When David and Brian Epstein found out their father had only a short time to live, they chose to do something he would likely have thought was impulsive. They bought a 55-foot Hatteras and started a charter fishing company.
“Fishing was his big thing,” said Brian Epstein about his late father, Bob Epstein. “He was all about fishing.” The brothers wanted to take their dad out on the Hatteras so he could share his seemingly endless fishing stories.
After the purchase, Brian showed his father a picture of the boat while he was in the hospital. Shortly after seeing the picture, Bob Epstein passed away from a blood clot.
“He knew about the boat and then he said goodbye,” Brian recalled.
“He’d be like, ‘What are they doing? Are they doing it for me?’ ‘No way,’” David added about what their father might say now about the business they started in his honor.
Bob Epstein died on Jan. 14, 2025. More than a year later, the brothers have grown their one-boat operation, the Poppa Wahoo, into a concierge-style charter business, the Poppa Wahoo Collective, with four boats and more on the way.
The Poppa Wahoo Collective offers tailored experiences in offshore and inshore fishing, eco-tours, sandbar trips and sunset cruises. They also provide dinner cruises and “helm to hearth” experiences, where a chef prepares the catch right on the boat.
“We’re focusing on luxury, on the high end. We want people to be comfortable,” Brian said. “We have Starlink so people can work on the boat while their kids are fishing.”
To understand why the Epstein brothers started this venture, it’s essential to know their father, Bob Epstein, and his love for fishing.
In the 1970s, the passionate fisherman moved his young family to Islamorada.
Bob worked as a photojournalist for various domestic and international publications, including Penthouse and Conde Nast. He was a storyteller in every way and loved his role as the fishing editor for the Miami Herald, where he covered the Florida Keys.
Along the way, Bob found time to write 11 books, some about his travels abroad and others about his beloved Florida Keys and his passion for fishing.
While living in Islamorada, Bob fished with notable figures like President George H. W. Bush and baseball star Ted Williams.
Over 30 years ago, Bob helped Betty Bauman promote her then-growing business, Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing.
“Bob was a big fan of Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing,” Bauman remembered. “He wrote many great articles about us; he was a wonderful person,” she continued.
Over the last 30 years, Bauman estimates she has helped about 10,000 women learn about fishing through her seminars and hands-on experiences around the world. At the end of January, Bauman was pleased to use the Poppa Wahoo Collective for her Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing sailfish tournament.
“They offer comforts you won’t find on other charter boats,” Bauman said. “They usually provide a charcuterie tray and bring water for the ladies,” she added.
Bauman recently hosted the Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing Screamin’ Reels tournament in Islamorada, and once again, Poppa Wahoo Collective was her go-to charter company.
As they grow their business, the Epstein brothers contribute unique skills. David, a retired Air Force veteran and emergency management specialist, is seen as the financial expert and manages logistics. Brian, known as Captain Key Largo, is a 100-ton master captain with deep knowledge of Keys waters. He handles bookings, runs some charters and organizes crews for others.
One of those crew members, who acts more as an ambassador for the company, is the legendary fish captain Skip Bradeen.
“Skip is probably the first captain I ever met. I was 6 years old, either in 1976 or 1977,” Brian recalled. “At my dad’s funeral, Skip came to me and said, ‘I’ll come on the boat and be your dad,’” he continued.
“It’s exciting to have him on the boat because he has so much experience. His fun personality helps ease the nerves of beginners and infrequent anglers, making them feel comfortable with the sport,” Bauman said.
The Epstein brothers are always looking to expand the experiences they offer customers. Besides Islamorada, they plan to begin charters from Key Largo soon. They are also in talks to partner with a seaplane operation, one day possibly flying customers into Whale Harbor for a day of fishing.
Both Epstein brothers grew up in Islamorada and attended Coral Shores High School.
“We have a lot of people supporting us. We grew up here, and we have many resources and people who have our backs,” said Brian. “We’re part of the village, and the village has always stood together.”
For more on the Poppa Wahoo Collective, visit poppawahoo.com.
