Captain Dana Nelson has been on the water for more than 50 years. He is experienced fishing and catching stripers in the Merrimack River, Plum Island Sound, Essex River and surrounding waters of Ipswich Bay.
Dana is Coast Guard licensed (Up to 6 passengers 100 miles off shore) and fully insured. Additionally, the past winter (2025) Dana upgraded his credentials to include Master on vessels up to 25 gross tons with a towing assistance endorsement.
Captain Dana is an expert striper fisherman who knows where to find fish and how to catch them. He is knowledgeable about how and where to find trophy stripers, often using live mackerel, pogies or pollack to entice the cow stripers.
He is known for his patient style and being a great fishing instructor. You can be sure he will do whatever he can to make sure his customers have fun, learn some fishing skills and catch fish!
He is knowledgeable about the areas ship building history, and natural beauty of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge beaches and Great Salt Marsh.
Captain Dana has spent his entire life on and under the water. He is a keen observer of the natural environment. He spent time scuba diving, learning how subtle changes in bottom structure influence bait and game fish behavior.
Captain Dana recently retired from Raytheon as an engineer. He has a master's degree in Manufacturing Management. He spent his career working in the defense and electronics industry primarily working with suppliers to resolve technical problems involving welding, quality and nondestructive testing. private small group charter newburyport fishing charter