Timothy Eagleson
Timothy Eagleson was born and raised in Middletown, Connecticut. He graduated from Xavier high school in 2000 and attended University of Connecticut, Storrs (UCONN) before he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. Later, he got his first assignment as a Platoon Leader. While in the US Army he attended multiple military training courses and schools to include, US Army Ranger School, Army Airborne School, Air Assault School and, the Pathfinder Course. He also completed two tours of duty in Iraq.
During his service in Iraq he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor Device (One Oak Leaf Cluster), The Army Commendation Medal (Two Oak Leaf Clusters), The Army Achievement Medal, and the Meritorious Service Ribbon. He also was awarded the Combat Action Badge for his service in Iraq. He held multiple position in the US Army from Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, Operations Officer, and Battalion Executive Officer. He left the US Army with the rank of Major. After leaving the Army, he chose a new career and worked for 5 years at L-3 Technologies as a Program Manager and is now the Director of Global Programs for Defense at SCHOTT AG.
He moved to Tolland, Connecticut in 2015 and has two daughters named Emma and Madison. He is married to Christina Eagleson from Wilbraham, Massachusetts. In his spare time, he loves to go fishing, skiing, spending time outdoors, and exercising. Tim loves to go fishing and show others how to catch fish in saltwater in the New England Area. Tim mostly fishes out of Charlestown, RI.
What is your hobby?
Well, I have more than one, but fishing is probably the big one. I have an entire basement dedicated to storing, repairing and making all of my own fishing tackle. I rebuild all my reels, perform all my own maintenance of my equipment to include my boat (25 foot Grady White Journey), rig my own lures for all the species we target from Summer flounder to Giant Bluefin Tuna. I do all the work myself and enjoy all of the effort that goes into it. I started fishing big time in 2003.
How did you get started with this hobby?
I started fishing when I was a young kid and mostly fishing in small ponds and streams around my house. I loved the outdoors and the thrill of catching fish. I next moved on to getting a small boat and expanding the areas that I fished in and tried different species and fell in love with the sport. I wanted to catch bigger fish and try larger places such as the rivers and lakes around where I lived. I was introduced to catching Stripe Bass in the CT River and that was so much fun.
In 2003 we decided to get a larger boat that could be used to catch saltwater fish in the Long Island Sound and the open ocean. It was a change but I jumped right in and started to learn.
As I grew into the sport I expanded from catching inshore fish to going offshore and catch larger fish like tuna and sharks. I also began to enter into fishing tournaments and became active in the competitive part of the sport We then moved to a larger boat and began focusing our efforts in the waters around Block Island, RI and have been there ever since. When fishing you never know what you are going to catch. Plus there is always something to fix on a boat or fix fishing gear.
Tell us what you love about your hobby.
I like being outdoors. I love the thrill of the sport, the planning that goes into a trip, the preparation of a day of fishing, and the reward of catching a large fish. I love the cycle of getting ready each year for the upcoming season. I love knowing where my fish comes from and it feels good to catch what you will eat. I also share my catch with my family, neighbors, and friends. It is rewarding to provide people with fresh fish. Above all else, I love to be on the water and the peace of mind that comes with it. I feel a deep sense of connectedness to nature through every step in this process.
What types of things/equipment have you spent money on for your hobby?
The Boat, the electronics, the fishing equipment, and gear. Also keeping up a boat does cost money. I save money by doing all the work myself and even making my own lures. It takes time and effort but the payoff is worth it
What are some of your favorite places to shop for your hobby?
There are a few places; Watch Hill Outfitters and Snug Harbor that have everything I need. I’ve also bought supplies and seeds at West Marine, Lowe’s, and Home Depot.
How much money have you invested into this? How much would a beginner have to invest to get started?
To date, I don’t even know how much I have invested at this point. I have a collection of fishing gear, tackle, lures, and equipment that I have gather throughout my lifetime. If I were to put a value on it to Include the boat I would say that at least over 100,000 dollars. There is no need to have that money upfront and you can get into the hobby fairly cheaply and as you grow into fishing then you will invest more money as you see fit. The beauty in this sport is that not much money is needed up front but once you get into it you will start to see that your spending some serious money and need to watch what you buy.
Are there any good books for beginners?
Believe it or not, most of what I’ve done has been trial and error. Most things come with experience and trying new things. I also subscribe to the Fisherman Magazine and On The Water Magazine.
Are there any online videos you recommend to help beginners?
Here are some links to videos for beginners that are just getting started in the sport. I hope you find these helpful as you begin your journey.
https://hogylures.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-troll-for-bluefin-tuna-south-of-marthas-vineyard
https://hogylures.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-casting-to-topwater-stripers-off-of-provincetown
https://hogylures.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-fishing-estuaries-for-striped-bass-from-shore
https://hogylures.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-jetty-casting-for-stripers
https://hogylures.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-hogy-heavy-metal-retrieves
How has your hobby changed your life?
It makes me feel good, gives me peace of mind, and I have made many friends and connections through my hobby.
What advice do you have for others starting out with this hobby?
Start out by learning from someone who has experience; you will gain a friend and mentor in the process, The other part is to just figure it out on your own and learn to change when you are not successful.
