
Reel E Bugging is a fishing boat that was featured on the National Geographic series Wicked Tuna. It is owned and operated by Captain Robert (Bobby) Earl, who has been fishing since he was seven years old and has over 25 years of experience at the helm. Captain Earl purchased his first boat in 1994 and made his first appearance on Wicked Tuna in 2019. The boat itself is a Topaz offshore sport fishing boat with a massive cockpit that can accommodate up to six guests. It is powered by twin 675 HP Cummins engines and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including Furuno side-scan sonar. The boat also offers various amenities for guests, including a galley, toilet, bunk beds, air conditioning, a TV, and a multimedia system.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Boat Name | Reel E Bugging |
Boat Type | Sportfishing boat |
Boat Manufacturer | Topaz |
Engine Model | Cummins |
Engine Power | 2 x 675 HP |
Max Cruising Speed | 30 knots |
Amenities | Galley, toilet, bunk beds, air-conditioning, TV, multimedia system, refrigerator, ice-box |
Guest Capacity | 6 |
Fishing Equipment | Custom rods, Alutecnos reels, state-of-the-art tackle |
Captain | Robert/Bobby Earl |
Crew | First mate, unnamed crewman |
Featured On | National Geographic's Wicked Tuna |
What You'll Learn
Reel E Bugging is a fishing boat
The boat is a Topaz offshore sport fishing boat, measuring 60 feet in length and offering ample space for up to six guests. It is equipped with a spacious cockpit, bunk beds, a galley, and a toilet. The vessel also features modern amenities, including air conditioning, a TV, a multimedia system, a refrigerator, and an ice box.
Reel E Bugging is powered by twin 675 HP Cummins engines, enabling it to cruise at impressive speeds of up to 30 knots. It is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology, such as Furuno side scan sonar, a fighting chair, downriggers, outriggers, and a live-well. The boat is also equipped with custom rods and Alutecnos reels, ensuring a memorable fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels.
Based out of Morehead City, North Carolina, Reel E Bugging offers fishing charters and has appeared in multiple seasons of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. Captain Earl's expertise lies in fishing for giant Bluefin tuna, and he has successfully competed against some of the most renowned fishermen on the East Coast.
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It is a Topaz offshore sport fishing boat
Reel E Bugging is a Topaz offshore sport fishing boat. It is a comfortable and seaworthy vessel, powered by twin 675 HP Cummins engines, which allow it to cruise effortlessly at 23 knots. The boat has a massive cockpit with plenty of room for up to six guests. It is equipped with advanced navigation technology, including Furuno side-scan sonar, a fighting chair, downriggers, outriggers, and a live-well.
The Topaz boat provides a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for its guests. It offers access to a galley, toilet, and bunk beds. Additionally, the boat is air-conditioned and features modern entertainment options such as a TV, multimedia system, refrigerator, and an icebox. These features enhance the overall experience for those on board.
Captain Robert Earl, an experienced and passionate angler, helms the Reel E Bugging. With his lively personality and extensive knowledge of fishing, Captain Robert ensures that guests have an entertaining trip and a respectable catch. He has over 25 years of experience at the helm and a vast knowledge of various fish species along the eastern seaboard.
Reel E Bugging is featured on the National Geographic series Wicked Tuna, showcasing the exciting world of tuna fishing. The boat's appearance on the show has added to its popularity, with Captain Bobby Earl sharing his fishing expertise and unique personality with viewers. The vessel's name, Reel E Bugging, has an interesting origin, stemming from Captain Earl's previous business ventures, as he shared in an interview.
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The boat has a massive cockpit with room for 6 guests
Reel E Bugging is a Topaz offshore sport fishing boat with a massive cockpit that can accommodate up to six guests. The boat is equipped with twin 675 HP Cummins engines, allowing it to cruise at impressive speeds of up to 23 knots. The spacious cockpit provides ample room for guests to move around and enjoy their fishing experience comfortably.
The vessel's cockpit is not just spacious but also well-equipped. It features a fighting chair, downriggers, outriggers, and a live-well—all the necessary tools for a successful fishing trip. With such a large cockpit, guests can spread out, relax, and fully enjoy the excitement of reeling in their catch. The boat's design ensures that everyone on board has more than enough room to move around, making it a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.
In addition to the cockpit, guests on Reel E Bugging have access to various other amenities. The boat includes a galley, toilet, bunk beds, air conditioning, a TV, a multimedia system, a refrigerator, and an icebox. These features further enhance the comfort and convenience of guests during their time on the water. It is clear that Reel E Bugging prioritises the comfort and enjoyment of its guests, ensuring they have a memorable fishing adventure.
