Capt. Eric Templeton was born and raised on the waters of the Mosquito Lagoon in New Smyrna Beach. In doing so he was able to take advantage of the water activities the area provides. He was lucky enough to travel the world on the junior pro surfing circuit, but he soon realized how much he missed fishing when traveling. So, his other passion of fishing won out and he has been guiding ever since. Like most of the NSO Prostaff, Eric has been fishing the Lagoon his whole life.
| Born: | 1990 |
| Family: | Single |
| Hobies: | Surfing, Hunting |
| Years Guiding: | 3 |
| Charters: | Inshore |
| Favorite Water: | Mosquito Lagoon flats |
| Favorite Fishing: | Sight fishing for Cobia |
| Boat: | Hellsbay Waterman with a Mercury 60 |
| Tackle: | Shimano Stradic 4000 with 7’0” Shimano Clarus Rods (Medium Heavy) |
| Favorite Lure: | Rapala Skitterwalk |
| Favorite Structure: | Mangroves |
| Favorite Fish to Catch: | Cobia |
| Media: | Cover of Florida Sportsman |
| Memberships: | CCA |
Halifax Sportfishing Tournament
1st Redfish
Redbone Celebrity Tournament
2nd Redfish
Fishstock: New Smyrna Beach
1st Redfish
6 top 5 finishes in Xtreme Redfish Series
10 top 10 finishes in Xtreme and IFA combined
Any interesting charters lately?
I was joined on the water by junior pro surfers Evan Geiselman and Tayler brothers. They took a week off of the Jr.Pro series to relax and do some exciting sightfishing for world famous Mosquito Lagoon bulls. Needless to say they were very pleased when we pulled up on a school of 15-30lbs tailing and willing to eat every cast.
There seems to be a natural crossover between fishing and surfing. Must be the enjoyment of being in or on the water. Any stories of charters that have gone wrong?
Winter time of 2008 the water level was LOW. I have been fishing a school for a few days and like days before I attempted to start there first thing in the morning. I almost made it when I was stopped short by 2inchs of water and foot of nice smelly mud. I pushed the boat the next hour in my underwear while my clients took pictures and reminded me how nice and warm they were in the boat.