Fishing is More Than an Occupation, It’s a Way of My Life

There is no other leisure activity in the world that can provide relaxation and distraction from everyday life better than time spent on the water. For many years, people have used fishing to slow down, get away, forget their worries and recharge for a bit while at the same time making memories with family and friends. For many others and I, it has also become much more than that. Fishing has developed from a passion into a lifestyle, occupation and career. I had questioned myself many times in the past whether I should quit fishing and get a “real job,” but those times are long gone now, and I’m definitely glad that I didn’t. Most have heard the saying, “If you do what you love you will never work a day in your life.” Well, that sums it up for me at this point, and it’s a little late in life now anyway to change career paths. 

I still get fired up for every blue marlin that we catch as well as each first-time angler we catch a fish for.

There are many reasons why people are drawn to the sportfishing industry. For most of us, it all began when we were younger and just starting. We wanted to catch fish and learn how to do it better. Later, traveling to exotic locations in search of billfish becomes an objective for many. This requires a whole different level of commitment and dedication. In the process of working and traveling on a sportfishing operation, there’s the opportunity to gain experience and develop a variety of skills. There is a lot of hard work and behind-the-scenes planning that comes into play way before the tackle is pulled out and the lines are cast off. But once clear of the inlet or jetties, there’s that same feeling of contentment as well as an anticipation of what might be encountered on the trip. It’s always different out there, and no fish acts exactly the same. I still get fired up for every blue marlin that we catch as well as each firsttime angler we catch a fish for.

I’ve made lifelong friendships over the years and shared some great times with many in the sportfishing industry. The industry has grown considerably but has still kept the feeling of a small community to some extent, and we can probably give partial credit to social media. I sometimes find it hard to describe to people what we actually do and the things that we get to experience out on the ocean. However, I’m thankful to be able to enjoy it and share it with those around me and in our industry, where others are as passionate about it as I am.