Gravy Sport Fishing Crew

The entire crew members of Gravy Sportfishing Charters are licensed captains. They have a love of boats and fishing that is evident in their enthusiasm and dedication. They will work tirelessly to provide their customers an enjoyable day at sea.

Captain Kelly Sponseller, A.K.A, ‘Captain Midnight’ – Kelly has had a love of boats and fishing nearly all her life. From the age of five, Kelly had her own fillet knife and tackle box, and was either at the helm of her family’s boat, or side by side with her father, filleting the catch. After a successful halibut trip in Ninilchik, Alaska, Kelly was hooked on the idea that fishing could actually be a source of employment. Moving to Half Moon Bay in 1995, Kelly fished every chance she got, and began to help out on deck whenever there was a lull in the action. Gradually her hard work earned her a deckhand slot. During the early years of her career, Kelly decked on the sportfishing boats of San Francisco, Emeryville, and Half Moon Bay, as well as whale watching tours with Bay Tours. Fulfilling a desire to be at the helm, Kelly earned her 100ton Master’s License in 2004, joining Gravy Sportfishing shortly thereafter. Kelly comes with a ‘never give up’ attitude, and is usually one of the last captains back to port, giving her the well deserved nickname of ‘Captain Midnight.’ She will do what ever it takes, and will work tirelessly to bring her customers to the fish, consistently bringing them to limits.

Captain Darrin Seiji –Darrin has always loved to fish. He began his work as a deckhand to allow him to spend his days doing what he loved. His first jobs were aboard the fishing boats of Emeryville, working from dawn till dusk. He learned his trade in the toughest harbor in the Bay area, working in all conditions. He regularly designs and pours his own swim baits, experimenting constantly with something new that might catch fish—most of these endeavors yielding a good success rate. Although Darrin holds his Master’s 100ton license, he prefers the deck to be in the middle of the action. But his license allows him to be the 2nd captain as required on long tuna runs. At the deck, Darrin brings his expertise to help novice and experienced anglers alike to bring in their catch. At the end of the trip, Darrin can provide expert fillet service for anglers as they make their way back to the dock.

Capt. Yogi Adams – Capt. Yogi has been a part of Gravy Sportfishing since its beginning. A legend around Pillar Point harbor Capt. Yogi began his Sportfishing career in the 1970’s when the young fisherman caught the attention of Al Guest, founder and first owner of Huck Finn Sport Fishing. Al was the first fisherman in the area to begin shallow cod fishing, and taught Yogi the tricks of the trade. It was Al who encouraged Yogi to pursue his love of fishing, and persuaded him to obtain his sea captains license. Yogi joined Al at the Huck Finn Shop, and together, the pair perfected their skills, and the sport fishing from Pillar Point Harbor grew. Through the years, Capt. Yogi has built up a loyal following, along with an expert technique. These days Capt. Yogi leaves the captain duties to the rest of the crew, but lends his instinct and experience when needed.

Captain Manuel Escobar – Gravy Sportfishing was the brain child of Manuel Escobar. Since he was a young boy, Manuel had a love of the sea, and used to fish the waters of Half Moon Bay with his father on the sport fishing boats of Hazels at Pillar Point Harbor. As soon as he was able, he bought his first boat, and spent nearly all his spare time deep sea fishing the Half Moon Bay coast. When he purchased the Gravy, it was Capt. Yogi that guided him in the operation and handling of the much larger vessel. The two formed a friendship that grew to the collaboration of what would become Gravy Sportfishing Charters.