CAPTAIN DAVID SCHUNKE ISN'T JUST AN ANGLER - HE'S A TESTAMENT TO WHAT IT MEANS TO LIVE FOR THE SALTWATER.
From his first cast to record-breaking tuna battles, PENN rods and reels have been his constant companion, forged for the fight and trusted to deliver in the harshest conditions.
When it comes to saltwater fishing on the east coast, Captain Schunke’s name is one that ripples not only across the choppy waters but also within the digital content world. His mixture of bold adventures, fun video documentation, and love for the ocean is what makes him a standout in the fishing game.
TURNING BAIT INTO BATTLES INTO BOUNTY
In David’s livewell, you’ll often find a swell of live peanut bunkers caught earlier in the day, which are irresistible baitfish used for targeting predators like stripers, tuna, and flounder. Captain Schunke is also a master of creating natural chum slicks, triggering feeding frenzies that bring the ocean’s top trophy fish to the surface.
Tuna, mahi, tilefish, and bluefin - these are the giants that Captain Schunke trusts his PENN gear to conquer with their proven durability, reliability, and track record of success seen time and time again on his vessel. With every trip offshore, he brings back stories that last a lifetime. While reeling in some of the world’s most sought after species, David ensures that he never takes more fish home than he can eat. Much like the PENN reels and rods that are built to last, Captain Schunke approaches ocean conservation with the same timeless intention.
With a trusted network of charter captains sharing daily reports, David’s always one step ahead when it comes to scouting for these fishing hot spots. While he spends the majority of time battling offshore beasts, Captain Schunke also recalls some of his most exciting fishing activities a little closer to shore including pulling in bluefish just 13 miles off the Jersey Shore and Lower Manhattan.
CATCHING MEMORIES & REELING IN VIEWS
Captain Schunke isn’t just dominating the waters, he’s conquering digital waves as well. As a content creator, he’s mastered the art of hooking viewers with his captivating posts and impressive feats. Since April, his videos have racked up a staggering 35 million views across Instagram, Facebook, and X, with a million more rolling in each week. Whether it’s heart-pounding tuna battles with the Fathom™ Electric Reel or his kids demonstrating expert fishing techniques, his posts encompass the perfect balance between education, pure entertainment, and saltwater fishing gear expertise.
In fact, you can catch David’s 12- and 13-year-old kids starring in a lot of his videos and it’s obvious they embody the PENN values just as much as their father. His 13-year-old has been throwing 12-foot nets since the age of 8 and after sports practice, these young anglers head straight to the boat – ready to out-fish the best of them. “They’re absolute studs on the water but more than just catching fish, we’re creating core family memories with a PENN in their hand.”
David’s kids are following in his footsteps, not just as anglers, but as ambassadors of the saltwater lifestyle. Together, they’re proving that fishing is more than just a sport—it’s a legacy. And with PENN by their side, they’re inspiring the next generation of anglers to respect the ocean, embrace the challenge, and create memories that last a lifetime.
Captain Schunke’s journey is proof that fishing isn’t just about the catch—it’s about the grit, the memories, and the gear that never lets you down. Follow his adventures with PENN on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, and see why every angler’s story begins with a reel built for the fight.
CAPTAIN'S CHOICE
David’s fishing gear preferences are as sharp as his fishing instincts. He is always equipped with a handful of PENN Rival™ Level Wind Conventional set-ups, favoring the 2500 and 4000 sizes for free lining and stepping up to the 6500 for larger fish expeditions.
When the stakes are highest with offshore tuna runs and deepwater tilefish battles, Captain Schunke turns to the Fathom™ Electric Reel. Its revolutionary power and endurance give him the edge to push deeper, fight longer, and conquer the ocean's fiercest giants. "What also excites me about the Fathom Electric is that it’s a smaller cordless reel and a lot nicer to hold in my hand than a 30 wide reel – giving me the power to explore greater depths” he adds.
FISH LIKE THE PROS
CAPTAIN SCHUNKE'S CHOICE GEAR
FRESHWATER FIRSTS & THE SALTY SEAS
Captain Schunke’s fishing journey began a bit more inland than the eventual salty New Jersey air would suggest. Growing up, David would tag along with his grandfather to explore the Adirondack and Great Lakes in New York. Learning the nuances of the craft alongside his grandfather, David's passion grew into an unshakable thirst for the ocean. Today, from the Manasquan Inlet to offshore waters, Captain Schunke pushes PENN gear to its limits, knowing it will stand up to the fight every time.
His fleet of boats are spread across the country and include a 42 Prowler, 36 Prowler, 38 Fountain, and more that all rely on the best gear in the game to get the job done on the water. Each boat is a floating studio and platform for creating unforgettable memories with both his family and real estate clients.
Whether it’s an 80–100-mile offshore trip or an inshore outing, David can be found out there reeling in the big fish and creating gorgeous content along the way.
CAPTAIN DAVID SCHUNKE
FOLLOW THE CAPTAIN
LOCATION - Manasquan, New Jersey
FACEBOOK - David Schunke
INSTAGRAM - @davidschunke
X - David Schunke
YOUTUBE - Fish Circus