About Our Crew & Fleet

Captain Chris is a Bluffton native who attended local public schools in Bluffton and Hilton Head. He is a 2007 graduate of the University of South Carolina-Columbia. He spent his early years on his father’s commercial shrimp boat and his teenage years fishing, shrimping, and crabbing along the May River. When he’s not out running trips, he can be found at the May River Sandbar and fishing with friends.

Captain Matt is a Bluffton native and the youngest of the Shoemakers. He is also a graduate of the University of South Carolina- Columbia and now works for the Georgia Port Authority in Savannah. In his free time when he is not helping out with the family business he likes to crab, shrimp, flounder gig, or just ride around the May River like he did growing up. He now get to take his two sons on the boat to show the wonders of the May River.

Austin is a new local addition to the crew. He is native to Bluffton, with family roots that have been here for over a century. He grew up fishing and exploring the May River as well as surrounding waterways, barrier islands, and marshes. Before graduating from Bluffton High School, Austin received his captain’s license so he could begin a career doing what he loves.

Fred was born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. He grew up with a passion for the outdoors by fishing or hiking every chance he had. He moved to the Lowcountry 20 years ago and never left. He enjoys relaxing on the beach with his family or fishing with friends in his free time. Captain Fred is a wonderful edition to our crew with his appreciation for the Lowcountry nature and history.

Alan was born and raised in Mississippi where his love of the outdoors began. He spent his youth and Ole Miss college days fishing, camping, and hiking. He moved to the Lowcountry in the late 90s and found his local wife whose family lives on the May River near the Shoemakers. Captain Alan is a perfect fit to our crew with all his local knowledge of the waterways and nature.

Branson was born and raised in Texas. Grew up fishing tournaments with my grandfather and that’s where his love for the water began. He just graduated from Ole Miss and knew the Lowcountry was the place for him. He is a great new edition to our crew and strives to make all his excursions a memorable one.

Clayton was and raised in Bluffton on the May River. He started swimming before he could walk so his love for the water and nature started early. Clayton is currently studying at Wingate University but he is with us during the summer sharing his love of what the Lowcountry has to offer and his local knowledge of the May River.

The “Marsh Donkey”, named for all of the long hours running through the back creeks of the May River. It was the first boat in the May River Excursions fleet, with a custom-made T-top by Capt. Stephen. It is a multi-purpose boat but is primarily used for fishing/crabbing/shrimping excursions between 1-6 passengers.

It has now been retired.

“Boondocks” is the second boat in the May River Excursions fleet and its name is inspired by the Bluffton Capt. Chris grew up in. It is a coast guard inspected 23’ used for all excursions. It is an open setup with cushion seating that makes it perfect for big groups of up to 12 passengers and a comfortable ride through our local waterways.

“Marsh Tacky”, named after the South Carolina state horse is also a coast guard inspected 23’ Carolina Skiff primarily used for river excursions and water taxis for groups of 6 people or more. It can accommodate up to 12 passengers and is an open boat with cushion seating.