CAPT. NICK STANCZYK – “Heir to the Throne”
Growing into one of sport fishing’s brightest young captains came naturally to PELAGIC Pro Team's Nick Stanczyk. Raised in “Sportfishing’s Capital of the World” – Islamorada, Florida Keys – Nick grew up on the docks of world-famous Bud N’ Mary’s Marina. The Stanczyk family owns the marina, so it was only fitting that after graduating from the University of Miami, Nick started on his prolific path to charter industry success.
Credited with pioneering the daytime swordfishing movement in the US alongside his father (Richard) and uncle (Scott), Capt. Nick has been featured in countless magazines, TV Shows, and online media galleries. Currently, Stanczyk runs his aptly named Broad Minded – the iconic PELAGIC Americamo-wrapped Freeman 37VH Catamaran Center Console. A trip on the vessel is a coveted spot for anyone interested in learning the nuances of daytime swordfishing and plying the waters for deep-drop gold. Clients have travelled from Australia, Portugal, throughout the United States, and the Caribbean to learn his mastered techniques for Broadbill Swordfish.
From his early days, Stanczyk has perfected his trade, exploiting the vast opportunities that the waters surrounding Islamorada and the FL Keys have to offer. Earning his captain’s license at the age of 18, Nick began running charters on weekends and summers during his college years. After graduating, he spent two years travelling, mating on boats in St. Thomas, Bermuda, Mexico and the Bahamas. And while Swordfish headline Stanczyk’s resume, he is adept at putting clients in prime position to target everything the Keys can throw at you – offshore or in shallow water – including large tiger sharks that frequent the humps off Islamorada, wahoo, tuna, sailfish, cobia, mahi, tarpon, amberjack, and much more.
Capt. Nick Stanczyk has been part of the PELAGIC Pro Team for more than 7 years, helping to push the lifestyle behind the brand and ultimately sharing his passion of fishing and the ocean with the world.
ABOUT BUD AND MARY’S: Established in 1944, Bud N’ Mary’s Marina is located on the southern tip of Islamorada in the Florida Keys and is one of sport fishing’s iconic landmarks. The Stanczyk family has owned and operated Bud N’ Mary’s since 1978. It is home to the oldest and largest fishing fleet in the Keys, boasting 40 or more legendary captains and experienced guides who fish year-round. Thousands of eager anglers flock to Islamorada each year to experience the red-hot fishing and historic culture Bud N’ Mary’s has to offer.
Labeled as the “Sportfishing Capital of the World”, Islamorada hosts more IGFA World Records than any other location around the globe. In addition to overnight accommodations, on-site and nearby dining options, the retrofitted Bud N’ Mary’s Outfitter Store features the largest selection of PELAGIC Gear in the Florida Keys.
CAPT. SARA STANCZYK – the better half of Sport Fishing’s “Power Couple”
Sara is a born and raised "conch" or Florida Keys native, and currently resides in Islamorada with her husband, PELAGIC Pro Team Capt. Nick Stanczyk. She runs inshore/bay charters for bonefish, permit, tarpon, and lobster, as well as offers FL Keys water tours from her PELAGIC Coral Camo-wrapped 24’ Pathfinder Bay Boat.
When she’s not enjoying Islamorada’s endless options on the water, you can find Sara managing the BNM Outfitters Store, so make sure to stop by and say hi!
She also has a passion for “catching the moment”, holding a BA in Photography, and has had numerous photos that have been published in Marlin Magazine , Bluewater Magazine , the IGFA World Record Game Fishes Book , and been a finalist in National Geographic contests.
Capt. Nick Stanczyk showcasing some of the new Summer 2017 line, dropping May, 2017.
Check out Nick and Sara Stanczyk's Pro Team Profiles here: Capt. Nick Stanczyk and Sara Stanczyk
