Captain Justin Paulauskis
Captain Justin has lived in Southwest Florida for over twenty years, growing up right here on Fort Myers Beach. Attending St. Leo University and majoring in both Communications and Business Management, Captain Justin calls upon his love of local history, his passion for the environment, and his enthusiasm to provide an enjoyable time on your cruise.
He has a passion for the outdoors including boating, kayaking, camping, hiking and has even ventured into the paddle boarding world! Captain Justin has been a member of the Estero Bay Express team since 2014, is a Certified US Coast Guard Master Captain, a member of the Town of Fort Myers Beach’s Marine Resources Task Force and completed the Florida Master Naturalist Program and the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve: Ecotour Provider Environmental Education Program. Join him on the Express Bay for an unforgettable experience!
Captain John Gaunt
Captain John Gaunt is the newest member of the Estero Bay Express team. Captain John has been fishing the backcountry and nearshore waters of Southwest Florida for over 20 years. With his knowledge on the water, you’re sure to have an awesome experience while out on the Estero Bay Express.
John and his family live on Fort Myers Beach. John’s wife Kate works at Fish-Tale Waterfront Dining and they have seven beautiful children ranging from ages 2 to 12. Their oldest three children are adopted.
In 2015, John stepped down from his position as a pastor of a non-denominational Christian Church in South Florida and moved his family to El Salvador to help a friend start a Church and free medical clinic in El Salvador. During that time, John and Kate decided they wanted to pursue starting their own business (Day 5 Charters) when they returned home to the States. They came back home to John’s hometown in Ft. Myers Beach and began pursuing the charter business in 2017. We are excited to have their family joining our family at Fish-Tale Marina!