Lead Captain – 82′ Michael Rybovich & Sons

Lead Captain – 82′ Michael Rybovich & Sons Sportfish

Full-Time | Year-Round Position

Vessel: 82-Foot Michael Rybovich & Sons Custom Sport Fishing Yacht

Primary Locations: Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Summer) and Stuart, Florida (Winter)

Reports To: Vessel Owner

Position Overview

We are seeking an exceptional, highly experienced Lead Captain to oversee all aspects of a privately owned 82-foot Michael Rybovich & Sons custom sport fishing yacht.

The vessel operates primarily in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, during the summer season and Stuart, Florida, during the winter, with additional travel throughout the Northeast, Bahamas, and other destinations as requested.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned big-game sport fishing captain with a proven history operating high-end custom sport fishing yachts in the 70–90-foot range. The individual must combine outstanding offshore fishing expertise with exceptional vessel handling, mechanical knowledge, crew leadership, and yacht management capabilities.

This is a hands-on leadership position requiring an individual who takes complete ownership of the vessel’s condition, operational readiness, fishing performance, and overall program.

Our objective is to maintain a first-class private sport fishing operation that delivers exceptional fishing experiences while maintaining the vessel to the highest possible standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vessel Operations & Management

Serve as the primary captain and overall operational leader of the 82-foot custom sportfish.
Maintain responsibility for safe navigation, vessel handling, offshore operations, and overall readiness.
Maintain the vessel to exceptional mechanical, operational, and cosmetic standards.
Plan and execute seasonal vessel relocations between Massachusetts and Florida.
Manage fuel, provisioning, navigation, weather planning, and fishing prep.
Maintain detailed operational, maintenance, and navigation records.
Ensure compliance with all applicable maritime regulations, licensing, insurance, and safety requirements.
Maintain a high level of preparedness for both scheduled and short-notice owner trips.
2. Offshore Fishing Program

Direct and execute a premier offshore sport fishing program.
Demonstrate extensive experience targeting bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, marlin, sailfish, swordfish, and other offshore game fish.
Possess expert knowledge of Cape Cod bluefin tuna fisheries and Northeast canyon fishing grounds.
Demonstrate strong familiarity with Stuart, South Florida, and Bahamas fisheries.
Develop fishing strategies based on seasonal conditions, water temperatures, weather patterns, and fish movements.
Maintain a strong professional network within the offshore sport fishing community.
Oversee the selection, maintenance, and organization of fishing tackle, equipment, bait, and supplies.
Lead fishing trips while providing a professional, safe, and enjoyable experience for owners and guests.
Ensure compliance with all applicable fishing permits, regulations, and reporting requirements.
3. Crew Leadership & Management

Recruit, supervise, and manage a professional crew appropriate for an 82-foot custom sportfish.
Oversee mates and additional personnel as required by the operating program.
Establish high expectations for professionalism, cleanliness, maintenance, and fishing performance.
Coordinate crew schedules, assignments, training, and time off.
Maintain a positive, accountable, and safety-focused onboard culture.
Serve as the primary liaison between crew members, the owner, and family office management.
4. Mechanical & Maintenance Oversight

Develop and manage a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.
Maintain strong working knowledge of marine diesel engines, generators, hydraulics, electrical systems, marine electronics, refrigeration, and onboard mechanical systems.
Oversee routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
Coordinate specialized mechanical work with marine technicians, manufacturers, and shipyards.
Manage annual haul-outs, inspections, bottom maintenance, and vessel improvement projects.
Maintain appropriate inventories of spare parts, tools, and supplies.
Proactively identify maintenance issues to minimize downtime and protect the long-term value of the vessel.
Maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout the vessel.
5. Owner, Family & Guest Experience

Deliver an exceptional experience for the owner, family, and guests.
Maintain flexibility to accommodate changing schedules, fishing opportunities, and recreational activities.
Ensure the vessel is fully prepared prior to each trip.
Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills.
Provide fishing guidance and assistance to guests of varying experience levels.
Maintain confidentiality regarding owner activities, guests, and vessel operations.
Balance owner preferences with sound judgment and safe vessel operation.
6. Financial & Administrative Management

Monitor expenses including fuel, dockage, maintenance, repairs, crew, and fishing equipment.
Review and manage vendor relationships, invoices, and service contracts.
Coordinate insurance requirements, inspections, registrations, and vessel documentation.
Provide regular operational and financial updates to the owner or designated family office representative.
Recommend and oversee capital improvements and equipment upgrades.
Seasonal Operating Program

Summer – Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Approximately May through October

Primary focus on bluefin tuna fishing and Northeast canyon fishing.
Operate throughout Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, and offshore Northeast fishing grounds.
Coordinate day trips, extended offshore trips, and family recreational outings.
Maintain readiness to take advantage of productive fishing opportunities and favorable weather windows.

Winter – Stuart, Florida

Approximately November through April

Primary operations based in Stuart, Florida.
Target sailfish, swordfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and other offshore game fish.
Support fishing trips throughout South Florida, the Florida Keys, and Bahamas.
Coordinate seasonal maintenance, vessel improvements, and preparation for the Northeast season.
The operating schedule may be adjusted based on owner preferences, weather conditions, and fishing opportunities.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 10 years of professional offshore sport fishing experience, including substantial experience as captain.
Demonstrated experience operating custom sport fishing yachts in the 70–90-foot range.
Appropriate and current USCG Merchant Mariner Credential for the vessel and intended operations.
Extensive experience with Northeast bluefin tuna and canyon fishing.
Strong South Florida, Stuart, and Bahamas fishing experience.
Exceptional vessel handling, navigation, and offshore passage-planning capabilities.
Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of large-yacht systems.
Proven experience managing crew, maintenance programs, and operating budgets.
Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Current CPR, First Aid, and appropriate maritime safety qualifications.
Excellent professional references and demonstrated long-term reliability.
Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience operating Michael Rybovich, Merritt, Bayliss, Spencer, Viking, or comparable premium sport fishing yachts.
Extensive knowledge of Cape Cod bluefin tuna fishing and Northeast offshore canyon fisheries.
Proven experience managing a high-end private sport fishing program.
Tournament fishing experience.
Experience managing major vessel maintenance, refits, and upgrades.
Established relationships with marine service providers and fishing professionals in both Massachusetts and Florida.
Experience working directly for a private family or family office.
Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

Ownership Mentality: Treats the vessel and fishing program with the same care and accountability as the owner.
Professionalism: Represents the owner and family with integrity, discretion, and respect.
Leadership: Builds and manages an effective, professional crew.
Fishing Expertise: Possesses exceptional offshore fishing knowledge and a genuine passion for the sport.
Mechanical Competence: Understands the vessel’s systems and takes a proactive approach to maintenance.
Flexibility: Accommodates changing schedules and fishing opportunities.
Attention to Detail: Maintains the vessel to the highest standards of cleanliness, organization, and readiness.
Compensation & Benefits

A competitive executive-level marine compensation package will be offered based on experience and qualifications.

Compensation may include:

Competitive annual base salary.
Performance-based annual bonus.
Health insurance and benefits.
Paid time off.
Seasonal travel and relocation expenses.
Housing assistance as appropriate.
Additional benefits commensurate with experience.
Position Expectations

This is a full-time, year-round leadership position requiring a high degree of professionalism, accountability, and flexibility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that the vessel is maintained to the highest standards, the crew operates professionally, and the fishing program consistently delivers exceptional experiences.

Our goal is to operate one of the finest privately owned sport fishing programs in the Northeast and South Florida, with an uncompromising commitment to safety, vessel maintenance, fishing performance, and owner satisfaction.