Since I was a child, I have been struck by the deafening silences of the sea. They are unique. The sea is a school of life. It teaches you the art of listening . You think you are observing the waves and the wonderful seabed, while you learn to look inside yourself” . This is how Carlo Leone , 52, born and raised in Cagliari, begins to talk about his love for the sea. Since 2011 he has been the owner – together with Gigi Barrella – of Fish and Charter , an exclusive sport fishing and deep-sea trolling service hunting for tuna, snapper, amberjack, grouper, parago and other medium-sized fish in the magnificent waters of southern Sardinia ( www.fishandcharter.com).
“ Fishing has always been a part of my life,” he explains . “I am the son of a great sea enthusiast.
My father Giorgio never missed an opportunity to go fishing with his friends. How many tears I cried as a child when he didn't take me with him! I grew up wanting to become a strong fisherman and live in contact with the sea." A dream that Carlo Leone fulfilled on all fronts. As a fisherman, he became a pioneer of Vertical Jigging and Deep Jigging. He collaborated with specialized magazines and TV channels. He won important trophies and became a sales agent in the fishing sector for prestigious Japanese brands. In 2012, he received the coveted IGFA (International Fish Game Association) recognition, naming him "Captain Carlo Leone." Only a very few fishermen in Sardinia have obtained this certificate. " A great satisfaction. It's a title valid throughout the world, which is awarded only to those with recognized expertise and when numerous technical tests have been passed." Leone has plenty of experience at sea. " I earned my stripes," he confirms , "first with spearfishing, then with sport fishing, also in conjunction with the creation of marine parks . "
How did the idea for Fish and Charter come about?
"As a boy, I loved going fishing alone. Like most fishermen, I was jealous of my techniques and fishing spots. Then, I realized that when I returned to the dock, many tourists asked me if I knew anyone who offered sport fishing services. So, in 2006, I said to myself: 'Perché no?'. I started the'activities with my dinghy, a Joker Boat 580, bringing on board mostly acquaintances who over the years have become great friends, especially because they came back to visit me even several times a year, becauseé on a boat, in addition to fishing, you cultivate beautiful human relationships." Leone operates from Villasimius to Capo Ferrato, the paradise of southern Sardinia. He shows customers the beaches, the islands of Cavoli and Serpentara. He tells local anecdotes and fishing stories. He explains what fish are available in those areas. The formula is a success. In 2011, he decides to expand the business. He becomes a partner of Gigi Barrella, a former windsurfing champion. "Gigi had a beautiful boat, a 9-meter American Fisherman equipped with every comfort. We decided to work together. The target customer base was high, especially Russians and Americans. We are still partners. Later, I also equipped myself with a boat of my own, a beautiful 8-meter Boston Whaler, to develop a'activity aimed at tourism and not just fishing".
What does this proposal consist of?
" It 's a mix of fishing and tourism. We start with a fishing trip from 5:30 a.m., hunting for live bait, until around 7:30 a.m., then continue fishing for snapper and other predators until lunchtime . At that point, we return to pick up the client's family and enjoy a beautiful tour of the Villasimius Marine Protected Area together . The tour is made even more enjoyable by gourmet refreshments on board with top-quality products, from platters to beverages and fruit. A unique formula, which I plan to develop in the future ."
