Sawyer Ray
Summary
Dedicated and highly experienced Sportfishing Captain and Mate with over 10 years of offshore fishing experience throughout the Gulf of America, Costa Rica, Bahamas, and Panama and Mag bay and The East coast Extensive expertise targeting blue marlin, sailfish, and other billfish species aboard premier sportfishing vessels. Proven leadership as a vessel captain and valued crew member on elite tournament teams. Contributed to the successful release of over 1,000 billfish during the 2024 season while working alongside some of the most respected captains and crews in the sportfishing industry.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Captain
Fuse Box. 54 foot Ricky Gilikin
Orange Beach, Alabama
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Led all vessel operations, navigation, safety, and trip planning as Captain.
- Managed crew, guests, fishing operations, and vessel maintenance.
- Led offshore fishing trips targeting marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and mahi.
- Maintained vessel readiness through preventive maintenance and equipment management.
- Ensured exceptional guest experiences and safe offshore operations.
Mate
72’ Viking “Metal Masher”
- Assisted captain in offshore fishing and tournament operations.
- Rigged tackle, prepared bait, maintained fishing gear, and worked anglers during hookups.
- Played a key role in successful billfish releases and tournament fishing efforts.
- Assisted with docking, navigation, vessel maintenance, and customer service.
Mate
48’ Viking “The Pearl”
- Supported all fishing operations and daily vessel maintenance.
- Maintained tackle inventory, rigging equipment, and fishing gear.
- Assisted anglers during offshore fishing trips targeting billfish and pelagic species.
- Helped ensure vessel cleanliness, safety, and guest satisfaction.
Skills
- Sportfishing Vessel Operations
- Offshore Navigation
- Blue Marlin & Billfish Fishing
- Tournament Fishing
- Crew Leadership
- Fish-Finding & Electronics
- Tackle Rigging & Maintenance
- Vessel Maintenance & Repair
- Docking & Boat Handling
- Customer & Charter Relations
- Safety & Emergency Procedures
- Trip Planning & Logistics
Personal Information
Title: Sportfishing Captain | Tournament Angler | Offshore Fishing Professional
References
Professional references available upon request.
Target Species Experience
- Blue Marlin
- White Marlin
- Black Marlin
- Striped Marlin
- Sailfish
- Yellowfin Tuna
- Blackfin Tuna
- Wahoo
- Mahi-Mahi
- Swordfish
Professional Highlights
- 10+ years of professional offshore fishing experience.
- Fished extensively throughout the Gulf of America, Costa Rica, Bahamas, and Panama.
- Released over 1,000 billfish during the 2024 season.
- Worked alongside some of the most accomplished captains, mates, and tournament teams in the sportfishing industry.
- Experienced aboard premier Viking sportfishing yachts.
- Extensive knowledge of blue marlin, sailfish, and offshore pelagic fishing techniques.
- Proven ability to lead crews and manage vessels in demanding offshore environments.
- Have killed 10 blue marlin ranging from 650-800 LBS.
Timeline
Captain
Fuse Box. 54 foot Ricky Gilikin
01.2023 - 01.2025
Mate
72’ Viking “Metal Masher”
Mate
48’ Viking “The Pearl”