Make time while you can with family and friends

We all need to get away and unwind; special time with family is even better.

I was able to spend a week with my two younger brothers in beautiful Key West recently. I’m not big on the bars and tourist traps, but their blue waters are beautiful. Tropical Storm Debby slowed our fishing down with both winds and rain churning up the waters, but we made the best of the time visiting inside. We spent an afternoon digging up childhood memories, combined with stories of our family and its history.

We needed the opportunity to remember family, as we all know nobody gets out alive. We are all over seventy now, and we experienced a close family loss that reminded us just how finite our time here is. We shared memories of our mother, father, grandparents and even cousins. We went back as far as we could remember, brothers recalling our childhood adventures, ups and downs, challenges and our remarkable survival thus far.

Each of us remembered different times and adventures. My middle brother also likes fishing, so we talked about shared times and experiences on the water. My youngest brother shared memories of living with me in Georgia while I was away in the Navy in 1968 and 1969. It’s so easy to take life for granted – don’t let opportunities slip away. One day, there is no tomorrow.

Both of my younger brothers learned to craft leather, and while the youngest started first, the middle brother made a successful business crafting and retailing leather goods. He ended up with a very clever mixture of his custom handmade leather goods and beautiful carved mahogany and porcelain figurines.

The little brother just retired from the car business. He was a used car manager for a big Chevy dealership. We went in different directions but remained close.

That’s what this is about: making time while we can, maintaining close family and friend relationships. It’s easy to be too busy and take things for granted. We are in a very special place here around Boca Grande. Of course, it’s changed, but is there a better place to be? I like to visit the Keys, but the traffic and chaos would not afford us the peace we have here most of the year. Hurricanes and red tide present challenges, but nothing is the same anywhere in Florida anymore. I miss Cole Island and the Phosphate Dock, but cherish our Boca Grande Pass tarpon fishery.

I came here as an outsider in ‘81 from St. Pete, but this has become my home port. I visited before the big move south – it was a huge step in my life, and I’m so glad I made the leap. Our fishing can’t compare to those times, but it’s still awesome on good days. It’s still the best tarpon and snook fishing when conditions allow. I could predict a good day back then; now I just enjoy it when we get lucky. Where else can you enjoy watching thousands of giant silver kings frolicking at tide change? It’s work to deal with traffic, but certainly paradise anyway.

Our traditional tarpon fishery is reliable when conditions line up. Fair weather and strong tides light up the fishing. We have the best local guides anywhere. Yes, the Keys have excellent guides too, but our crews are our pride and joy. Where else can you catch several big tarpon on a three-hour trip? Observe as our guides navigate the current flows, entice bites and then traverse the congested pass traffic, working around both boats and other hookups. Their precise skill is superb and beautiful to experience. Moments and memories are conceived.

I’m spoiled by easier times and an older body; I don’t like to run around enough to stay on fish movements like I did back in the day. I am blessed to be trusted enough to share stories of hot bites with the younger guides still on top of their A-game. We have great fishing if you are good enough and make the effort. Do your research and hire one of our local experts. Allow them to show you what we have to offer; it’s amazing.

I was so fortunate to share time in Boca Grande Pass with legends who schooled me when required and taught me – mostly by observing –the tools to enjoy a successful career tarpon fishing here. I am grateful for their support and guidance. It’s important to share our knowledge and pass on our traditions.

What we do now determines if we have our treasures tomorrow to pass on to our children and grandchildren. The repeated overflow dumping of untreated sewage by local governments along our coastline is putting our waters at risk of collapse. Our economies and recreation depend on healthy, clean water. It’s election time — speak up and create a strong voice to preserve our quality of life.

How would you react to your grandchild asking why we can’t go to the beach or go fishing because the waters are not safe?

Please demand that sewage spills, every time it rains, stop!