The Bluefin USA Pro-Staff Family
The Trilobite Sportfishing Team
80′ Dozi Ocean Yacht- Trilobite
Based in Cancun Mexico, but traveling around the world to fish, Team Trilobite is the flagship of our Bluefin USA Pro Staff! Additionally, Team Trilobite is a proud member of the exclusive Alutecnos Pro-Staff. Fishing from an elegant yet powerful 80′ Donzi Ocean Yacht, the Trilobite Team spends much of the year chasing billfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, snook, and permit throughout the Caribbean. Captain Mattia, an expert on the waters of the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica, and Florida, sets his anglers and boat owner up for success on every trip. Trilobite aims to release 1,000 billfish in 2022 in addition to fishing in several major international tournaments. Whether the Trilobite Team is fishing from a sportfish, skiff, or even by foot, they never fail to impress. Most importantly, Team Trilobite exemplifies the Bluefin USA motto: “Good Times & Tight Lines”! Follow their latest tournament wins and catches on Instagram.
Rising Sons Sportfishing Team
58′ Viking- Rising Sons
Rising Sons Sportfishing Team is one you don’t want to miss from the Gulf Coast. The team placed 3rd in the 2022 inaugural season of Sport Fishing Championship, Caught the biggest Blue Marlin in the Gulf in 2022 and wont the MONGO Offshore Challenge with the fish weighing in at 785 pounds! Their team consist of the owner Toby Berthelot, his daughter and main angler Jaselyn Berthelot and captain and crew, Jimmy “Cricket” Crochet, Alex Diaz and Pip Al-Jazra. The Rising Sons Team is planning to fish several tournaments for their 2023 season, including fishing the 2023 Sportfishing Championship Gulf circuit which will be aired on CBS Sportsnetwork. Follow along with their social media to stay in on the action!
The Pilar Fishing Team
Captain Chris Cacicedo
Based in Miami, with extensive knowledge of the Florida Keys and the Bahamas, Captain Cacicedo knows how to bring trophy fish over the rail. From deep-dropping to kite fishing, high-speed trolling for wahoo to fishing the Everglades for cobia, Team Pilar always does it RIGHT. Also a member of the Alutecnos Pro-Staff, Captain Cacicedo is proud to show off his full lineup of gorgeous Alutecnos reels… he brings them to any boat he fishes on! A world-class captain needs world-class reels! Weekend trips to the Bahamas are one of Team Pilar’s specialties. It is not uncommon for Captain Caciedo to hook over a dozen wahoo in a single day or high-speed trolling out of Chub Cay! Team Pilar lovingly refers to deep-dropping as “going to the grocery store” because they always bring home the meat! Click the link below to see Captain Cacicedo’s most recent catches on Instagram!
The China Time Sportfishing Team
92′ Viking Sportfish- China Time; Valahalla 41′
What time is it? Team China Time!
The most stunning and capable sportfishing yacht at the marina, the 2019 92′ Viking, “China Time”, is a truly world-class sportfishing vessel! With captain Mike Croke, of Jupiter, Florida, at the helm, you know it’s soon time for trophy tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, and billfish to come through the transom door! Captain Croke has been with Team China Time for 7 years, guiding his anglers to the best fishing that South Florida, the Bahamas, Nantucket, and Rhode Island have to offer! In past years, Team China Time has fished international tournaments, notably the Baker’s Bay Invitational and the Pirate’s Cove Sailfish Classic. Keep your eye out for her at the dock! You can find her name right above yours on the leader board! Prepare to be beaten by both the beauty and the beast: China Time! Click the link below to explore China Time’s Instagram account and travels.
