Press Release
Viking
Bunker Up North, Gogs Down South — This 46 Viking's Well Does It All
Wicked Wells
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Every Wednesday, we spotlight captains and crews running their systems hard — and proving the difference between gear that works… and gear that wins.
This week, we’re headed from Brigantine, New Jersey down to Key West, following Don Diego Sportfishing — a 46’ Viking Billfish captained by Anthony Solmo, with Mate Ryan Persinger on deck.
Don Diego fishes two vastly different ecosystems — cooler waters up north, warm current-driven conditions down south — and the bait game changes with the zip code. When your spread might include gogs, bluefish, speedos, or bunker, your well has to flex with you.
Two Oceans, One Well That Performs
Whether they’re running goggle eyes and threadfins in Key West, or loaded with bunker, croakers, and bluefin up north, the Wicked Wells Sailfisher setup on Don Diego delivers clean, consistent bait health.
“We use the wells both here (NJ) and in Key West for all sorts of different bait. Mostly use it for goggle eyes and threadfins in Key West but it also seems to keep bunker alive very well up here. I kept a blacked out well of peanuts alive for 20 hours,” said Capt. Anthony Solmo.
That level of performance isn’t just about volume — it’s about design. From our signature rounded interior (no corners for bait to pinball), to custom in-house drain screens that don’t beat up baits or pull scales, every inch of the system is built for delicate cargo in rough conditions.
“Worked so well for my bunkers that they didn’t really have a red beat up nose like they usually do when putting them in a well," said Capt. Solmo.
We also place our water intake low, so flow moves naturally without blasting bait against the wall. Add in the right pump system, and it’s a clean, oxygen-rich loop that lets even the softest baits ride out long runs and full days offshore.
“Also does really well keeping spot croakers and bluefish alive up here. Love the well overall. Oh — I’ve also been able to keep a good amount of speedos alive in it," Capt. Solmo added.
Fishing two coasts with all kinds of live bait means nothing about Don Diego’s program is one-size-fits-all. Their results come down to consistency, and that starts with bait staying healthy from load-up to final drop. In recap, here’s what makes their Wicked system work — day in, day out - so they can focus on the fishing.
- Fully pressurized = no bait slosh, no mess on deck
- Constant flow upper chamber = constant circulation no overflow
- Rounded interior + no corners = zero bruised bait
- Custom drain screens = no scale loss, no pinning
- Low, balanced water intake = natural flow + less bait fatigue
From the heat of the Keys to the canyons off Jersey, Don Diego’s well setup doesn’t flinch — and neither does their bait.
