Boats inside out: Mike Gonzalez

In his 13 years since graduating form Harlingen High School, Mike Gonzalez has experienced more than most people will their entire lives.

Today, Gonzalez is part owner of Cougar Marine Port Isabel and spends time working at its sister company, Cougar Marine USA in San Benito as well.

"I spent 10 years in the (United States) Coast Guard after high school," Gonzalez said. "I was a boat driver all that time, now I just fix and build boats. I know all there is to know about boats. I've been out of the Coast Guard since 2004 and my knowledge of boats was 100 times better than when I first went in.

"I got a job here (Cougar Marine) after getting out of the Coast Guard and little by little l learned the business until I became a partner in the corporation."

Gonzalez spends his days fixing and building boats at both shops. In his free time, he enjoys spending time on his own boat fishing.
It doesn't sound very exciting. Relaxing? Yes. But exciting? Not really.

The "exciting" part came prior to Gonzalez setting anchor back in the Valley during his Coast Guard days.

During his first three years in the USCG, Gonzalez was stationed in San Diego. During his time on the West Coast, he spent a lot of time up and down the Pacific Ocean.

He helped patrol the Alaskan coast protecting fishing boats against pirates and poachers.

And when he wasn't in Alaska, Gonzalez found himself in South America running drug and migrant interdictions.

"We faced 50-foot seas daily," Gonzalez said. "The smallest were 30-foot sometimes. We'd spend up to three months in 30-degree waters."

Gonzalez was transferred to Galveston following those three years and remained there until 2001 when he was moved to South Padre Island.

During his time in Galveston, Gonzalez helped in 700 search and rescue missions a year.

Gonzalez moved to SPI in the summer of 2001 where he went back to helping in drug and migrant interdiction along with search and rescue.

In September 2001, Gonzalez's unit was the first on the scene when the Queen Isabella Causeway partially collapsed.

"We pulled out the three survivors," Gonzalez said. "I got the Coast Guard's Achievement Medal. It's one of the highest recognitions the Coast Guard gives out."

Gonzalez also had the privilege to be part of the biggest drug bust in maritime history at the time in January 2002. Gonzalez's crew confiscated 8,975 pounds of marijuana.

"After that I started working here," Gonzalez said. "I guess it's boring compared to what I used to do. But it'll be four years in July."
It might be boring to some. But in a way it's a return to Gonzalez's roots.

As long as he can remember, Gonzalez has loved fishing and boats.

"I've been fishing with my dad since I was about one," Gonzalez said. "I started picking up things here and there from some of the old timers. They didn't use GPS tracking devices back then."

Gonzalez now helps others pursue their love of fishing and boats.

He helps with boat repairs and building using the latest technology.

"Me and my dad built our first boat when I was like 12-years old," Gonzalez said. "We build boats here for people and keep them affordable. We do quality work here."
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Submit Slice of Life suggestions to Managing Editor Lucio Castillo or City Editor Charlene Vandini at 430-6244 or charlenev@valleystar.com.