This audio piece, an interview from InTheBite Magazine’s “Old Salts” series, offers an in-depth look at the career of legendary sportfishing Captain Mitch Pierson. It chronicles his journey from a young mate learning the ropes to becoming a highly successful captain known for competitive tournament fishing and extensive global travel. The text highlights pivotal moments in his career, including his transformative partnership running the NuCo2, his preference for high-action fishing over targeting single large fish, and his continued dedication to spending time on the water. Pierson’s story serves as an example of the passion and dedication required to forge a long-term career in the world of professional sportfishing.
Table of Contents
From Burnout to Breakthrough: The Turning Point
In 1996, Captain Mitch Pierson nearly walked away from sportfishing. After 15 years of running private boats, the toll of maintaining a high-level program had worn him down. But fate intervened when a last-minute fill-in spot at the Stuart Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament reignited his fire—and landed him a career-defining offer.
“You’ll never hear you’re spending too much to keep my boat perfect.” – Ed Sellian
That promise led Pierson to an 11-year run on the NuCo2, a 65-foot Willis sportfisher, where he and owner Ed Sellian would log more than 5,000 billfish releases across the Atlantic and Pacific.
Humble Beginnings on Fenwick Island
Pierson’s love for the water started early on Fenwick Island, Delaware, watching the fleet at Indian River Inlet with his father. By 11, he was fishing 60+ miles offshore with his uncle, Capt. Carl Ennis, soaking up every tip the seasoned captains shared.
“The camaraderie between boats hooked me as much as the fishing.”
As a teen, he mated inshore during the summers, but canyon fishing—deep offshore trips chasing tuna and marlin—lit the fire that never went out.
Learning the Ocean’s Rhythms
Right after high school, Pierson lived in his car at Merritt’s Boatyard until landing a spot on the Sea Ranger, a converted head boat turned longliner. For 8–10 days at a stretch, he fished day and night, gaining an accelerated education in offshore currents, structure, and bite patterns.
“Tripled my exposure to the ocean. I got three times the education.”
The Captain’s Chair: Charting His Own Course
In 1983, Pierson took over the 42′ Tiffany Sea Country, launching a successful charter operation between Stuart, Florida, and Indian River, Delaware. He fished year-round—sails in the winter, marlin in the summer, and tournaments in between.
By 1987, he was running the 55’ Ocean Yacht Whopper, stacking up wins at top-tier events like:
- White Marlin Open
- Hatteras Village Offshore Open
- Big Rock Tournament
Though many captains chased trophies, Pierson found his thrill in high-volume, action-packed days.
“I’ll take 20 sails to seven whites anytime. It’s the doubles, the triples, the chaos—I live for that.”
The Legendary NuCo2 Run
With Sellian’s unwavering support, the NuCo2 program became one of the most ambitious and successful in sportfishing history. The 65-foot Willis carried:
- 2,500 gallons of fuel
- 100 GPH watermaker
- Supplies for two full oil changes
They launched a 40-month expedition, fishing 600+ days and visiting hotspots like St. Thomas, Panama, Costa Rica, and Venezuela.
“Ed’s 30-lb setup with 60-lb leader was all he ever wanted. And we made it work—big time.”
In Costa Rica, the team released 1,000 billfish in 71 days, discovering the untapped potential of light-tackle trolling on the Herradura Bank.
Charters, FADs, and the Pursuit of Bites
After the NuCo2 sold, Pierson settled into a decade of charter fishing out of Costa Rica, running boats like:
- 42′ Stapleton “Shotgun”
- 46′ Omie Tillett “Sportsman”
Driven by his love of fishing—not the paycheck—he logged 150–200 days per year on the water.
By 2014, FAD (Fish Aggregating Device) fishing was taking off. Pierson transitioned to the 57’ Tuna Trap, chasing blue marlin far offshore and averaging dozens of bites per day.
Today: Mag Bay and Still Going Strong
Now aboard the 65’ Donzi “Dixie”, Pierson operates out of Magdalena Bay, fishing hard Friday through Sunday and prepping the boat mid-week in Cabo San Lucas.
“The first 14 days I fished Mag Bay, we released 1,000 stripe marlin. These are numbers that ruin you—in the best way.”
While others may dream of Cape Verde or the Great Barrier Reef, Pierson is content.
“Forty-two years in, this is where I want to finish my career. Still fishing hard. Still loving it.”
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