A business incubator that gave this captain a start back in 1981

Whidden’s Marina has given more to our traditions and heritage than we can ever repay. It provided the home port for generations of guides and clients. It’s the center of our local fishing community now. They even offer fresh seafood in season when available. Their historical museum captures our fishing traditions and island heritage. Remember that big game sport fishing started here in Boca Grande because we have so many tarpon.

The fish teased and dared us to create gear to tackle them, and they did.

I’m one of hundreds of captains that started fishing Boca Grande from Whidden’s. My old Road Runner ran out of here in 1981, my first season fishing in the Pass after I moved down from Tampa. Isabelle Joiner and crew allowed me to tie up and work out of the marina, essentially making a strategic investment in my career.

I lived on the boat with no AC or electricity. I was a young fisherman and Whidden’s Marina allowed me to feel at home and welcome as did many other fishing captains. My career took a giant step because of the Whidden’s Marina family, and the confidence that it gave me and my future customers. Many other captains share my experience, and we all thank the families that blessed our lives and careers.

Whidden’s Marina is the rare bit of “old Florida” that Boca Grande has left on the island. It’s unique in the area. The Placida fish house and Fishery restaurant are long gone. Eldred’s Marina is hanging on.

We have many guides in our area. Whidden’s is the only “fish camp” atmosphere that offers everyone an opportunity to visit and get acquainted with the best of the generational guides available, and the only place holding on to our traditional pass fishing guides and their inboard boats. It’s also the focal point for many of our best local back country and bay fishing guides. We can still even procure fresh local seafood there when available.

It’s the place we have left to sit on the dock and share fish stories. A mix of fishermen and women of all ages and anyone that wants to can hang out. The original island social hall to enjoy sharing treasured memories of fishing adventures and island life. It’s the old school family atmosphere, all but lost in today’s rat race. Let’s cherish and protect it.

It’s a rare place for local kids to hang out safely; to discover island ways and heritage; to observe local fishermen prepare for trips, returning to clean the catch; and to hear the stories of the big ones caught and the ones that got away.

Kids fish and get to know each other there. They teach their friends about fishing on the piers. It’s that special place you slow down and listen in, and where  you can understand why this unique piece of history is so important.

Let’s consider how many of our lives have been enhanced by this family-run local treasure and how many of us started guiding from this old Florida marina. Try to imagine how many thousands of anglers from all over the country and the world went on memorable fishing adventures from this century-old fishing dock.

Thank you all, especially the younger ones that give us reasons to protect and preserve our unique piece of Boca Grande fishing history, and special thanks to the families that work so hard to keep this piece of our history going. God bless each of you.

Capt. Van Hubbard is a U.S. Coast Guard-certified Master Mariner. You can reach him at (941) 468-4017 or captvan.com.