Meet Captain Seth Hartleroad

Meet Captain Seth Hartleroad

Captain Seth Hartleroad, the owner and operator of Nauti-Nurse Sportfishing, has spent his entire life centered around the Gulf Coast waters. His obsession with fishing started early; as a child on family beach trips, he was famously known for choosing bait over burgers, a clear sign of the career to come. This early curiosity evolved into a professional calling, leading him to refine his skills on charter boats in Pensacola and various private vessels. Even during a brief stint in the parasailing industry, his focus never wavered from the local fish patterns and the seasonal shifts of the Gulf.

For nearly a decade, Captain Seth has been back on the water full-time, building a reputation for consistency and technical expertise. His track record is distinguished by his ability to lead guests to monumental catches; to date, he has guided clients to four Alabama state records and one world record. What Seth finds most rewarding about these milestones is that they weren't achieved by professional tournament anglers, but by everyday guests. For him, the true goal is ensuring that every person who steps onto his deck feels like a seasoned pro by the time they head back to the docks.

While he is proficient in a variety of offshore methods, Captain Seth specializes in the technical demands of deep-drop fishing. Navigating depths between 300 and 1,500 feet with electric reels, he focuses on sourcing high-quality, delicious species that many casual anglers never get to see. He also shares a deep appreciation for the patience required in high-speed trolling for Wahoo and the fast-paced nature of targeting Mahi-Mahi on light tackle. His local knowledge allows him to adapt to the day's conditions, ensuring guests spend their time where the fish are most active.

The Nauti-Nurse Sportfishing Vessel

Your time on the water takes place aboard a classic 46' Hatteras offshore sportfishing vessel. Originally built in 1978 and meticulously maintained to modern safety and performance standards, this boat offers the heavy-duty stability that Hatteras is famous for. It is powered by twin 550HP Detroit engines, providing a reliable and steady 15-knot cruise to the offshore grounds. The vessel is designed for a comfortable experience for up to six guests, featuring a spacious deck for active fishing and a clean, climate-controlled cabin for relaxation. It serves as a sturdy, capable platform for everything from technical deep dropping to long-range trolling.