Crossroads Fishing Charters
Captain Chris Murray
Captain Chris Murray is no stranger to snook over 40″, massive tarpon, colossal cobia, and bull redfish! He lives in Stuart Florida and has been fishing the local waters like a pro since 1995. After completing the Chapman School of Seamanship and obtaining his OUPV 6 Pack Operator’s License, he began guiding clients to their fish of a lifetime. While the fishing is always serious with Crossroads Charters, captain Chris’ easy-going personality makes intense fishing trips feel relaxing. Similarly, Captain Chris is no stranger to fishing and placing in tournaments! In fact, in 2021, he led a team of clients to a third-place victory in the Michael Shields Memorial Tournament in Stuart, FL. Regardless of where he is fishing, Captain Chris Murray gets the job DONE! Click the link below to see the slobs he’s caught this week on his Instagram account!
The Hooray Team- Captain Pancho Bojorquez
80′ Viking Sportfish- Hooray; 41′ Valhalla- Lil Ray
Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Lil Ray! Marlin on the left rigger!
Team Hooray, of Cabo, Mexico, has marlin fishing down to a science. Sporting a breathtaking 80′ Viking and an elegant 41′ Valhalla Center Console, Team Hooray tears up the game in Mexico. At the helm, Captain Pancho Bojorquez controls the action, putting his anglers on the fish of a lifetime, every time. In fact, in 2017, Captain Pancho led the Hooray Team to a first-place victory in the world-famous Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament with a 574 pound Blue Marlin! If this isn’t a world-class fishing team and captain, we don’t know who is! Not only is Captain Pancho an offshore expert, but his fishing prowess is also just as fierce inshore, or from the beach! Casting, jigging, live baiting, or trolling, Captain Pancho keeps Team Hooray on the fish and the leaderboard! Click the link below to see the fish Captain Pancho is catching with the Hooray team now!
The Bandito Fishing Team
65′ Jim Smith- Bandito
The Bandito Sportfishing Team is our crown jewel of the Gulf Coast! A gorgeous 65′ Jim Smith Sportfish in pristine condition, run by the finest crew north of the border- Bandito will steal your spot on the tournament leader board! Surprisingly, Bandito is one of those rare owner/operator sportfishing teams that consistently win tournaments. In fact, Bandito won more than one tournament in 2021! Notably, Bandito took 3rd place in the 2021 Triple Crown. Additionally, they won first place Mahi-mahi in the 2021 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Tournament, and first place catch & release at the 2021 Mississippi Billfish Classic! Bluefin USA is proud to support the Bandito Crew as they prove themselves on the tournament grounds yet again this tournament season. At the present time, Bandito is scheduled to fish over a dozen tournaments in 2022, including the Sport Fishing Championship, which will be aired on CBS!
Kelie Limehouse
Kelie Limehouse is a force to be reckoned with in the world of sport fishing, capturing hearts and trophies alike along the shores of Costa Rica. As a proud Bluefin ambassador of the fishing community, Kelie has proven herself as one of the most skilled and dedicated anglers in the region. With a passion for both competitive fishing and environmental sustainability, she’s made a name for herself by dominating women’s and man marlin tournaments.
Her journey in the sport began years ago, and it’s clear from her impressive track record that Kelie’s rise to success was no accident. Her hands-on approach, combined with her love for the ocean, has earned her numerous victories in prestigious fishing competitions across Costa Rica, Panama and other top destinations including top finishes in the Lady’s and Marlin tournaments. Whether it’s the thrill of reeling in a big catch or the camaraderie of fellow anglers, Kelie’s enthusiasm is contagious, inspiring many others to get involved in the sport. Recognizing that women are the fastest-growing demographic in sportfishing, Kelie is committed to encouraging and empowering more women to take part in this exciting and rewarding sport!
Beyond her competitive achievements, as a member of the International Game Fish Tournament Observers (IGFTO), Kelie is dedicated to promoting sustainable fishing practices and preserving marine ecosystems for future generations. As a mentor, she has become a role model for aspiring anglers, helping to elevate women in sport fishing and breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field.
When she’s not out on the water, Kelie is busy spreading awareness about the importance of marine conservation, serving as an ambassador for various environmental organizations. Whether she’s landing a marlin or leading a workshop on ocean preservation, Kelie’s commitment to both the sport and the planet is unmatched.
Join us in celebrating Kelie, Costa Rica’s shining star of the fishing world. Her passion, skill, and dedication are truly a force of nature!
