Meet the Fishermen: | Local Fish

Brenden McGonagle

Switchback Fishing

Brendan is a commercial fisherman with 18 years of experience and deep family roots in the industry. After earning a business degree, he went straight into fishing, spending 15 years working in the Northeast before relocating to San Diego two years ago. Now fishing Southern California waters, Brendan primarily targets tuna, along with swordfish and groundfish. He values steady, reliable fisheries and is driven by the challenge of problem-solving on the water and putting in the time it takes to make a successful trip come together. Brendan is focused on connecting with dependable buyers who appreciate locally caught seafood and the work behind it.

Morgan Promnitz

F/V Dos Locos

Born and raised in South Africa, fishing has been a lifelong passion influenced by a family of fishermen and childhood summers spent living off the coast. What began as an obsession with rivers, abalone, and lobster grew into a career on the water, where the challenge of solving the “puzzle” of each catch provides both focus and mental release. Facing the rising costs of fuel, regulations, and the demands of working in the saltwater environment, he began selling fish to offset expenses and soon built rewarding relationships with chefs and buyers who value quality and sustainable practices. Today, his dedication to the craft continues to shape both his livelihood and his love for connecting people with fresh, responsibly caught seafood.

Steve Quessenberry

F/V FoFo

Introduced to the fishing world in 1979 after marrying a fisherman’s daughter, he has spent the past 45 years closely connected to the commercial fishing community. Many of his fondest memories stem from watching Laurel and Andy Saraspe fish. Although fishing has never been his sole occupation, the ocean has always been central to his life, both as a surfer and a fisherman. He values the beauty of being on the water, but also understands the industry’s challenges—from rising fuel costs to increasing regulations and closed fishing grounds. Passionate about supporting local fisheries, he sends his catch to El Pescador, a restaurant he admires for sourcing the freshest local seafood and supporting the community. Steve is also known as “the singing fisherman,” making children’s music (Known as “Stevie Q” on YouTube).

Zachary Rypysc

Ikejime Seafood

Zach Rypysc began his fishing career at age 12, working on charter boats in Santa Barbara. He went on to spend eight years in Alaska’s commercial fisheries, targeting black cod, halibut, and salmon. After the collapse of the black cod market, Zach relocated from Santa Cruz to San Diego in search of more stable opportunities, better weather, and greater species diversity. Now working in Southern California, Zach has experienced firsthand the challenges independent fishermen face when competing with larger operations. He encourages younger fishermen entering the industry to stay adaptable, understand their markets, and focus on building direct relationships with buyers. Guided by a simple philosophy that quality and sustainability are proportional, Zach believes that prioritizing one inherently protects the other — a mindset that shapes both his fishing practices and his approach to the industry's future.

Andy Saraspe

F/V Sarah Renee

Andy Saraspe is a second-generation fisherman based in San Diego. He’s been on the water since childhood and fishing professionally for over 50 years. Known for his dedication to delivering the freshest catch to local communities, Andy has set a standard of excellence in the industry for decades.

Charles Saraspe

Charlie's Seafood

Charlie is a third-generation commercial fisherman, born and raised in San Diego, California. He’s been on the water since childhood, learning the trade from his family and building a career that spans a wide range of local fisheries. From Spot Prawn, Spiny Lobster and Rock Crab to White Seabass, Yellowtail, Rockfish, and Bluefin Tuna, Charlie targets the best of what Southern California waters have to offer. Read our interview with Charlie here.

Darian Schramm

Paramount Fish

Darian Schramm is a local fisherman with a focus on delivering his catch back to the San Diego community. He works closely with community-supported fisheries, co-ops and farmers’ markets to increase high-quality seafood accessibility across our inland areas. His main focus is on species that are widely-available and affordable; helping to make fresh and local fish within reach to more people across San Diego county. Read our interview with Darian here.

Ryan Sebo

Seabo Seafood

Ryan is a next-generation commercial fisherman based out of San Diego. His focus is mainly on Bluefin, Swordfish, Halibut, Yellowtail and White Seabass. Ryan is committed to delivering the highest quality products caught in the most sustainable methods to better serve our local community. Read our interview with Ryan here.

"Elmo" Dave Stephens

Treses Seafood

Elmo is a lifelong Point Loma fisherman who began working on sportfishing boats as a teenager and earned his commercial captain’s license by sixteen. Over the decades, he has run charter and commercial vessels across Southern California and Mexico, specializing in species such as albacore, lobster, sea urchin, and sea cucumber.Elmo is also deeply involved in promoting sustainable practices, high-quality seafood handling, and creative seafood preparation, sharing his knowledge of local fisheries and passion for responsible harvesting with chefs and the community.

James Strait

F/V Ruby Louise & F/V Veronica B

With over 30 years on the water, James Strait has dedicated his life to fishing the California coast. Raised in San Diego for the past 40 years, he got his start as a young kid working on sport boats before serving in the military. After his service, he returned to the sea—this time as a commercial fisherman. Throughout his career, James has fished for everything from lobster and spot prawn shrimp to mackerel, tuna, and yellowtail. But if you ask him, his favorite catches will always be white seabass and sand dabs. A lifelong waterman with deep roots in the local fishing community, James takes pride in providing fresh, sustainable seafood straight from the source.

Howard Strech

Howie is a next-generation fisherman based out of North County. He serves on the advisory committee at Local Fish and is committed to creating change within the industry. Read our interview with Howie here.

Shane Volberding

Shane's Seafoods

Shane is known for his meticulous handling of local Mackerel and Sardines. Rather than treating them like baitfish, he stores them vertically, packs them with care, and handles them gently to avoid bruising. His approach has reinvigorated the fishery, bringing a delicious, high-quality product to market that’s prized by both consumers and restaurant chefs. In addition to small pelagics, Shane targets Yellowtail, Bluefin, and the occasional small shark. You can find him most Saturdays at the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market.