About Captain Dana Boardman

EXPERIENCE MATTERS.
MENTORSHIP MATTERS MORE.
DECADES ON THE WATER SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.

From the deck to the drawing board, I’ve spent a lifetime immersed in the world of big game fishing—refining techniques, mentoring upcoming talent, and collaborating with legendary captains in every major heavy tackle hotspot on the map. My hands-on experience runs deep, and my passion for preserving the legacy of this sport is matched only by my drive to push it forward.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
21 Granders Caught & Released across the Coral Sea, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans 7 Granders Weighed, including three Fleet Biggest Fish of the Year awards on the Great Barrier Reef

• 1298 lbs – GBR Fleet Biggest Fish of the Year
• 1239 lbs – GBR Fleet Biggest Fish of the Year
• 1207 lbs – GBR Fleet Biggest Fish of the Year
• Also weighed: 1089 lbs, 1003 lbs, 1140 lbs, 1047 lbs
• First Billfish at Age 11: 276 lb Pacific Broadbill Swordfish, caught during daylight hours on surface tackle—decades ahead of the curve.
• Technological Trailblazer: Early pioneer in the ethical catch and release of Granders, and long-time contributor to the evolution of heavy tackle techniques and gear customization.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCE
I’ve captained and crewed on big game vessels and sailboats ranging from 30′ to 75′, navigating and fishing in world-renowned hotspots, including:

• Hawaii
• Australia
• Madeira
• Cape Verde
• Azores
• California
• Mexico 
• East Coast U.S.
• Gulf of Mexico 
• Mozambique
• Full Pacific Ocean Crossing
• Atlantic Ocean Crossings
• Coral Sea, Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Okeechobee, and the Mediterranean Sea

A LIFE BUILT ON DUAL PASSIONS
In addition to a lifelong dedication to big game fishing, I’m a third-generation National Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic, holding licenses in Hawaii and California. I represent my family’s ninth holistic healthcare doctor, combining intuitive healing with scientific expertise—an unusual but powerful complement to life on the water.

MECHANICALLY MINDED · INNOVATION DRIVEN
Growing up, I built custom tackle alongside my father, using intuition, handcraft, and old Zane Grey novels for insight—long before YouTube tutorials and online ordering existed. That early foundation gave me a mechanical edge, helping me design smarter rigs, solve problems on the fly, and build systems that perform under the heaviest pressure.

THE BOTTOM LINE
If you’re looking for a captain with miles under his boots, granders under his belt, and the mindset of a teacher, technician, and tactician—I’m that guy. I bring proven results, global perspective, and a lifetime of lessons to every vessel, every team, and every trip.