Captain Chris's Master 100 Tons Certificate

What This Certificate Means

Captain Chris completed the Upgrade OUPV to Master 100 Tons course through Mariners School, a US Coast Guard-approved training program. The certificate, issued July 15, 2020, shows he passed the curriculum outlined in Subpart C of Part 10, Title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This is the training foundation for his work as a professional captain on Kentucky's lakes.

The certificate itself is proof of course completion. The US Coast Guard retains the authority to issue the actual license, and all requirements must be satisfied for that credential to be granted. What you see here is the course certificate that supports Captain Chris's qualifications on the water.

Running Fishing and Water Sports Trips

Captain Chris uses his training and experience to run guided fishing trips and water sports adventures on Rough River Lake and Nolin Lake. His 20-foot Starcraft boat, powered by a 200HP Yamaha engine, is set up to handle both fishing and action sports safely and comfortably.

On the fishing side, he offers morning and afternoon trips where you'll learn casting technique, bait and lure selection, and how to work your rod and reel. Rough River and Nolin Lakes hold Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Spotted Bass, and Hybrid Stripers. Whether you're an early riser or prefer an afternoon on the water, a 4-hour guided trip gives you time to learn and put in solid fishing time. Family and group charters are available too, with spots for groups planning a work getaway or a day with kids.

If fishing isn't your main draw, Captain Chris also runs water sports packages on Nolin Lake. Tubing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and kneeboarding are all on the table for groups who want to spend 4 hours in non-stop action on the water. He handles the equipment and keeps things moving—you just show up ready to ride.

Beyond the action trips, Captain Chris runs mystery cruises that combine boating with dinner and wine tastings at local spots like Grayson's Landing, Happy Jacks Winery, and Nick's Marina. These evening excursions are booked by the couple and offer a different flavor of time on the water.

Boat Setup and Guest Capacity

The 2019 Starcraft is outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment for comfort and performance. While the boat itself can hold up to 12 people, Captain Chris's captain's license allows him to take up to 6 guests per trip. This keeps the experience personal and manageable, whether you're fishing, skiing, or cruising at sunset.

Captain Chris brings all necessary gear for fishing trips, water sports, and cruising—you don't need to haul your own equipment unless you want to. That said, if you're planning a fishing trip in Kentucky, you'll need a valid Kentucky fishing license. Captain Chris can point you to how to get one quickly, but bringing your license is part of your end of the trip prep.

Getting Ready for Your Trip

For a morning or afternoon fishing trip, bring sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses if you have them, and water to stay hydrated. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and check the weather the day before so you know what to expect. Most trips last 4 hours, so you'll be on the lake from early morning or mid-afternoon through lunchtime or early evening.

If you're doing water sports, wear clothes that work in the water and bring a change for after. Captain Chris will have you suited up with a life jacket and will go over the basics before you hit the water. For the mystery cruises, plan to dress for an evening out—dinner and wine tasting are part of the experience, so consider what you'd wear to a casual restaurant.

Bring a printed copy of the waiver on the day of your trip. All guests sign before boarding, so having your copy ready speeds up the process and gets you on the water faster.