Capt. Ken Holmes did not take the traditional path to becoming a charter boat captain.  He was not born into a fishing family and did not purchase an existing business from a captain he had worked for.  He developed an obsession for fishing at the age of 12 and has operated fishing boats since the age of 14.  His first jobs were in commercial fish markets and boat yards, and eventually he began working as a mate aboard area charter boats.

In 1989, his dad introduced him to Capt. John Alberda, a former Montauk pinhooker and expert charter captain, teacher and coach.  Ken’s path became clear.  Capt. John convinced Ken to obtain his first captain’s license in 1994 and taught him the business along with what it takes to produce day in and day out regardless of conditions.  He immediately gave him the keys to the boat along with a two charter per day schedule.  Ken continued to work for Capt. John for several seasons while working hard at night to complete his college coursework.

In 2001, Capt. Ken and his wife Barbara decided to purchase a lobster boat in need of some TLC.  They fixed her up and started their own business from scratch, making the move east to Orient.  The boat was named “Brooklyn Girl” after Barbara and her home town.  The transition was an easy one and the business quickly took off becoming one of the busiest “6-packs” in the port of Orient.  They developed a reputation of going all out for a loyal following of anglers.  Capt. Ken has now logged 29 years, all behind the wheel of charter boats. He holds a USCG 100 ton master license with a 100 mile coastal endorsement.

When not fishing, Ken has worked hard in other aspects of his life.  Once a Stony Brook University basketball player, Ken holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in education from Long Island University.  He has put both to good use.  He has been a teacher for the last 27 years as well as a coach.  He and Barbara reside on Long Island’s beautiful east end.

NEW for 2019, The Brooklyn Girl is a BRAND NEW, state of the art custom built 50′ USCG inspected 1-35 passenger charter/party fishing vessel. 

The new boat is super clean, big, wide, spacious, comfortable………and FAST!  Her easy sailing, full keel, hard chined Carman hull was molded from solid fiberglass by Chesapeake Boats in Maryland.  Her twin 2019 Cummins QSB 6.7 electronic diesels are quietly powerful, burning clean with zero exhaust fumes.  She will plane at just 12-13 knots and cruise in the 15-17 knot range easily.  Top speed is 21-23 knots with a combined 710 horsepower!

 The new Brooklyn Girl is outfitted with the latest fish finding electronics. Inspected by the Coast Guard annually and fully equipped with safety gear including an AED machine. The layout is very “fisherman friendly” with wide walk-around decks, plenty of rod holders, and lots of cushioned seating inside the heated cabin. The cabin features a table, a small galley with microwave oven, and a spotless private electric head.

Whether your group is small or large, on a fishing trip or a cruise, you will find the Brooklyn Girl and her dedicated crew prepared and well suited to make your experience a pleasant one. 

From first contact on the phone with Barbara to a friendly and appreciative departure from the boat, exceeding customer expectations is the goal each and every trip.