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Captain Ricky Wheeler

Captain Ricky Wheeler – Sportfishing Captain, Entrepreneur, and Industry Leader

 

With over 20 years of experience navigating the world’s most renowned fishing grounds, Captain Ricky Wheeler has established himself as a premier traveling sportfishing captain and a trusted authority in the sportfishing industry. From the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean to the tuna and marlin-rich canyons of the Northeast, Ricky has pursued some of the ocean’s most elusive game fish, including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo along with many inshore species. He also has 11 standing IGFA line class world records to his credit as a captain. His passion for offshore fishing, combined with a relentless drive for excellence, has earned him respect among fellow captains, crews, and anglers worldwide.

 

In addition to his achievements on the water, Ricky is the proud owner and operator of Euphoria Sportfishing, a luxury charter operation with his 60’ Custom Sportfish offering premier offshore fishing experiences in New Jersey and Charleston, SC. His dedication to sharing his knowledge and passion extends to The Saltwater Euphoria Podcast, where he engages with fellow captains, boat builders, and industry professionals to deliver insightful conversations about fishing, boat building, and the evolving sportfishing landscape.

 

Ricky is also the co-owner of Fish Downsea Tackle, an innovative tackle company focused on creating tackle that hardcore fishermen can trust. Beyond his on-water pursuits, Ricky serves as a yacht broker with United Yacht Sales, leveraging his expertise to guide clients in buying, selling, and outfitting sportfishing vessels. Additionally, his role as a boat build and refit consultant allows him to bridge the gap between boat owners and builders, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and functionality.

 

Whether he’s chasing fish offshore, helping clients sell or buy their next boat, consulting on complex refits, or sharing industry insights through his podcast, Captain Ricky Wheeler continues to set the bar for excellence in every aspect of the sportfishing world. His reputation as a seasoned captain, innovative entrepreneur, and trusted advisor speaks to his unwavering commitment to his craft and the sport he loves.

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Recent Tournament Finishes and Professional Achievements:

– 11 IGFA Line Class World Records (Captain)

– 5 IGFA All Tackle Length World Records (Captain)

– 2024 Mongo Offshore Tournament (East Coast US) 1st Place Bigeye Tuna

– 2024 Offshore Open (Ocean City, NJ) 1st and 3rd Place Bigeye Tuna, 2nd Place Tuna Stringer, 2nd Place Billfish Points, 1st Place Overall Points

– 2024 HUK Big Fish Classic (Ocean City, MD) 2nd Place Yellowfin Tuna

– 2024 Jimmy Johnson Quest for the Ring (Atlantic City, NJ) 1st Place Dolphin

– 2024 School's Out Tuna Tournament (Cape May, NJ) 1st Place Bigeye Tuna Stringer, 2nd Place Yellowfin Stringer, 1st and 2nd Place Dolphin, 3rd Place Largest Bigeye Tuna

– 2023 HUK Big Fish Classic (Ocean City, MD) Third Place Overall (Captain)

– 2023 South Jersey School's Out Tuna Tournament (Cape May, NJ) First Place Overall, 1st Place Bigeye and Stringer, 1st Place Yellowfin and Stringer (Captain)

– 2023 Walker's Cay Invitational (Bahamas) First Place Mahi at 51.6lbs Captain)

– 2023 NosKuNos International Billfish Tournament (Bonaire) First Place Release/Overall (Captain)

– 2022 Walker's Cay Invitational (Bahamas) First Place Tuna (Captain)

– 2020 White Marlin Open (Ocean City, Maryland) Daily Tuna (Captain)

– 2019 Mid Atlantic Cup Blue Marlin Tournament (Cape May, New Jersey) 1st Place Blue Marlin (Captain)

– 2019 Mid Atlantic Tuna Tournament (Cape May, New Jersey) 3rd Place Tuna (Mate)

– 2018 Mid Atlantic Tuna Tournament (Cape May, New Jersey) 3rd Place Tuna Points (Captain)

– 2018 White Marlin Smackdown (Cat Island, Bahamas) 1st Place Billfish Points (Mate)

– 2018 Hang Em High Tournament (Cat Island, Bahamas) 1st Place Overall, 1st Place Dolphin (Mate)

– 2017 Stone Harbor Invitational Marlin Tournament (Cape May, NJ) 3rd Place Marlin Points, 2nd Place Dolphin (Captain)

– 2017 South Jersey Showdown (Cape May, NJ) 1st Place Marlin Points (Captain)

– 2017 Avalon Meat Tournament (Avalon, NJ) 1st Place Overall, Heavist Fish (Captain)

– 2017 White Marlin Smackdown (Cat Island, Bahamas) 1st Place Billfish Points, 1st Place Dolphin (Mate)

– 2017 Hang Em High Tournament (Cat Island, Bahamas) 1st Place Overall, 1st Place Wahoo, Heaviest Fish (Mate)

– 2016 Mid Atlantic 500 Tournament (New Jersey) 4th Place Tuna, 3rd Place Home Port Calcutta (Captain)

– 2016 White Marlin Open (Ocean City, Maryland) 3rd Place Tuna (Mate)

– 2016 Stone Harbor Invitational Marlin Tournament (New Jersey) 3rd Place Billfish Points, 1st Place Team Award (Captain)

– 2016 Tobago International Gamefish Tournament (Tobago) Heaviest Dolphin (Captain)

– 2016 White Marlin Smackdown (Cat Island, Bahamas) First Place Billfish Points, First Place Dolphin (Mate)

– 2016 Spice Island Billfish Tournament (Grenada) First Place, Grand Slam Award, Set New Tournament Release Record (Captain)

– 2015 Marlin Month (Cape May, NJ) First Place Billfish Points (Captain)

– 2015 Offshore Canyon Kickoff (Cape May, NJ) Second Place Billfish Points (Captain)

– 2015 Wounded Warrior Shark Tournament (Cape May, NJ) First Place – Most Shark Releases (Captain)

– 2015 White Marlin Smackdown (Cat Island, Bahamas) First Place Dolphin, First Place Tuna, Second Place Billfish Points, Only Tournament ‘Grand Slam’ (Mate)

– 2014 Canyon Kickoff (Cape May, NJ) First Place Tuna, First Place Tuna Stringer (Captain)

– 2014 Hawk’s Nest Billfish Blast (Cat Island, Bahamas) Third Place Billfish Points (Mate)

– 2013 Labor Day Overnight Billfish Tournament (Cape May, NJ) Second Place Billfish Points (Captain)

– 2013 Viking Ocean Showdown (Cape May, NJ) First Place, Most Points Overall, Most Points White Marlin, Top Lady Angler (Captain)

– 2013 Shockley Offshore Tournament (Cape May, NJ) First Place, Most Points Billfish and Most Points Overall (Captain)

– 2013 Hang Em High Meat Tournament (Cat Island, Bahamas) First Place Largest Fish, Most Points Overall, First Place Dolphin, Second Place Wahoo (Mate)

– 2012 Ladies Billfish Tournament (Cape May, NJ) First Place Tuna (Captain)

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