

Words by Ricky Fischel

BRANDON NELSON
Capt. Brandon Nelson, coined “Lucky B” at a young age by his friends, grew up fishing up and down the Southern California coast and has since established himself as one of the premier charter captains in San Diego. When he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma in 2020, Brandon discovered that he had four tumors in his chest cavity ranging in size from a peach to a small football. The news was rightfully shocking, but as emotionally jarring as being given a cancer diagnosis is, Brandon was determined to utilize anything and everything possible to beat it and continue pursuing his dreams on the water.
LUCKY B SPORTFISHING
The story behind how Brandon’s charter operation came to fruition is unrivaled in many ways, and sure to inspire regardless of whether someone shares his love and appreciation for fishing. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” is an age-old saying from Roman philosopher Seneca, and the perfect representation of Brandon’s charter operation. Brandon and his first mate Jack Smith (shown right) operate at an extremely high level, and as an owner/operator, Brandon has equipped his business to cater to everyone from first-time anglers to those of the highest caliber. Lucky B leaves very little to chance, and if there are fish to be caught, Brandon and Jack will give you the greatest opportunity for success.

Hope is a powerful force, and when Brandon’s doctor informed him that, if they took all the right steps, he’d beat his cancer, there was no turning back. Brandon began treatment in January 2020, undergoing 4- to 6-hour chemotherapy sessions every 2 weeks for 6 straight months. Lucky B had his first scan after undergoing 4 treatments and learned that his largest tumor had shrunk by almost half and was showing no signs of the cancer. This was working. He was going to beat this.
“You’re free to go live your life,” is what Brandon was told by his doctors after hearing the remarkable news that he had overcome his cancer. The next day, Brandon was on the water with his family and friends pulling on bluefin tuna. You couldn’t come up with a better story if you tried.

THE LUCKY B FLEET
36’ Yellowfin with triple Mercury L6 300hp Verado® outboards & SmartCraft® digital technologies
32’ Yellowfin with twin Mercury L6 350hp Verado® outboards & SmartCraft® digital technologies


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