Captain Robert Earl, an experienced and entertaining angler, helms Reel E Bugging. He ensures that guests not only have a successful fishing trip but also a fun and lively atmosphere on board. With his high spirits and wit, Captain Earl creates an enjoyable environment for all. The combination of a spacious cockpit, modern amenities, and an experienced captain makes Reel E Bugging an ideal choice for groups of up to six guests seeking a memorable fishing excursion.
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It is equipped with first-class navigation technology
Reel E Bugging is a Topaz offshore sport fishing boat, equipped with first-class navigation technology. It is fitted with Furuno side-scan sonar, a fighting chair, downriggers, outriggers, and a live-well. The boat is powered by twin 675 HP Cummins engines, allowing it to cruise at impressive speeds of up to 23 knots.
The Furuno side-scan sonar is an advanced piece of technology that provides a detailed view of the surrounding waters. This enables the crew to navigate with precision, detect underwater structures, and locate fish hiding spots. The sonar technology creates a clear image of the sea floor and water columns, making it easier to identify the best fishing spots.
The fighting chair is another essential component of the boat's navigation technology. It is a sturdy and comfortable seat where the angler sits to fight a caught fish. The chair is strategically positioned and securely fastened to the boat, providing stability during the intense struggle of reeling in a large fish. The chair's height and position give the angler leverage and help tire the fish out, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
Downriggers are crucial tools for deep-water fishing. These devices allow the crew to present lures or bait at specific depths, targeting fish that may be suspended at certain levels in the water column. By adjusting the downrigger, the crew can control the depth of their lines, making their fishing strategy more precise and effective.
Outriggers are another key feature of Reel E Bugging's navigation technology. These extendable poles increase the distance between the fishing lines, reducing the chances of entanglement. They also help to stabilise the boat by spreading the lines further apart, which is particularly advantageous when trolling for fish. Outriggers can be adjusted to different angles and lengths, providing flexibility in various fishing conditions.
Finally, the live-well is an essential feature for keeping baitfish or caught fish alive. It is a tank with a constant supply of fresh, oxygenated water, simulating the natural environment and ensuring the survival of the fish. This is particularly important for catch-and-release fishing or for anglers who want to keep their catch fresh.
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It is owned and operated by Captain Robert Earl
Reel E Bugging is owned and operated by Captain Robert Earl, also known as Bobby Earl. Captain Robert has been fishing since he was seven years old and gained extensive knowledge of various fish types along the eastern seaboard from working at the Cross Island Fish Markets in Long Island, New York. He bought his first boat in 1994 and has over 25 years of experience at the helm.
Captain Robert Earl and Reel E Bugging made their first appearance on the National Geographic hit TV show Wicked Tuna Outer Banks in 2019, and he has since filmed seasons six through eight. The captain has been fishing giant Bluefin Tuna out of the Outer Banks for over a decade.
Reel E Bugging is a Topaz offshore sport fishing boat with a massive cockpit that can accommodate up to six guests. The boat is powered by twin 675 HP Cummins engines, allowing it to cruise at impressive speeds of up to 23-30 knots. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including Furuno side scan sonar, a fighting chair, downriggers, outriggers, and a live-well.
Captain Robert Earl provides an entertaining and memorable fishing experience for both novice and experienced anglers. He is known for his high-spirited and lively personality, creating a fun atmosphere on board. The boat offers various amenities, including a galley, toilet, bunk beds, air conditioning, a TV, a multimedia system, a refrigerator, and an icebox, ensuring a comfortable journey for guests.
Captain Robert Earl's expertise, combined with the well-equipped and spacious Reel E Bugging, creates an exceptional fishing adventure for those seeking to explore the offshore waters around Morehead City, North Carolina.
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Frequently asked questions
Reel E Bugging is a Topaz offshore sport fishing boat. It is 53 feet long and has a massive cockpit with tons of room for up to 6 guests.
Reel E Bugging is equipped with first-class navigation technology, including Furuno side scan sonar, a fighting chair, downriggers, outriggers, and a live-well. The boat also has a galley, toilet, bunk beds, air conditioning, a TV, multimedia system, refrigerator, and an ice box.
On November 5, 2020, the Reel E Bugging boat caught fire 34 miles east of Barnegat Light, New Jersey. Captain Bobby Earl and a crew member were rescued by the Coast Guard and hoisted uninjured onto a helicopter. The boat sank in 250 feet of water and was a total loss.