Talkradio 850AM WTAR

Catchin with Capt. Reese,
Saturdays 6am-8am.

Call Capt. Reese on the air:
627-9827 (WTAR) or toll free 1-800-359-8585

***Captain Reese participated in the CCA Anglers Club Challenge Fishing Tournament in September 2003 with the members of the Portsmouth Anglers club and won the tournament! Congrats Reese!

Capt. Reese is no stranger to local waters. As a boy, Reese grew to love the water and fishing in the small boat "Buckshot" that his father built in their garage. On weekends, Reese frequently accompanied his father, Capt. Joe Bowles, aboard the WeeTAR (WTAR) Water Patrol boat. Before most children even knew some of the waterways existed, Reese had developed an extensive knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic, and various tributaries. Reese's dad, Capt. Joe Bowles was an experienced and successful angler; always eager to help others enjoy the sport. Capt. Reese's uncanny ability to catch fish was undoubtedly learned from his father.

Capt. Joe Bowles suffered a heart attack in 1970 and died when Reese was only 10 years old. With the encouragement of his mother, Reese spent his teenage years at the docks, cleaning fish, washing boats, and doing whatever he could to be involved. Reese's skills and knowledge did not go unnoticed. At the age of 15 he began working the charter boats as a mate for Harvey Rawls on the "FairCee, which Reese did for the next ten years, earning his Captain's license to run charters along the way. Many a tourist went back home with a big smile on their face. The enjoyment of seeing people catching fish drove Reese even harder. For several years and throughout his college years at Old Dominion University, Reese ran charter boats for Dr. Rawls. During this experience, Capt. Reese acquired an extensive knowledge of the art of catching fish.

In 1991 he took over the WTAR On The Water Reports. By 1996, Reese was offered he 6-8AM slot, Saturday mornings, on Talkradio WTAR 850AM for a two-hour call-in fishing show. Following his belief that catching is better than fishing, he named the show "Catchin' with Capt. Reese." Reese also continues to run the WTAR, Troy Marine On The Water Report Boat every season, giving helpful tips and sometimes tackle to boaters and anglers.

A third generation is on the way. Capt. Reese's son Zachary is eagerly learning everything he can about our sport. Look forward to hearing Capt. Zach hosting his own show in the future.

Capt. Reese's dedication to the protection and conservation of our waters is summed up with his closing motto for every show with; "Help Save The Bay, Practice Catch and Release."

Hello, my name is Reese Bowles, host of a Saturday morning two-hour call-in talk show on TalkRadio, WTAR 850AM, Norfolk. I call the show "Catchin With Capt. Reese", because that is what fishing is all about. This is my eighth season on the air and the show has grown incredibly! Many of you may not be aware of this but I have been a full time health and physical education teacher with Virginia Beach Schools for the past 17 years. As a result of the extreme demands on my time, I now have an assistant, Denny Mahony, a fellow teacher and long time friend, to help me keep up with correspondence and scheduling. Over the years, Denny has assisted in making "Catchin' with Capt. Reese" is the best show devoted to the fishing and conservation community in the Mid-Atlantic.

Sponsorship is an important part of any radio show. Our show offers a unique opportunity as you will be targeting a select audience, mainly fisherman, conservationists, and boaters. Our listeners have responded enthusiastically to our sponsors support.

The History of the Catchin' with Capt. Reese Show

1991 gave to me the opportunity to do the same type of on-the-water reports, for the same station (WTAR), that my father did years ago. The opportunity of informing the public about fishing, I welcomed enthusiastically. The next four years I spent many hours on the water giving fishing and boating reports over 93.7FM (The Coast), and TalkRadio WTAR.

In 1995 I was approached to do a year round talk show about fishing and water activities. Two hours live on the air not knowing if anyone would call was humbling. It was a cold morning as the first show began. I had told all my fishing friends to listen, but at 6AM, who would? Many did! They told friends, neighbors, and co-workers and quite soon my listening audience had grown immensely. I have received nothing but positive support from a steadily group of regular listeners. As a result, many businesses have inquired about sponsorship opportunities on the program. All have reported immediate benefits from having their business promoted on the show. For many sponsors I have written and produced commercials for broadcast.

I actively encourage my sponsors to come in and co-host the show with me. In addition to live remotes, I have taped shows out on the water, and at various business locations. The highlight was when I was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies at the Red, White, and Blue Tournament. Let us show you how inexpensive it is to put your business on the air. I believe you will find your sponsorship will benefit your business, and the show greatly.

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