Hi guys and girls!!!
While waiting to board the beautiful Intrepid for my 6 day vacation with the guys from JRI Custom Lures, I was approached by Sara from Five Star Processing. She was signing customers for service upon return. I had never used Five Star, as I had been a long time customer of another processor (rhymes with "Tisherman's Trocessing).
I generally donate about half of my fish to charity, and process the rest with same-day service. I asked Sara if Five Star accepts donations, and was surprised to learn they (Five Star) were actually looking for about 2500 pounds at the request of Make-A-Wish. I signed up on the spot, thinking that I would process all the jumbo bluefin that I was guaranteed to catch, and donate the yellowtail. Make-A-Wish Is my favorite charity and I viewed this as a win-win.
The trip was great and relaxing. However, fishing was a bit slow and the boat managed to squeek out Mexican limits of mid-grade yellowtail. No other fish were caught. I was a bit disappointed in that I would only be able to donate about half of my modest catch, processing the rest.
My experiences with the other processor had me expecting to donate not more than half my total weight of the fish I caught.
I understand that the processors are a business and need to make money. It is my belief that the processor would actually lose money by handling fish donations, as they have to coordinate the distribution to the various recipients, with no revenue received in return. I am truly appreciative for the charitable work they do for both the fisherman, as well as the receiving organizations.
While sorting fish at the dock, I checked in with Five Star. My tag number was 8, and told them I didn't have many fish. I half-jokingly said I would donate ALL of my fish to charity, but without even a blink of an eye, was told "Yes Sir!" Additionally, my fishing buddy who also signed with Five Star, was able to donate ALL of his fish!
I received my receipt in the mail from Five Star, and it included a hand-written note that said "Thank you for your donation of yellowtail :). Fishy wishes, Five Star".
Five Star now has me as a customer for life. I will share my positive experience with Five Star wth my fellow fisherman and try to steer undecided customers Five Star's way.
I have no intention of "dumping" any unwanted catch on his fine business. I really feel kind of guilty about not giving them any of my money. I will try to make up for their lost revenue by sharing my positive experience with those I know and my plan is to process more fish from future trips, as well as purchase of some of their specialty items and services. A generous tip will accompany my payment.
Thank you to Sara and all of the friendly, hard-working Five Star employees that worked hard to handle my, as well as my buddy's, catch and coordinating the transfer to a worthy, charitable recipient.
We have all read threads on this forum bashing certain operations and highlighting poor customer service. It is reassuring to know that there are still quality people and positive interactions that all come together to make the total experience of a long range trip an enjoyable one.
Well done! read more