Marty Pouliot
Marty Pouliot is a USCG licensed captain holding a 100 GMT
Marty Pouliot is a USCG licensed captain holding a 100 GMT and runs a 43ft Ocean Yachts Sportfish as well as 26ft Butler Lobster boat out of Hampton Beach, NH. He has been fishing New England waters since he was 9 years old and grew up working the party/head boats every summer. A true New England waterman, he holds a commercial lobster and crab license, as well as harvests clams and oysters. In season Capt Marty targets giant bluefin tuna; with well over 100 giants to his credit. Locally he is a highly regarded and regularly sought after angler and teammate for tournaments and is frequently called upon to fish with teams in various locations. He has fished all over, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Aruba, the Caribbean, Haiti, and Alaska; he has been actively fishing tournaments for the last 15 years. Captain Marty Pouliot has been an angler in such prestigious tournaments as The Mid Atlantic, The Huk Big Fish Classic, White Marlin Open, Boston Shark Week, Gloucester Bluefin Blowout, Casco Bay Classic, Northeast Bluefin Showdown, OC Tuna Showdown, Chub Cay Invitational and many others. Marty has racked up over $400,000 in tournament winnings. Captain Marty Pouliot is also an IGFTO tournament observer. Capt Marty is Pro-staff for Skurge of The Sea, Durabrite Lights, Sionyx Night Vision, and Reel Easy Custom Rods as well as a product tester for Timberland PRO. With many wins in various tournaments, and his easy going but serious attitude Marty brings organization, planning and big game angling skills to many of the teams he’s invited to fish with. Marty runs the Facebook group “Sportfishermans Only” with 52,000 members and is self employed.
CAPTAIN JASON BAILEY
OF TOP ANGLERS SPORT FISHING CHARTERS
Over twenty years ago, Captain Jason Bailey went on his very first sportfishing trip out of Cabo San Lucas with Top Anglers Sportfishing Charters based on a referral and he was immediately “hooked” on Cabo San Lucas sportfishing. He and Top Anglers Sportfishing Charters founder, Captain Victor Vargas, developed a close friendship through their shared passion for sport fishing in Cabo, great cuisine, and a philosophy of treating charter guests as if they are family. It was because of that first fishing charter trip out of Cabo, that Captain Jason eventually decided to “take the plunge” by becoming a partner in the business, with a desire to share the experience with others who have a love for fishing and the “Mar Vida” or sea life. Nothing excites Jason, Victor, and the crews at Top Anglers Sportfishing more than getting charter guests on the big fish. In addition to his experience with Top Anglers Sportfishing Charters, Jason has fished the waters of California, Nevada and Montana lakes and streams, off the California coast and far-flung destinations such as Tahiti, often guiding other anglers to limits of fish and numerous trophy size species. He currently serves on the Pro Staff Teams of Paradise Tackle Co. and Bluefin USA. Aside from being a professional angler, Jason is often knee deep in researching new offshore gear, strategies and personally testing tackle for its effectiveness for Top Anglers. Victor was born in Mazatlán and began his professional sportfishing career at a very young age with Starfleet, which is still in operation in Mazatlán. In 1991, Victor made the move to Cabo San Lucas, which was vastly undeveloped at the time, and Top Anglers Sportfishing Charters was born. Victor also serves as Vice President of the Baja California Sur State Sport Fishing Association. Sportfishing is their passion, and they love to host the sportfishing experience of a lifetime!
