Meet Captain Robert Dave Townsend
"A good boat Captain never puts himself in a situation requiring a good boat captain."
Captain Dave Townsend
Captain Dave Townsend’s fishing career didn’t start at a marina or a tackle shop—it started in a laundry basket. When Dave was just two weeks old, his father lined a plastic basket with blankets, tucked him inside, and headed out to Lake Tenaroc, Florida. Alongside his older brother Mike, Dave spent his earliest days witnessing the art of the catch before he could even walk.
What got you into fishing, and how did you end up in Homer? “My father got me into fishing at about two weeks old. We spent summers farming and winters through spring fishing Lake Whales and Kissimmee Florida. I eventually moved to Alaska in July of 1996 and have been fortunate to fish everything from Grayling and Pike to Lingcod and Halibut. I began my guide career in Seward with Homer as a goal. After all, Homer is the Halibut Capital of the world.”
Growing up in the Tampa Bay area, Dave lived a life that many would call “subsistence,” but he simply called it home. His upbringing was a masterclass in the outdoors, governed by the seasons of farming and the rhythms of the water.
Who or what inspired your love of the outdoors? “Definitely had to be my Dad. We lived a subsistence lifestyle of farming and harvesting wild game. If it walked, crawled, flew, slithered or swam, we ate it.”
The Alaskan Journey: 20 Years in the Making
In 1996, Dave made a life-altering decision to move to Alaska on a whim. Like many who head north, he planned to stay for just two years. Now, twenty years later, he has become a fixture of the Alaskan maritime community. Before setting his sights on the salt of Homer, Dave spent years in the interior, finding peace in the hidden corners of the wilderness.
The Professional Stats:
Total Years in Alaska: 20
Licenses: 100-Ton Master, AB Special
Guiding Style: High Energy & Educational
Dave’s transition to Homer was strategic. While he loved the solitude of interior creeks small enough to step across, he felt the pull of the “Halibut Capital of the World.” He recognized that the personalized service of a six-passenger charter offered the perfect blend of high-stakes adventure and intimate guest interaction.
A Day at Sea: Routine and Ritual
For Dave, a successful trip starts long before the guests arrive at the dock. His background as a power plant operator instilled a “checklist” mentality that ensures the safety and success of every voyage.
What’s a typical day like for you during fishing season? “Long days. Wake up around 4am, coffee, review weather and tides. On the boat at 5am, break the day in nice and gradual, review checklists items such as oil, gas, bait, lures, clean and clean again.”
Once the lines are tossed and the “Boat Safe” playlist (a curated mix of classic rock and country) starts playing, Dave shifts his focus to the human element. He views himself not just as a captain, but as a facilitator of friendships.
How do you make sure everyone—from beginners to pros—has a great time? “Two-way communication and involvement. I like to tell the customers how and why the deckhand and I chose our spot. It’s imperative the Captain and deckhand have a high positive energy mood between them. This energy is catchy.”
The "Rod in Holder" Wisdom
If there is one thing Dave wants his guests to remember, it’s that Alaska fishing requires unlearning everything you know about bass or walleye. He is a firm believer in the “rod holder” method—a technique that often tests the patience of seasoned freshwater anglers.
One tip you’d give to first-time anglers: “Keep your eyes on that rod tip. Stay focused. The bite window is short. Resist the urge to set hooks. Grandpa was right about Walleyes and Bass, but these ain’t Walleyes or Bass.”
The Legend of the Idaho Grandmother Dave recalls a day when this advice was put to the ultimate test. A grandmother from Idaho was on board, and while other guests were losing fish by trying to “set the hook” with Olympic speed, she remained perfectly calm. When her rod tip nearly touched the water, she didn’t yank; she simply turned to Dave and asked, “Captain Dave, is this a bite?” That “bite” turned into a 105-pound monster that she reeled in with ease, laughing the whole way.
The Heart of the Charter: Memorable Encounters
Beyond the trophies and the limits, Dave is driven by the stories his guests bring on board. He has seen firsthand how a day on the water can serve as a profound life experience.
Describe a memorable fishing story or guest experience: “One morning only two guests out of six made it to the boat. I eventually learned one of the guests had terminal cancer and this was literally his last fishing trip. What are the odds that those two men, lifelong best friends, would have the boat to themselves and their choice of halibut, lingcod, rockfish and salmon all day long?”
This perspective is why Dave finds it difficult to pick a “favorite” part of the job. Whether it’s hearing a guest’s career story or watching a child get “hooked” on fishing when the Silvers show up, he treats every moment as a memory in the making.
Life on the "Off-Season": The 2026 Outlook
Dave is a true “waterman” who cannot stay away from the maritime life for long. Even when the Alaska season ends, he is often found working on Great Lakes ore ships or traveling between his homes in Tok, Alaska, and Florida.
How do you spend your winter or off-season? “Last two seasons I’ve worked as a deckhand on a Great Lakes ore ship. I’m going to try scuba tours next winter (2026) and see if I like that as much as fishing. If I weren’t fishing, I’m not sure what I’d do if I couldn’t work the water.”
Dave’s “Quick-Fire” Favorites: | Category | Favorite | | :— | :— | | Post-Trip Meal | Ribeye and a beer | | Homer Activity | Walking the Spit or “The end of the road” | | Superstition | No “Walleye” or “Bass” talk on the dock! | | Other Species | Rockfish and Lingcod | | Life Lesson | Humility and Patience. Mother Nature always wins. |
Why Homer Halibut Hunters?
For Dave, joining this crew is about more than just a job; it’s about participating in the American Dream. He views the opportunity to lead a vessel for a small business as an honor and a responsibility. He brings 20 years of Alaskan grit and a lifetime of Florida-born fishing intuition to every trip, ensuring that when you step onto his boat, you aren’t just a customer—you’re part of the team.