Jones Family Bags The Big One After 12+ Years Of Tournament Fishing Always Keep At It Offshore fishing in the 1970s and 80s was how Steve Jones enjoyed spending his free time. He would join friends on their 30-footers and head out into the Atlantic in search of a good bite and great memories. Their travels to and from the open waters along the Outer Banks would take them past Wanchese and the bustling commercial and charter fishing fleets. “We’d go to Wanchese and watch the Buddy Davis boats being built and I said, ‘I will have a sportfish like that one day’”, Jones recalls. Fast forward a few decades, family, career, children and more, and Jones’ made good on that dream. An offshore trip in 2009 aboard a friend’s Viking sportfishing convertible left Jones chomping at the bit, and the next year he sealed the deal by purchasing a Viking 52 Convertible. The boat then underwent extensive modifications at Bluewater’s Hampton Yacht Yard (now Safe Harbor Bluewater). Jones has a form of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects his legs. He uses a motorized chair to get around and his 52’ Viking was adapted to serve his fishing style and needs while accommodating his chair. All modifications were completed in time for Jones and his crew to fish the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament (VBBT) in August of that year. “We have fished the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament every single year since 2010—besides 2020 when there was no tournament,” Jones says. MEET THE CREW Cuttin’ Up is run by Jones’ middle son Nicholas, while his oldest son Travis works the cockpit setting dredges and angling. “One of my sons is up, the other one is down,” Jones explains. “This way they do not compete or rival.” The youngest of his three boys loved fishing as well but unfortunately passed away in a scuba diving accident back in 2015. Jones also has a daughter, Faith Victoria, who loves fishing, and his wife Debbie enjoys tagging along, but prefers a more relaxing cruise or staying home with the grandchildren. The Jones children are joined by a tight group of friends they grew up with. “I am so proud of my boys and the guys fishing with us.” Jones continues, “The core of that group has been with us at every tournament—virtually everybody on that boat is like family to us, all around.” Jones is very much a family man, and the boat is a tool to get them together as much as their busy schedules will allow. “If my children were not involved, I would not have the boat.” Jones explains further, “I still deer hunt with my boys too. We’ve modified a 4-wheeler and they help me hunt.” Jones feels very fortunate knowing that most men do not have the opportunity to spend so many hours enjoying the company of their grown children. WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR Another friend and customer of Bluewater Yacht Sales, Perry Nichols, purchased a 64-foot Viking at the 2018 Miami Yacht Show. Nichols also copes with muscular 42 BLUEWATER
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