Today we’d like to introduce you to Traver Smith.
Hi Traver, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Our Story | Salty Hooker Lifestyle
Salty Hooker Lifestyle started in 2022 the only way we know how—on the water.
What began as a charter fishing company was built on early mornings, tight lines, and the kind of memories that only salt air and good company can create. We weren’t just running trips—we were building relationships, telling stories, and living a lifestyle that blended hard work, competition, and camaraderie. Before long, “Salty Hooker” became more than a name on a boat. It became an identity.
As our community grew, so did the demand to take that lifestyle beyond the dock.
In 2025, Salty Hooker Lifestyle expanded into a fishing apparel line designed for those who live for the outdoors—on the water, in the field, and everywhere in between. Every piece reflects who we are: tough, functional, unapologetically bold, and rooted in Texas coastal culture. It’s gear made to be worn, worked in, and lived in.
That same year, we took the next step in bringing people together by launching the Texas Trio Tournament—a one-of-a-kind, three-day event combining fishing, golfing, and skeet shooting. The Texas Trio isn’t just a tournament; it’s an experience. It brings together competitors, outdoorsmen, sponsors, and friends who share a passion for sport, competition, and unforgettable weekends.
The next Texas Trio Tournament takes place April 2026, and it represents everything Salty Hooker Lifestyle stands for—tradition, challenge, and community.
From charter trips to apparel to premier outdoor events, Salty Hooker Lifestyle continues to grow without losing sight of where it all began: the water, the people, and the lifestyle we live every day.
This isn’t just a brand.
It’s a way of life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Salty Hooker Lifestyle didn’t start with investors, a roadmap, or a guaranteed audience. It started in 2022 as a small charter fishing company, built on long days, unpredictable weather, and the hope that the right people would find us.
Like most small businesses, the biggest challenge wasn’t the work—it was being seen.
Reaching the right audience took time, trial and error, and more setbacks than wins in the early days. Marketing dollars were limited, algorithms changed overnight, and not everyone understood the brand right away. We learned quickly that passion alone doesn’t pay the bills—you have to earn trust, stay consistent, and show up even when growth feels slow.
As the charter side grew, so did the vision. In 2025, Salty Hooker Lifestyle expanded into a fishing apparel line—not because it was easy, but because our community asked for it. Every design, every drop, and every decision was built from real feedback and real risk, not mass production or shortcuts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We also focus on the right audience, not the biggest one. Instead of chasing mass appeal, we’ve stayed true to anglers, outdoor competitors, and people who value grit, camaraderie, and authenticity. That commitment shows in our designs, our events, and how we grow.
What truly separates us is that we’ve built a multi-lane outdoor brand. Fishing is the foundation, but we’ve expanded into apparel and created the Texas Trio Tournament—bringing together fishing, golfing, and skeet shooting into a single experience. Very few brands go beyond selling gear to actually creating culture and community.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Being based in the Houston area puts us at the crossroads of everything Salty Hooker Lifestyle represents.
We’re close to the Gulf Coast, world-class inshore and offshore fishing, and some of the most diverse waterways in Texas. From bays and marshes to blue water, this region shapes how we fish, how we work, and how we live.
Houston is also built on hard work and hustle. It’s a city full of small businesses, blue-collar grit, and people who don’t wait for permission to build something. That mindset mirrors our own—show up early, stay late, and earn everything.
What we value most is the diversity of people and outdoor culture. Anglers, hunters, golfers, and competitors all cross paths here. That’s exactly why concepts like the Texas Trio Tournament work—it’s a community that appreciates skill, competition, and camaraderie across multiple sports.
Finally, Houston gives us access without losing authenticity. We’re close to major ports, events, and partners, while still staying connected to the coastal and Texas traditions that started this brand.
The Houston area keeps us grounded, hungry, and connected—and we wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Saltyhookerlifestyle.com
- Instagram: Saltyhookerlifestyle
- Facebook: Salty Hooker Lifestyle
