What is your profession and give a brief description of what
you do.
I’ve been a charter boat captain for almost 50 years; operating out
of the Destin Harbor running Charter Boat SUNRISE. I take people
deep water fi shing in the Gulf of Mexico on strictly a charter basis.
We are a long-range fi shing operation running primarily 12-hour
days. At one time, my wife and I also had interests in 10 fare
carrying vessels, a real estate offi ce, and a marina company among
others.
What would people be most surprised to know about you?
After being a fi sherman all of these years, I have branched out
into the political arena and was privileged to serve as a two-time
Chairman of the Okaloosa County Commission and had to adjust
my abrupt, direct fi sh talk to a more diplomatic tone and trade
in my cargo shorts and deck shoes for city clothes (coat and tie).
Some people didn’t recognize me.
What one activity makes you lose track of time?
Fishing! When I got married I told my wife, “Look for me when you
see me coming” because I don’t watch the clock.
What is the best advice you ever received?
For both politics and business, “Be a good listener!” Don’t
underestimate the competition. Don’t be afraid to give the baker’s
dozen.
What advice would you give to someone just moving to
Destin?
Fish hard!
What was your very fi rst job?
In 1964, I was a deckhand on the Charter Boat LYNNWOOD with
Capt. Cecil Woodward.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching women and children out-fi sh the men “because they
listen” but more recently and more importantly it is spending
time with my new month-old grandson and looking forward to a
granddaughter in December.
What was your last Google search?
Tropical Update for then Tropical Storm Hermine
What motto do you live by?
Every decision you make is not really about what to do; it is really
about who you are.
Who is the most
infl uential person in your
life?
My wife, Mary Anne
Windes, who has taught
me to always take the high
road (except for the times
when it would be wrong to
not defend your principles)
when sometimes I would
sometimes lean the other
way.
Capt. Kelly Windes
October/November 2016 | 83
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