Audrey Koocher & Robert Collins
ROBERT COLLINS & AUDREY KOOCHER PROSTAFF BIO / BACK IN BUSINESS FISHING TEAM
Robert and Audrey fish together almost every day, whether it be offshore, inshore, backcountry or fly fishing. Their love of fishing while promoting conservation of fisheries is a passion for both. Robert is Captain of the Back in Business Sailfish Team and Audrey is one of 6 anglers. In the past season, Back in Business competed in 9 Billfish Tournaments and reached the podium 7 times. Some of their recent highlights are:
2024 Grand Champion Team – Fish For Holly Tournament
2024 Cheeca Presidential Tournament – 1st place Daily and 3rd place overall
2023 Islamorada Sailfish Tournament – 1st place Daily and 4th place overall
2024 Florida Keys Gold Cup Series – 3rd place
2024 IGFA Light Tackle Open – 2nd place
2024 Jimmy Johnson Quest for the Ring – 2nd place daily marina challenge
2024 Offshore World Championship – 3rd place overall
2024 Offshore World Championship Billfish Release Jackpot – 1st place
2022 Guatemala Sailfly Tournament – 2nd place team
Some of Audrey’s accomplishments are:
(2) first place team finishes – Marlin U
3rd place top lady angler – Key West Marlin Tournament
1st place team – TAA East-Cape Billfish Tournament
Grand Champion – International Rooster fish Tournament (only female to win this tournament since it began 57 years ago)
IWFA Top Bonefish Release Award 2022 and 2023
IWFA Top Roosterfish Release Award 2023
Robert has a lifetime of boating and fishing experience as a Captain, angler and backcountry guide. A small sampling of his accomplishments are:
IGFA Royal Billfish Slam
(5) IGFA World Angling Championships
Only IGFA Angler to win both the Offshore and Inshore World Championship in the same year
6 top 5 finishes in the prestigious Florida Keys Gold Cup including a first and second place
Redbone Series Championship Grand Champion
Hell’s Bay Boatworks Owners Tournament – Grand Champion and first place individual and first place team
Islamorada Sailfly Tournament – 1st place
Offshore World Championship – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th & 5th place finishes
Herman Lucerne Memorial Tournament – Team Grand Champions
He is the only angler to ever win both the Offshore and Inshore World Championships in the same year!
SCOTT RUBOW
Capt. Scott found his fishing passion at an early age fishing with his father
Capt. Scott found his fishing passion at an early age fishing with his father in South Florida chasing anything that was swimming. Moving to North Carolina as a teenager, he and his father began fishing King Mackerel tournaments in 1979 and continue that passion still today. Scott owns and operates the Challenger Fishing Team & Offshore Adventures with his wife Lisa based in Oak Island, North Carolina. When they are not putting clients on the catch of a lifetime, they are on the tournament trail, and they continue with their passion for introducing youth and families to the angling world.
Some affiliations include:
Charter Member of Southern King Mackerel Association.
Charter Member of Southeast Striped Bass Association.
NC Billfish Series.
Power Pole Redfish Series.
Member Mid-Atlantic Marine Fisheries Council.
Major tournaments include:
Southern Kingfish Tournament Trail.
The Kingfish Cup Tournament Series.
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
Big Rock Kids Tournament.
Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament.
Pirates Cove Blue Marlin Tournament.
Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Tournament.
CAPTAIN ROBERT EARL & AIMEE PERKINS
The Reel E Bugging is owned and operated by Captain Robert Earl along with his First Mate Aimee Perkins
Aimee and Bobby have had their hands in many different communities, diving and fishing. This past Summer they were on Shark Week, Haunting of Shark Tower, and Wicked Tuna TV show/s. Whether you are a skilled angler or a first timer, Captain “Bobby” Earl will put you on the fish and entertain you with his big boisterous personality and witty sense of humor. Captain Robert Earl started fishing at the age of seven. As a young child he worked at the Cross Island Fish Markets in Long Island, New York filleting fish. The experience gained at the fish market gave Robert a vast knowledge of various types of fish along the eastern seaboard. Captain Robert purchased his first boat in 1994, and has over 25 years’ experience at the helm . Captain Robert Earl and the Reel E Bugging made their first appearance in 2019 on the hit TV show “Wicked Tuna- Outer Banks” and is one of the few that has debut and championed Season 6. Captain Robert Earl has been fishing Giant Blue Fin tuna out of the Outer Banks for over a decade and has since filmed Seasons 6, 7, and 8 in the treacherous seas off the Eastern Carolina Coast through the Oregon Inlet. Invaluable 46 Years of fishing experience along with 25 years of vessel operating experience, this Licensed Captain will ensure your charter will have a wicked awesome time!
