More Than a Boat: North River Sounder is the Heart and Soul Behind Wild Wes Fishing

For Captain Wes Langell, running a successful charter fishing operation is about more than just putting clients on fish—it’s about safety, reliability, comfort, and creating an unforgettable experience on the water. At the helm of Wild Wes Saltwater Sport Fishing Captain Wes commands the Lena J, a custom-built 28′ x 9’6″ North River Sounder —a boat tailored specifically for the challenging conditions and demands of saltwater sport fishing

Captain Wes’s relationship with North River Boats runs deep. His interest in the brand started with his father, who owned a North River for over 12 years. That legacy, paired with years of hands-on fishing experience, made choosing a North River for the Lena J an easy decision.

“Aluminum boats are really sturdy and hardy,” says Wes. “North River was super helpful and willing to work with us on every detail to build exactly what we needed for this area and the style of fishing we do.”

What sets the Sounder apart? For starters, it’s the ideal combination of strength, space, and ride comfort. The cabin is positioned slightly further back, which not only improves balance but enhances the ride—especially in rougher conditions. Add in shockwave seats and well-designed bench seating, and you’ve got a setup that dramatically reduces the pounding and slapping typically associated with aluminum hulls.

The deck space is generous, offering anglers room to move and fish efficiently from stern to bow. Whether it’s casting swimbaits or reeling in larger catches, the layout reduces tangles and gives everyone more room to land fish.

Safety is non-negotiable on any charter vessel, and the Sounder delivers. The commercial-style railings are made from durable 2″ material—thick enough for a solid handhold, and high enough to offer security without sacrificing mobility. For Wes, at an average height, the side rail provides enough height to lean comfortably over the side without the fear of going overboard.

Storage is also thoughtfully built into the vessel, with ample room for life jackets, flares, first aid kits, and all required safety gear. Clients are briefed each morning, reinforcing a sense of security for even the most novice passengers.

Captain Wes emphasizes the importance of dependable support when you’re in a time-sensitive business like charter fishing. “Downtime is lost money,” he says. That’s why the responsive customer service from North River is so valuable. Whether it’s Jesse, Tyler, or anyone else at North River, Wes knows he can reach out, get answers quickly, and even have shop technicians looped in to solve complex issues.

“That’s what you need in a business like this,” Wes says. “They don’t just give you a boat—they back it up.”

At the core of Wild Wes Saltwater Sport Fishing is the client experience. Many guests are new or moderately experienced anglers looking to try something different—and Captain Wes delivers.

“We provide an experience people can’t get in most places,” he explains. “And this boat helps us do that. It gives people a memory they’ll keep for years. Plus, they get to take home some fish to feed their family. That’s special.”

The North River Sounder isn’t just a boat—it’s a trusted partner in Captain Wes’s mission to provide world-class saltwater fishing adventures. With its rugged build, thoughtful design, and unmatched support, it’s easy to see why Captain Wes Langell trusts the Sounder to keep his business running strong and his clients smiling.

Whether you’re an avid fisherman or just looking for an unforgettable day on the water, the Lena J and Wild Wes Saltwater Sport Fishing deliver the experience—and the gear—to make it happen.