Jeremy Byers' OUPV Captain's License for Fishing Charters

What Jeremy's OUPV License Means

Jeremy Michael Byers holds an OUPV license issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. OUPV stands for Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels, and the credential is issued under Title 46 of the U.S. Shipping Code. The license carries one limitation: it authorizes operation of uninspected passenger vessels in nearshore waters not more than 100 miles offshore. That zone covers the waters where JTfishing Charters LLC runs its trips—the Gulf of Mexico near Alabama's coast from Gulf Shores through Orange Beach to Fort Morgan.

Earning this license requires Jeremy to demonstrate knowledge of vessel operation, navigation, safety procedures, and the rules of the water. The Coast Guard sets the standard, and the credential confirms that he meets it. When you book a charter, you're getting a captain who has passed the training and testing the Coast Guard requires.

Your Fishing Trips with JTfishing Charters

Jeremy offers several options depending on how much time you have and what kind of fishing appeals to you. The Quick Cast trip runs 2 hours and is ideal if you're short on time or new to fishing—you'll fish inshore species like redfish and sea trout in the calm waters off the coast. If you want more water time, the Half Day trip is 4 hours of inshore fishing targeting redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, and even blacktip sharks. For anglers wanting the full experience, the Extended Half Day is 6 hours of productive inshore fishing in the same waters, and the 1 Day trip gives you a full day aboard the 20-foot Polar Craft to explore prime fishing grounds and target a wider variety of species.

The Half Day Bowfishing trip is also available for anglers interested in bowfishing. All trips depart from the Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan area, where the abundance of marine life and the variety of fish species make every outing promising.

The Vessel and What to Expect Aboard

You'll fish from a 20-foot Polar Craft powered by a 90-horsepower Suzuki engine. The boat cruises at up to 35 knots and comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests. It's equipped with high-quality fishing gear, and Jeremy handles the navigation and the day-to-day decisions about where to cast and when to move. Your job is to cast, set the hook, and bring in the fish.

On an inshore trip, you'll be in shallow to moderate depths hunting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and sheepshead—fish that feed in the coastal shallows and sandbars. The ride is smooth, and the water is typically calm. On an offshore trip, you'll head into deeper water to target snapper, grouper, and amberjack, which live on the bottom far from shore.

Getting Ready for Your Charter

Bring sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses to cut the glare off the water. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet or stained with fish blood. Rubber-soled shoes with good grip are smart—the deck gets slippery. Jeremy provides the fishing rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you don't need to bring your own gear unless you have a personal setup you prefer.

In Alabama, if you're 16 or older and you're not a resident, you'll need a fishing license unless you're on a charter trip under a guide's license. Check with the state or ask Jeremy before your trip to be sure. The weather can change fast on the water, so listen to Jeremy's briefing when you arrive and follow his instructions for safety and comfort.

Why the OUPV Matters on Your Trip

The OUPV license tells you that Jeremy has met a federal standard for operating a vessel carrying paying passengers. He knows the regulations, the safety gear that must be on board, and what to do if conditions change or an emergency happens. The 100-mile offshore limit covers the entire region where JTfishing Charters operates, so there's no restriction on where Jeremy can take you within these waters. It's one piece of professionalism and preparation that makes the difference between a day on the water and a day you'll remember.