Southern California’s Bluefin Tuna: A Decade of Unmatched Fishing Adventures

Captain Brandon Nelson's Story of Resilience and the Rise of Lucky B Sportfishing

"Lucky B" is a BD Outdoors film

There’s nothing quite as thrilling as the bluefin tuna fishery that we’ve been lucky to experience in Southern California for the better part of the last decade. The evolution of the SoCal fishery has been quick and dramatic, resulting in San Diego cementing its spot as a world-class fishing destination. When we first began seeing and catching giant Pacific bluefin around 2014, many of us thought that we were experiencing a new phenomenon. As time went on, we discovered that this event, while nothing short of extraordinary, is following a well-documented natural 100-year cycle. This fishery has since opened the door for San Diego’s young and ambitious captains to go boldly offshore in search of epic bluefin adventures.

OUR LIFE STORIES ARE DEFINED BY WHAT WE CHOOSE TO DO WHEN CONFRONTED BY LIFE’S MANY OBSTACLES. NO MATTER THE HURDLE, WE MUST TAKE THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY IN STRIDE TO COME OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE BETTER AND BOLDER.

BRANDON NELSON

Capt. Brandon Nelson, coined “Lucky B” at a young age by his friends, grew up fishing up and down the Southern California coast and has since established himself as one of the premier charter captains in San Diego. When he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020, Brandon discovered that he had four tumors in his chest cavity ranging in size from a peach to a small football. The news was rightfully shocking, but as emotionally jarring as being given a cancer diagnosis is, Brandon was determined to utilize anything and everything possible to beat it and continue pursuing his dreams on the water.

LUCKY B SPORTFISHING

The story behind how Brandon’s charter operation came to fruition is unrivaled in many ways, and sure to inspire regardless of whether someone shares his love and appreciation for fishing. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” is an age-old saying from Roman philosopher Seneca, and the perfect representation of Brandon’s charter operation. Brandon and his first mate Jack Smith (shown right) operate at an extremely high level, and as an owner/operator, Brandon has equipped his business to cater to everyone from first-time anglers to those of the highest caliber. Lucky B leaves very little to chance, and if there are fish to be caught, Brandon and Jack will give you the greatest opportunity for success.

Hope is a powerful force, and when Brandon’s doctor informed him that, if they took all the right steps, he’d beat his cancer, there was no turning back. Brandon began treatment in January 2020, undergoing 4- to 6-hour chemotherapy sessions every 2 weeks for 6 straight months. Lucky B had his first scan after undergoing 4 treatments and learned that his largest tumor had shrunk by almost half and was showing no signs of the cancer. This was working. He was going to beat this.

“You’re free to go live your life,” is what Brandon was told by his doctors after hearing the remarkable news that he had overcome his cancer. The next day, Brandon was on the water with his family and friends pulling on bluefin tuna. You couldn’t come up with a better story if you tried.

Original article published by BD Outdoors. Words by Ricky Fischel. See more stories from BD Outdoors by visiting their website. Learn more about Brandon Nelson and the Lucky B Sportfishing at Luckybsportfishing.com.