Waterman
Capt. Joe Nelson
Fourth-generation Southern Maryland waterman.
This Is Where Your Seafood Came From Today
Nelson Seafood
Captain Joe Nelson, FV Miss Murphey, and the Southern Maryland fleet bring fresh local seafood from the working waters of the St. Mary’s River with true provenance.
Pound Net Harvest Location
Storied Seafood with true provenance from St. Mary’s River, St. George Island, Maryland.
Pound Net Set and Harvest Location — St. Mary’s River, St. George Island, Maryland
38.112556, -76.458714
Working Waterman Story
A Southern Maryland Fishing Legacy
When you purchase seafood harvested by Nelson Seafood, you are supporting more than a catch. You are supporting a working waterman, his crew, his family, and a fourth-generation Southern Maryland fishing legacy.
Captain Joe Nelson represents the fourth generation of Nelson watermen, carrying forward a family tradition rooted in the working waters of Southern Maryland. With 38 years on the water, Captain Joe harvests native seasonal seafood from the St. Mary’s River, including Rockfish/Striped Bass, Perch, Blue Catfish, and bait fish.
The work of Capt. Joe Nelson, Nelson Seafood, and the crew reflects the pride, skill, and stewardship that define the Southern Maryland fleet — a commitment to fresh local seafood, responsible harvest, and preserving the waterways that have sustained generations of watermen before him.
FV Miss Murphey and the Nelson Seafood crew work the seasonal harvest from the Southern Maryland waterways.
Support This Waterman
Wear the Story
Show your support by wearing Nelson Seafood branded merchandise. Every t-shirt, hoodie, and piece of gear helps share the story behind the seafood and keeps local watermen visible, valued, and connected to the communities they serve.
2026 Nelson Seafood Designs ›
Local seafood is more than a product. It is a working tradition, a regional food source, and a direct connection between the waterman and the table.
Crew, Boat & Harvest Details
The people, vessel, and experience behind the Nelson Seafood harvest.
Captain Joe Nelson
Generation: 4
Years Fishing: 38
Target Species: Rockfish/Striped Bass, Perch, Blue Catfish, Bait Fish
Fishing Grounds: St. Mary’s River
FV Miss Murphey
Vessel Build: Traditional SOMD deadrise
Length: 36 ft
Power: Cummins Diesel
Year Built: 1984
Home Port: St. George Island
Sr. Crew Jerry Lukefahr
Generation: 2
Years Fishing: 46
Target Species: Rockfish/Striped Bass, Perch, Blue Catfish, Bait Fish, Crabs, Oysters
Fishing Grounds: St. Mary’s River, Potomac River
Sr. Crew Johnny Cakes
Generation: 4
Years Fishing: 42
Target Species: Rockfish/Striped Bass, Perch, Blue Catfish, Bait Fish, Crabs, Oysters
Fishing Grounds: St. Mary’s River, Potomac River, Chesapeake