As the daughter of a veteran charter captain (Capt. Joe Aiello) in Newport, Rhode Island, Coral Rose Aiello had an early introduction to the salt life. At 14 years old, she started serving on her father’s boat as a mate before eventually becoming a captain herself. She now works with her dad as part of Sara Star Fishing Charters in Newport, as well as writing for several fishing publications, becoming a conservation advocate, and creating a fishing social-media presence. We caught up with Coral to ask about what happens when you follow the family business, and when your passion becomes your career.
You grew up in a fishing family. Do you have a first memory of being on the water?
I’ve seen quite a few old pictures of when I was 4 or 5 years old fishing on my dad’s boat, but don’t quite remember them. I think the earliest memory I can actually recall is meeting my dad at the dock after a fishing trip and being so fascinated with the fish. I remember always touching the fish’s eyes and begging my dad to let me see the fish’s heart and what was in its stomach when he filleted them.
When did you first start taking the helm of a boat?
There are pictures of me driving the boat as a child, where I used to stand on a bucket so I could see over the console. So, I’ve always had an interest in operating. As far as actual operation, I first started taking the helm in 2021 when I gradually learned the ropes of being a captain with my dad by my side.
When did you realize you wanted to be a charter captain?
I realized early on in my career that I eventually wanted to be a captain. I started working with my dad at age 14 (I’m 29 now) as his mate just doing trips here and there. As I got older, my passion for it grew and eventually I was working with him full time as first mate. I really looked up to my dad and his position as a captain and thought, hey, I want to do that too.
When did you get your 100-ton masters license?
As I gradually switched over to captain from mate, I realized it was time to get the license so I could run trips independently of my dad. I got my license in 2022.
How many days a year are you on the water?
I’d say I’m on the water more than I’m not, running trips from April through November, seven days a week, weather permitting. Roughly 240 days out of the year.
How do you manage attending college while working as a captain?
I graduated from the University of Rhode Island a few years ago with a degree in marine fisheries science and aquaculture. It took me a little longer than most because of my demanding job and I wasn’t able to be full time in school for some semesters. I’ll even admit, during Covid when classes became remote, I’d often “be on Zoom” for a class while actively working the deck on charters.
What are some of the wildest, or most interesting things you’ve seen being on the water?
I’ve seen gigantic leatherback turtles, humpback whales in 40 feet of water, 800-pound bluefin tuna jump out of the water while fishing inshore, submarines offshore, great white sharks, the list goes on. It’s hard to sometimes compile everything I’ve witnessed out there over the 15 years I’ve been working on the boat, but those are a few that jump out to me. The ocean is a magical place and I feel blessed to be able to witness things most people just see on TV.
What message are you trying to get across through your social-media presence?
My main goal is to support and encourage women in male-dominated fields. Breaking stereotypes and the glass ceiling, so to speak. Being in this industry as a woman helped me build confidence and chase a passion that wasn’t traditionally made for me. If my presence shows even one person that it’s OK to go after something that doesn’t fit the mold, then it’s worth it.
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What do you run for your charter boat?
I run a 31-foot BHM, a traditional Downeast that’s meant for New England weather. It was originally made for inshore lobstering and my dad converted it into a sport fishing boat, often called a lobster yacht
When not working on the water, do you boat for fun?
I get this question a lot from my charter guests. I go fishing! My dad always laughs and says “I created a monster,” but it’s the truth, I can’t seem to get enough of it. I’ll often go back out for a few hours after a charter and even spend my limited days off fishing from shore or with friends on their boat.
Do you have a personal boat as well?
The charter boat acts as a personal boat as well, but I do have a small tender that I occasionally take in the fall, it’s named Tender Bites.