— QUOTE: “I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. We had such a great time and of course Bobby put us on the meat” ~Eric Jahrnes.
ZAK Miller CEO of Nautical Pathfinder
Zak is an active Lieutenant with Vail Fire & Emergency Services
He has served in the Fire Service for 15 years. Zak is also a Program Director for the Fire Science Program at Colorado Mountain College. In his spare time, Zak likes to travel the world for his business grading and vetting the top fishing charters. He also provides consulting for fishing charters. Zak grew up in Arizona and moved to Colorado to become a Firefighter. His favorite places to fish are Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Cabo. He always looking for adventure and seeing which country he’s going to fish next.
DOUG RAMLER & the CSG Charters Crew
Doug is the owner of a 29’ cc Jupiter
Doug, his wife, Jen, and their four boys all fish. They are mainly home-based on the elbow of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, and they’re always chasing the bite! Whether it’s giant or short Bluefin Tuna, Albies, Striped Bass, Bluefish, or Yellowfin Tuna off the Cape, or the bounty of the lower Florida Keys, you’ll find them laughing, smiling, and loving that special time on the water. Doug is the chef and owner of the Cape Sea Grille in Harwich Port, MA and a USCG certified charter captain and commercial Tuna and Bass fisherman. When the ocean is not cooperating, you can find them chasing Steelhead Trout or skiing the mountains of Northern Vermont!
Mark Welcome & Scott Yelle
USCG-certified captains of Ortus Charters
HThe two captains are lifelong friends with a love for being on the water. This friendship and love for fishing led them to start Ortus. Ortus is Latin meaning to rise. We love to see the sunrise over the water on the way to the fishing grounds.
We have been fishing around Cape Cod for over 20 years. We are based out of Wellfleet, MA, and specialize in striped bass, and bluefin tuna. We love taking people out to catch their first bluefin tuna. It is such a thrill to see their faces when we can land one of these creatures. We can trailer our Boston Whaler Outrage so we can cover all the waters around Cape Cod very easily. We will depart from various local ports from mid to outer Cape Cod as we use our local network of Captains to find the best locations to fish that day. Our goal is to have the shortest amount of travel and the greatest amount of fishing time.
We also take our regular charter guests to Costa Rica every winter to catch marlin, sailfish, mahi, yellowfin tuna, and roosterfish.
Join the Bluefin USA Pro-Staff Today
Thank you for your interest in becoming a Pro-staff member! We are excited to expand our Pro-Staff Family in 2024! We want to support you as you chase incredible fish and an exciting life on the water. From inshore to offshore, in the USA and abroad, we want to support your passion!
Being a member of our Pro-Staff family comes with its perks. As a member, you will receive a private discount code, a free “Pro-Staff Pro Pack”, and social media shoutouts! In addition, as a member of our Pro-Staff, we will edit, post, and share your fishing/ wildlife content on our social media accounts to help grow your following! With this in mind, you will always retain the copyright to your videos or photographs.
If you are a:
-Fishing Captain (Charter or Private Vessel)
-Tournament Fisherman
-Professional Angler
-Fishing Mate
-Diver (Free Diver or Tank Diver)
-Marine/ Fish Photographer
-Marine Lifestyle Influencer
We would love to know more about you!
In order to apply to the Bluefin USA Pro-Staff, please submit a short fishing/ wildlife resume along with a photograph/ video of you in action. If you are a photographer, please submit a photo you’ve taken. Please include your name, phone number, email address, shipping address, shirt size, and boat/ fishing team name. If you are selected to join the Pro-Staff, we’ll mail you your Pro-Staff Pro Pack and send you a code for 50% off our entire website! You can use this code on any and every purchase you make. Chiefly, we encourage you to test our gear to its full potential and give some away to your anglers, friends, family, and clients! After all, the more content you can send us, the more gear we’ll be able to send you!
Tight Lines & Good Times
-Bluefin USA
