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Preston Muller reels in big business, bigger dreams with Gulf Angler Fishing Charters

"Home Grown" says it all.

This is the name of a 40-foot, custom fishing boat in Destin, FL. Yet, it also describes Preston Muller's journey. Born and raised in western Florida, he never intended to leave. But he did have a dream, and it's one shared by many. The Freeport, FL resident wanted to start a business. Specifically, he wanted to pursue his true passion, carving out his own niche in the fishing industry. His goal was to pass the joy of saltwater fishing on to others.

Yet this was no small business. When he started Gulf Angler Fishing Charters, he hooked a big one. Over the last 12 years, the charter service has treated more than 10,000 anglers to the waters of Destin and the nearby Gulf of Mexico. Preston Muller has personally captained many of these excursions, logging over 12,000 hours himself. His business is a labor of love. He takes a tremendous amount of pride in delivering a one-of-a-kind experience. This unwavering passion premiates every aspect of his business.

It starts with customer service. Preston Muller operates with a people-first mentality. Each trip out to sea is meant to be unique, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable. To accomplish this, he only hires clean-cut captains and mates that are equally dedicated to service. Although Gulf Angler Fishing Charters already caters to fishermen all year long, he's always willing to design custom trips to meet any requests.

To serve his clientele, Preston Muller and Gulf Angler Fishing Charters run a fleet of four boats. Although these can host individuals or larger groups, each ship comes with its own special flourishes. The crown jewel is the previously-mentioned "Home Grown." It is completely custom, offering several luxury amenities. Customers can cruise the emerald waterways in style on trips ranging from 4 to 14 hours. Or, guests can kick back and take a break from the sun in the fully-air conditioned Birch wood salon. Better yet, it is federally permitted to fish offshore. This means it can extend beyond nine miles from the coast. The "Fa La Me" is equally impressive but for different reasons. The 24-foot Catamaran was built to order in 2017. To call it "state of the art" is an understatement. Specializing in spin tackle, fly, or reef fishing, there isn't another boat like it in the entire Panhandle. If lucky, guests can have the catches displayed in the company's online "Trophy Room."

But Preston Muller has racked up some awards of his own too. His commitment to granting customers a once-in-a-lifetime experience has earned him countless accolades. For the third year in a row, Gulf Angler Fishing Charters business was listed in VIP Destin Magazine and their annual "Best in Destin" honors. It was named the "Best Charter Fishing Experience." Yet other publications are taking notice too. This year, U.S. News & World Report called the business one of Destin's top fishing charters in the magazine's travel section. While these awards are a result of Preston Muller's passion and hard work, he finds his charity work most rewarding. Each year, he and his company donate charters to take children fishing and other "Make-A-Wish"-style efforts.

Yet Preston Muller is also extremely proud of his rating on TripAdviser. This is perhaps the best reflection of how dedicated he is to curating a once-in-a-lifetime excursion for every single client. Gulf Angler Fishing Charters currently ranks in the Top 5 in the entire "Tours in Destin" category. Of the 800 users who have left a review, 782 of those rated it as an "excellent," five-star experience. This is a remarkable feat, a true testament to the high standards Preston Muller has set for himself and his business. One recent reviewer appreciated how the staff respected the "beauty of the environment." Another gave Preston Muller a specific shout out, describing him as professional. But, most importantly, they cleaned up too. The reviewer describes snagging some Red Snapper, Mahi-mahi, and even a five-foot shark. The happy customers took some of their haul up to a local restaurant, where it was prepared for them that same evening.

Some celebrities have taken notice too. Because Preston Muller contributes monthly to Coastal Angler Magazine, he has demonstrated his authority and garnered respect amongst his peers. He and Gulf Angler Fishing Charters were featured on "How To Do Florida." Host Chad Crawford stepped aboard "Home Grown" to discuss the catch-to-table movement sweeping the Gulf Coast. But the brand's most exposure came with BlacktipH Fishing. The YouTube sensation likes to "push the limits," portraying extreme angling in adrenaline-charged environments. Preston Muller has appeared in 18 episodes, amassing over 20 million views. However, a personal pleasure of his was when the host, Josh Jorgensen, introduced Preston Muller to Donald Trump Jr. The boat captain treated him to a four-hour trip. The two remained friendly, with the business owner impressed by the former President's son and his knowledge of fishing.

In this way, "Home Grown" is more than a boat. It's the embodiment of Preston Muller and his relentless pursuit to bring high-end angling and unmatched service to those in his own backyard.