Joe Crisci will be taking over the captain's duties aboard the Qualifier 105, as Brian Sims moves to the Royal Star.

A native of San Diego, Joe is the son of Sicilian parents. His father was a fisherman aboard bait boats and seiners in the old days of San Diego's tuna glory. Joe went to San Diego High, and also fished commercially until about 1986.

Joe Crisci was a contractor for a time, and ran six-pack charters. Then he worked for five years aboard the Qualifier 105, mostly as second skipper. He spent a year aboard the Excel before being offered the top job back on the Qualifier.

"I'm really looking forward to fishing again on the best platform ever built," said Joe at the dock May 12.