Meet Our Captains

Torqued Crew

Captain John

Owner/Operator

Captain Ensei

Expert Angler

Captain Alec

Gameplanner

Torqued Sportfishing was founded in 2023 by three dedicated, lifelong fishermen and marine enthusiasts. We’ve earned success in fishing through perserverance and a constant desire to improve. Each has experienced guided fishing charters through our entire lives as passengers and crew, which developed an extensive understanding of what makes a premier experience on the water. With over 25 years of collective experience as saltwater fishermen/ guides, we’ve learned the ocean environment first hand and continue to do so. Torqued Sportfishing boasts one of the most uniquely specialized charter crew and vessel in San Diego.

Captain John Darby

As the owner, founder, and one of the captains at Torqued Sportfishing, John brings a lifetime of fishing experience to the breathtaking waters of San Diego. Originally from the East Coast, he provides a unique outlook on the fishery having spent over a decade each fishing Atlantic and Pacific waters. A proud San Diegan for the past 12 years John turned his passion into a career, pouring heart and soul into every expedition.

Driven by the excitement of the search and the grind, John thrives on the early mornings and late nights spent on the water. Every outing with Torqued Sportfishing is meticulously planned to ensure a successful fishing trip and moreso-an unforgettable adventure. At Torqued Sportfishing, John is committed to providing a deeply personal, memorable experience for each client. With a friendly demeanor, extensive knowledge, patience, and drive, John creates an atmosphere where clients feel valued and can fully immerse themselves in the sportfishing experience.

Captain Ensei Kaneko

At Torqued Sportfishing, Captain Ensei Kaneko leads our operations with unmatched dedication and passion. With deep knowledge of fisheries along the California coast, as well as Alaska and Japan, Captain Kaneko is a seasoned expert who brings a wealth of experience to every fishing trip.

Adding to his fishing expertise, Captain Kaneko thrived in the commercial fishing sector successfully targeting King salmon, Dungeness crab, and Spiny Lobster. What truly sets him apart is his background as a sushi chef. He takes extra care in handling fish, dispatching them humanely and using techniques such as ike jime for enhancing the final product. Whether it’s preparing sashimi or crafting the perfect sushi roll, his knowledge adds a unique and memorable aspect to your fishing adventure.

Captain Kaneko’s genuine passion for fishing plus commitment to providing an unforgettable experience ensures every trip is educational and exhilarating. At Torqued Sportfishing, with Captain Kaneko at the helm, you are guaranteed an adventure led by one of the most skilled and passionate captains around. Join us and experience the difference fishing with captain Ensei will make.

Captain Alec Sarner

Alec grew up in Northern California in the rural town of Nevada City, near Lake Tahoe. He’s a lifelong outdoorsman and is grateful for the extensive and varied opportunities his hometown and California, in general, have offered. He grew up fishing, skiing, and backpacking while also competing in sports.

He was guiding youth sport coaches and friend’s parents on local fishing trips by middle school and knew that sharing fishing/ outdoor experiences with others was his calling by age 13. Through childhood he traveled to San Diego multiple times annually to visit relatives, which quickly solidified the desire to begin his adult life here and establish a top-notch charter operation. He graduated from the University of San Diego and has worked toward his dream life in San Diego ever since.

For the 12+ years he’s lived in San Diego, Alec has systematically sharpened his skills in understanding each of the incredible saltwater fisheries and overall ecosystem it offers. His background formed him into a well-rounded leader and exceptional, detail oriented fisherman & guide who’s proud of the opportunity to share his knowledge.

Our Partner

TC Panos

TC is a longtime friend and partner of Torqued Sportfishing from day 1. He is the GOAT of Guided fishing tours, offering both Pier trips and Kayak Tours in San Diego. Check him out!

TC is a lifelong avid fisherman living in San Diego, CA for the past 20 years. His background as a professionally certified deep-sea diver for 5 years combined with his magnetic personality means he’ll never be short of telling amazing stories to entertain your group during your guided fishing tours.

All skill levels in fishing are welcome to join for his guided shore fishing adventures. Whether you have never touched a fishing rod before or just wish you can talk to an expert on how to improve your catches, he offers the perfect guided fishing tours for you!

TC is passionate about sharing his love of fishing with anyone willing to learn and show how fun it can be for you and the whole family. The excitement of catching your very first fish on camera is a must for the ultimate San Diego experience. Book your tour today and let’s build some memories together!

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