50 • Outlook 2022-23 Courtesy photo
The Miss Somerset II features a shallow draft and plenty of room for charter guests.
Somerset Charters: Fun, authentic experience crabbing and shrimping A youthful couple with deep family roots in Dare County has launched a charter operation that puts a new spin on traditional types of soundside fishing. Capt. John Silver of Wanchese plans to take family groups of up to six people out on daily crabbing and shrimping runs on his classic Chesapeake-style vessel, the Miss Somerset II. He’s partnered with fiancée Ella Catoe in the venture. Each appears super excited about the coming season and they’ve already booked nearly 20 charters. The vessel, a 1986 36-footlong Evans Dead Rise Somerset, features a shallow draft, diesel engine and plenty of deck room for the customers. Silver’s dad “Possum” and uncle “Winkie” helped him acquire and refit the boat from stem to stern years ago. John, age 31, has been commercial crabbing and shrimping from the Somerset for the past seven seasons and working on boats since age 15. Catoe, a graduate of East Carolina University, has worked in publishing and digital advertising for several years. Silver said she has been extremely helpful with advertising the new venture and developing his marketing materials including website somersetcharters.com. The pair of Manteo High graduates, who plan to get married in late September, are ready to take on the busy tourism season. “We’re really excited about it,” Silver said.
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Capt. John Silver and his two dogs Rudy and Emmett are ready for the summer season running charters. “She created the website, and ads . . . she’s been a huge help behind the scenes pulling it together.” At present, Cateo plans the keep her day job but also seems thrilled about opening Somerset Charters and communicating with the customers. “I am beyond excited about the launch of Somerset Charters,” she said. “John has had this dream for quite some time now and I’m
so proud of him for bringing it to life. “He has had the vision, the passion and the drive to take it to completion,” Catoe said. “That’s what a successful business needs, right? “We are looking forward to giving our guests a fun, authentic Outer Banks experience,” she continued. The couple plans to offer three time slots a day – two, three or four hours. The captain
