panzero over 20 years ago to serve two purposes: to satisfy Ron's unhealthy addiction to fishing and to help support the relief ministry Joyce had begun in Kenya Africa. The name originally stood for Ron and Ronnie, as Ron hoped to one day pass on his business to his son Ronnie. In 2011 Ron was ready to fully retire to spend more time with his bride and Ronnie had taken a job in the south sound so he was unable to assume the charter business as was planned.
Ron, and Highliner Charters owner Brett Rosson, had met in 2006 at Christ the King Church in Anacortes and became close friends as Ron had mentored Brett in the charter fishing business. In 2011 Brett approached Ron about purchasing R&R "lock stock and barrel" as they say, and later that year an agreement was made with Brett offering continued support for Rehema Ministry after the purchase. Now that Brett owned two very successful charter companies he had to find someone to help run this one. Having met Austin Forsman while coaching his son in little league, Brett knew Austin was the man for the job. Brett saw that Austin's enthusiasm for fishing was totally infectious, he was charismatic, smart, driven, and most importantly had summers off since he chose teaching as a profession. Austin took over operations of the charter in 2012 but soon found the growth of the business demanded he bring on some additional help. Austin knew immediately who the man was to help run the operation and so called his fishing addict friend, Tyler McKeen. With the addition of Tyler, R&R experienced explosive growth as he proved to be not only an absolute expert fisherman, but a man in possession of a truly winsome personality and high moral character whom customers loved and responded to. As growth and demand continued exponentially, Austin has had to bring on a few others to help with operations as well, all being just as fanatical about fishing a himself.
R&R charters remains in close partnership with Highliner Charters to this day and often books its overflow on Highliner's boat. Both companies and staff are committed to the same high standards of customer service. Our shared business model is simple "Catch Fish and Treat People Right". We can't guarantee the former, but we do guarantee the latter.
Here's some of what we offer:
A top-of-the-line fishing experience. We focus on finding the fish while providing unparallelled comfort, hospitality, and safety.
Our boat is a 28' Parker which sports a heated enclosed cabin , private and spacious bathroom facilities, and plenty of seating.
We operate 2 charter boats which enables us split larger parties (greater than 6) for comfort & convenience.
We're fully equipped with up-to-date fishing gear and tackle.
R&R Charters relies on the latest in electronics, tackle and safety equipment.
Captain Austin has 20 years experience fishing the San Juan Islands, is Coast Guard licensed and fully insured.
