Seminar Speaker Bios

Captain Ron Baker has had his 100 ton ocean operator's license for 35 years and is presently the operator on the F/V Chubasco II which has the 3/4 day run from Islandia Sportfishing in Mission Bay. Captain Ron also owns and operates Dialed in Guide Service and fishes all the bay's and near shore water's of Southern California. With his sport and commercial fishing roots Captain Ron has tremendous knowledge of local fishing. Captain Ron is very active in setting up kid's fishing derbies all over Southern California and is a top seminar speaker at all the trade shows and angling clubs.

Richard Benscoter is a long time avid sailor. He's a member of the Silver Gate Yacht Club and owner of Mariners Woodshop. A frequent cruiser to Catalina, Richard advocates breaking up the voyage with fun stop-overs along the way.

Bruce Brown is principle of Bruce Brown and Associates and sales representative for Switlik Survival Equipment. He is a member of the Southern California Marine Association of which currently serves on the Board of Directors and has been past President; he has served on the Strictly Sail Pacific Show committee for five years. Bruce is serving his second term as President of the United States Marine Association.

Chuck Devereaux, owner of Bass Tubs of Oklahoma, has been in the fishing business all his life. He belongs to the Association of Bass Professionals and currently fishes the Southern Division of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail. He's also a lifetime member of B.A.S.S.

Brett Dingerson has over 25 years experience as a marine electrician, with a specialty in marine galvanic corrosion protection. He has worked with a wide range of sailing and power vessels and is the owner of San Diego-based Marine Electric.

Rags Laragione, President/CEO Maritime Institute, Inc. Retired US Navy, holds USCG Licenses as Master 100 ton, Mate 500 Ton, International Yachtmasters Instructor – 200 Ton - Power and Sail. Rags has appeared as a guest speaker at yacht clubs, boating safety seminars, and before the California Boating and Safety Officers Association, of which he is a member. As cruising sailor for over thirty years he has taught sailing in six countries. His greatest pleasure is still as an instructor, teaching at the podium, educating mariners from varied fields, including the U.S. Navy SEALs and Special Boat Teams.

Capt. Patricia Miller Rains (U.S.C.G. 100-ton Master) writes for The Log Newspapers and SEA Magazine. She's the author of "Mexico Boating Guide" and "Cruising Ports: the Central American Route" and "MexWX: Mexico Weather for Boaters." Capt. Pat delivered yachts for 18 years with husband Capt. John E. Rains, making the voyage from Florida to California via the Panama Canal more than 30 times. But the Rainses recently retired. Now they cruise purely for pleasure, and Capt. Pat keeps the guidebooks up to date.

Bob Simons and Frank Bird are not your ordinary Coast Guard Auxiliary officers. Come hear this entertaining duo explain how the Auxiliary can be your best boating friend when it co/mes to safety, and how to have the right stuff on your boat to be prepared for any situations that might arise while cruising. Both Bob and Frank are longtime Coast Guard Auxiliary men and instructors in Boating Safety & Seamanship and Basic and Advanced Coastal Navigation. Bob is also the co-owner of Seabreeze Books and Charts in Point Loma.

Rich "Bama" Welch is a Pro Angler with a host of Tournaments and Bass Championships to his credit.  He is a favorite speaker with local media, at outdoor shows, at seminars, in radio appearances, and at local charity/kids events. His enthusiasm is contagious and he has a strong following of admirers. "You can not find any finer people than those of that fish, hunt, and boat.  It’s a joy to be able to speak to so many people that share a common bond," says Bama.  He encourages you to bring you fishing questions for discussion.

Bama’s sponsors include: Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine/Motorguide Trolling Motors, Anglers Marine, El Cajon Ford,  Basstrix Lures, Dobyns Rods, Mustad Hooks

Seminar Schedule