Back in the fall, I received an email that immediately caught my attention. It was from George LaBonte, a charter captain based out of Jupiter, Florida who runs Edge Sportfishing. What made this email particularly interesting was George's background—he's originally from Massachusetts, grew up fishing professionally on Cape Cod and in Gloucester, and has deep roots in our fishing community here.
George reached out with an idea: he wanted to give away an entire charter trip to one lucky My Fishing Cape Cod member, offering them the chance to bring family or friends and experience the incredible false albacore fishing that happens off Jupiter, Florida during the peak of their run.
Captain George LaBonte grew up fishing Cape Cod and Gloucester before relocating to Jupiter, Florida 40 years ago. He understands the Cape Cod albie struggle intimately—and wants to show MFCC members what this fishery looks like when the odds are in your favor.
We had a long phone conversation discussing the details, and I could tell right away this was someone who truly gets it—the impossible days we often experience off Cape Cod when albies sipping micro-bait and won't even look at your offerings, the constant refusals.
That's exactly why he wanted to give us a taste of what albie fishing can be when the fish are bigger, more aggressive, and actually cooperative. He's talking about consistent shots at 15 pound false albacore that will crush flies, plugs, and metals without the maddening selectivity we battle here.
You'll fish aboard George's 28-foot Whitewater center console, a vessel designed for maximum fishability and equipped with first-class tackle, modern electronics, safety gear, and reliable outboard power.
Why This Trip Is a Game-Changer
This trip is about creating an unforgettable experience with the people who matter most to you—whether that's introducing your kids to world-class albie fishing, sharing explosive albie runs with your best fishing buddy, getting your spouse to finally understand why you're obsessed with these fish, or even inviting fellow MFCC members to join you and build connections within our community.
If you've ever chased false albacore here on Cape Cod, you know they can be maddeningly difficult. These fish are finicky, incredibly selective, and often downright impossible to fool. Our Cape Cod albies also tend to run on the smaller side, which only adds to the challenge and occasional frustration of our fall runs.
Fly rod, soft plastics, plugs, metals—it doesn't matter. These Jupiter albies are aggressive enough to eat just about anything you throw at them. Finally, a fishery where you can fish your preferred method without feeling like you're handicapping yourself.
The false albacore off Jupiter, Florida deliver something entirely different. As Captain George puts it, he can "virtually guarantee days where nobody will want to catch another 15 pounder." In fact, his boats spend most of the summer running away from them.
Whether you prefer light tackle, fly, or bait—it doesn't matter. These fish are big, aggressive and much more cooperative then what we're used to on Cape.
MFCC members can click here to go to the forum and enter the giveaway
This is what George considers a 'typical' Jupiter albie. Down in Florida, the local anglers almost take these fish for granted—they're so common and cooperative that they don't generate the same obsession they do up here. But for Cape Cod anglers who've spent years chasing 5-pounders on micro-bait? This is the bucket list albie experience we dream about.
About Captain George LaBonte – A Cape Cod Native Who Knows These Waters
George brings a truly unique perspective to this adventure. After growing up fishing professionally on Cape Cod and in Gloucester, he relocated to Jupiter, Florida, where he's now been guiding for an impressive 40 years. He understands exactly what Cape Cod anglers dream about because he lived it himself, and he's ready to deliver the consistent albie action we can only imagine during our fall runs.
George has also hosted two nationally broadcast television shows on the Sportsman Channel and World Fishing Network, served as Boating Editor for Florida Sportsman Magazine, and co-hosted the popular radio show "Florida Sportsman Live" on ESPN for 20 years. George has also authored two highly regarded books about fishing for sailfish, and his guests have posted numerous IGFA World Record catches over the years.
If conditions are right and George spots the opportunity, don't be surprised if he asks if you want to take a shot at a sailfish.
His operation, Edge Sportfishing, is the opposite of a "tourist experience"—it's serious fishing with a professional who genuinely enjoys sharing his knowledge with his guests. The boat is top-notch, as is all tackle and equipment.
George's Involvement in Our Community
What's really impressed me since that initial phone call is how George has become an active contributor inside the My Fishing Cape Cod forum. He's shared detailed posts from Florida and generously answered questions from other members who are planning trips to fish down south. His willingness to share his expertise and help our community has shown me the kind of person he is—someone who genuinely cares about helping anglers succeed.
This level of engagement from a captain of George's caliber speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to making this giveaway something truly special for our members.
The Jupiter Albie Experience
Jupiter offers world-class albie fishing that transforms the Cape Cod experience. You'll find consistent action in crystal-clear water where sight-casting opportunities abound and multiple techniques all produce results. It's fast-paced, visual fishing that will absolutely blow your mind if you've only experienced our local albie fishing.
The trip is scheduled for Saturday, June 13th, 2026—right at the peak of the Jupiter false albacore run, when your chances of getting into some amazing action are at their highest. And here's a bonus: if you want to avoid traveling all that way for just one day of fishing, Sunday, June 14th is available for you to book an additional day at George's regular charter rates.
MFCC members can click here to go to the forum and enter the giveaway
Bonus Species
While albies will be the primary target, Jupiter's June waters offer the chance at multiple trophy species. Depending on conditions, you might find yourself hooked up with tuna, sailfish, or other exciting gamefish that frequent these productive waters.
Albies aren't the only game in town! With Jupiter's incredible diversity of species, your trip could turn into a multi-species adventure you'll never forget.
Captain George's 40 years of local knowledge means he knows how to put you on whatever's biting—making this trip potentially even more memorable than an albie-only adventure.
George's clients regularly hook into tuna like this during the summer months. June in Jupiter isn't just about albies—it's about being in one of the most productive fisheries on the East Coast.
The Details
Here's everything you need to know:
What You'll Win: A free false albacore charter with Captain George LaBonte. We'll be selecting 1 winner who can bring up to 3 family members or friends (4 anglers total) to share this incredible experience.
When: Saturday, June 13th, 2026
What's Included: Your charter fishing trip with George aboard his boat, all top-notch tackle and equipment, and George's 40+ years of expertise guiding you throughout the day.
What's Not Included: Flights and lodging are not part of this giveaway. Winner will need to arrange and cover their own travel and accommodations in Jupiter, Florida.
Bonus Opportunity: Sunday, June 14th is available if the winner wants to book a second day of fishing while they're down in Florida. This second day would be a paid charter at George's regular rates and is completely optional.
Member Perks
MFCC members always get first dibs on opportunities like this. Giveaways are just one of the many ways we thank our community for being part of something special.
How to Enter
This is your chance to experience albie fishing at its finest—professional guidance from a Cape Cod native who made it big in Florida, top-notch equipment, and the camaraderie that makes every MFCC trip special.
To enter, simply leave a comment here in the forum. We'll draw the winner the week of May 2nd.
Good luck to everyone who enters! Get ready to create memories that'll last a lifetime!
Tight lines 🎣
Ryan