Queen Mary Party Fishing

Captain Dave Riback purchased the Queen Mary from Capt John Brackett in 2011. Dave runs the day to day operation and a good percentage of the daily and magic hour Striper trip. Dave started as a customer on the Queen Mary and became a mate at the age of twelve. After graduating from the University of San Diego, Dave got his captain's license at the age of 25. He started running the Queen Mary at night shortly after. Dave bought his first charter boat the Purple Jet in 1997. Over the next 15 season Capt Dave built a successful charter business. He upgraded twice and eventually sold in 2011 to take over daily operations on the Queen Mary! With all of the diverse experience Dave has from his charter boat days his expertise has given the Queen Mary a distinct advantage over others.

Captain John Brackett spent every summer of his youth at the Jersey Shore, fishing almost everyday. He started working as a mate on the Queen Mary in 1972, a year after graduating from Rider University. In 1978 he became captain of the Queen Mary party fishing boat and bought the Queen Mary from captain Harvey Brown in 1980. He has been the owner and captain ever since. In 2011, Capt John went into semi-retirement selling the boat and business to long time deckhand and captain David Riback. The Queen Mary mainly fishes for bluefish and stripers. With thirty one years of experience of targeting just these two species, he has become one of the top experts at the New Jersey shore for party boat blue fishing and party boat striped bass fishing. Along with his experienced crew, his one goal is to catch you fish and show you a great experience so you want to come back again. His family consists of his wife Kristine and son Justin.

Captain Nick comes from a family of local fisherman. He has been at the helm of many boats in the area. As a member of the Queen Mary Nick has piloted afternoon/evening trips for over 35 years. He enjoys his time behind the wheel and shares the crews passion for fishing and entertaining our cliental.

We welcomed back Rick Case to the Queen Mary family back in 2010. Rick has been a part of the Queen Mary / Purple Jet crew for close to 20 seasons. Rick is a true seasoned fisherman! He loves fishing in summer and skiing in the winter. Rick always sports a smile and is happy to help.

Erik Olsen has been an essential member of the Queen Mary crew for the past decade. Having fished the coastal waters off New Jersey for over 25 years, working as a professional deckhand for the last 10, he has an intimate and extensive familiarity with all the local fisheries. From tying rigs and untangling lines to landing and filleting your catch, Erik consistently provides the finest service available. His unique combination of knowledge and expertise ensures the best possible fishing experience for all those aboard the Queen Mary.

Jake has been a vital part of the crew for over 5 years! He is personable and loves to fish. He is a perfect fit to complement the rest of the crew!.

Cole started coming out with his father, Capt. Dave, since he was 7 years old.  Cole’s love for the boat and fishing may be even greater than his fathers. Cole started helping out around the boat when he was 12 and now works full time all summer.  Many of the Queen Mary regular customers have watched Cole grow up around the boat and mature into a well-mannered young man.

Jared started aboard the Queen Mary when he was 13.  He began as a helper and has grown into a valuable member of the Queen Mary crew.  Capt. Dave worked as a deckhand with Jared’s Cousin David and Father Kevin, back before electricity.    Jared is an excellent worker and great with the customers!