One of the Gulf Coast’s most experienced captains, Jay Trochesset has served over 50 years chartering the waters of the Mississippi Sound and Gulf of Mexico. Born the son of a sailor, Jay is passing down his knowledge to a fourth generation of Trochessets.
Beginning his seafaring career at the age of twelve aboard his father, JP Trochesset’s, charter boat, the GAY JAY, Jay would work as deckhand. He would continue this work throughout high school and college summers until he became a licensed charter boat captain of his own vessel, SILVER DOLLAR, in 1974. As the business grew, Jay and his father spent three years designing and building the SILVER DOLLAR I, a 50-foot fiberglass sports fisherman without the benefit of blueprints.
In 1997, Jay christened his third boat, SILVER DOLLAR II, a 50-foot catamaran which was featured in the “Sun Herald”. He now operates the new SILVER DOLLAR III, an updated 52-foot catamaran.
A knowledgeable resource on charter fishing, many publications have sought Captain Jay’s insight into the industry. Newspapers and magazines alike have quoted or interviewed the veteran captain on innumerable occasions whether it be about the livelihood of charter fishing or the negative impacts of disasters such as hurricanes and oil spills. Captain Jay has weathered them all. Through all the changes over the years, he states he is “never too old to learn something new and will stay in the business until he passes, just like his father.”
Captain Jay met his wife, Vickie, while studying at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he majored in secondary education. However, the excitement of catching cobia, red snapper, jack crevelle, king mackerel and grouper was a way of life for Trochesset continue to operate the charter fishing business and are passing the legacy on to future generations.
Capt. Jay Trochesset was honored with the International Game Fish Association “Tommy Gifford” Award in 2016 and is now recognized in the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum’s Heritage Hall of Fame for his contributions to the industries.
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