Captain Robert “RT” Trosset, Jr. could be one of the best-known light-tackle sportfishing charter captains in the world, a legacy crafted over almost 50 years as a top Florida Keys guide. After graduating from the University of Florida in 1975, he moved to Key West and started guiding. Since then, he has been a full-time guide, often fishing as many as 300 days a year. Over the years, Trosset has owned 24 boats, all named Spindrift.

Early Years

Born in Utica, New York, Trosset moved to Florida before his first birthday. He grew up in Cocoa, Florida, where his grandfather built Fleetwing Boats, one of the first fiberglass boats made. His father, who owned Brevard Boat Sales, made time to take RT hunting and fishing, fostering his early love for the outdoors.

Learning the Trade

RT joined the Florida Sportfishing Association and became the youngest Grand Master Angler at the age of 17. He grew up deep jigging, trolling, and live-bait fishing out of Port Canaveral, where he caught big gag grouper on 10-pound spinning tackle and red snapper on jigs. His first world record was a 6-pound 12-ounce Spanish mackerel, caught on a Fin-Nor #3 fly reel gifted by his father.

World Records and Innovation

Trosset has caught or guided clients to 239 IGFA world records on over 30 species of fish across four oceans. He played a key role in the now-defunct Metropolitan South Florida Fishing Tournament (the “Met”) and innovated many techniques still used by guides in Key West today. “I was the first guide to start netting live pilchards to use for chum,” Trosset said. “I also figured out how to chum for tarpon in Key West harbor.”

RT the Innovator

One notable innovation involved what they call “shrimp boat trash,” the bycatch thrown overboard after shrimp boats trawl overnight. Trosset discovered this by accident when his client dropped a basket of trash near a wreck, attracting blackfin tuna. This led to a record-breaking day of fishing.

Worldwide Adventures

Beyond the Keys, Trosset has had incredible catches around the world. One notable adventure occurred in 1992 during Hurricane Andrew. He fought an 860-pound bluefin tuna for seven hours off the coast of Massachusetts, earning $10,000 for the fish. Another memorable trip took him to Australia, where he caught a 163.5-pound dogtooth tuna, setting a world record.

Catching Big Billfish

Over the years, Trosset fished in numerous locations and caught remarkable billfish, including an 850-pound blue marlin in the Azores and a 250-pound blue marlin on fly in the Dominican Republic. He has won several light tackle tournaments, including the Bermuda Light Tackle Tournament twice.

The One That Got Away

Not every adventure ended in success. During an attempt to catch a daytime swordfish off Key West, Trosset and his crew hooked into a massive fish, possibly a gigantic bluefin tuna, that ultimately broke their rod and line after an epic battle.

Longstanding Sponsorships

Trosset has enjoyed relationships with major sponsors, including a 38-year partnership with Suzuki Marine. His durability and professionalism have made him a sought-after captain for national ad campaigns and television appearances.

The Trosset Legacy

Trosset’s sons, Robert III and Christopher, have followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming respected figures in the Key West charter fishing community. To honor their legacy, AFTCO produced a film titled “Built on Passion – The Trosset Family Legacy,” available on their YouTube channel.

Notable Catches

• 163.5-pound dogtooth tuna (IGFA 30-pound record)
• 860-pound bluefin tuna in Massachusetts after a seven-hour fight
• Two back-to-back fly rod world records (17-pound little tunny and 28-pound blackfin tuna) on 12-pound tippet
• 248-pound tiger shark on six-pound test
• 208-pound tarpon on fly (length & girth), with three others over 200 pounds on bait
• 250-pound blue marlin on fly
• Five world records in one day with Dotty Ballantyne
• 28 sailfish released in one day, a record in the Keys for many years
• 28 yellowfin tuna over 100 pounds caught off Key West in one year

National TV Appearances

• Suzuki Great Outdoors
• Madfin Shark Tournament (won two out of four years)
• Fish Key West (video)
• Sportsman’s Journal
• Sportfishing Television
• Anglers Journal TV
• Ocean Legacy
• Sportsman’s Adventures

Achievements

• IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award 2004
• IGFA Tommy Gifford Legendary Captain Award 2019
• Salt Water Sportsman Magazine’s Top 50 Captains
• Sport Fishing Magazine’s Top 100 Captains
• Numerous tournament wins

Corporate Relationships

• Suzuki
• Yellowfin
• Simrad
• Pure Fishing
• AFTCO
• Fin-Nor sunglasses (created RT model of glasses)
• Sirius XM Marine
• Van Staal

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