InTheBite 2004 Captain of the Year, Capt. Eddie Wheeler

What an amazing year for Eddie and the Cabana competing in 21 tournaments against more than 1,000 teams in Maryland, North Carolina, the Bahamas and throughout Florida. At nearly $1 million in winnings over the past year, it’s no wonder Eddie has earned his place in the sun. What makes this nomination and his success even sweeter is that Eddie Wheeler was voted Captain of the Year by industry peers.

It’s a real thrill to be recognized at the Captain of the Year,
 says Capt. Wheeler. I feel honored to be voted by my peers and named among such a talented group of people.


The Cabana is a 64-foot custom Paul Spencer which Wheeler admits is a contributing factor to this winning team. It is a top of the line, phenomenal boat that helps make my job easier,
 says Wheeler. The builder also provides support for captains and crew.
Of the 21 tournaments, Capt. Wheeler and his crew have placed in ten. In five out of the ten, they placed first, in addition to one second place, one third place, one forth place and one fifth place. They weighed in third largest fish at 335-pounds, 442-pounds, and 518-pounds during the BBC circuit. They managed to out fish the entire tournament, winning two separate dailies and catching a 611-pound tuna. Over the past year the team placed in 50% of all the tournaments they competed in and in 50% of the tournaments they placed first!

What’s more impressive about Eddie’s success is the face that he has managed to diversify his craft by winning tournaments in various geographic regions and different species of fish. But Capt. Wheeler humbly acknowledges that his victories are a result of a great team effort. He says the boat owner, Frank Sherman, plays a large role in his success because of his attention to detail. He’s a great listener and learner,
 says Wheeler. He also credits his first mate Dave Chambers as well the many talented anglers for this past year’s overwhelming achievements.

Eddie began his professional captain’s career about 14 years ago. His dad owned a charter fishing boat in Pompano, so fishing and mating have always been a big part of his life. We work hard and do our homework,
 says Wheeler. But most importantly, we manage to have fun and not take ourselves too serious.
 Wheeler believes that you have to enjoy what you do and that you get out of it what you put into it.

Congratulations Capt. Wheeler on this well-deserved title and we wish you continued success on enjoying the ride.