On Saturday, Reel Blessed chapter of Fishing’s Future hosted our third Vamos A Pescar event. Unfortunately, Tania wasn’t feeling well when I woke her, so she decided to stay home. After a hectic week at school, she was understandably exhausted and worn down. Nonetheless, I arrived at the Port Saint Lucie Botanical Gardens around 7:00 am to begin setting up for the event.

By 7:15 am, our dedicated volunteers started to arrive, lending a hand in preparing for the day’s activities. Together, we worked diligently, and by approximately 8:30 am, everything was in place, just as the first families began to arrive. The event officially commenced at 9:05 am, with 42 enthusiastic participants and the support of nine amazing volunteers.

To ensure everyone could fully participate, we started the day with a moment of prayer at 9:05 am, allowing the remaining families to complete any necessary paperwork without missing out on this important moment. After the prayer, I addressed the participants, emphasizing the importance of water safety and cautioning them to keep an eye out for the alligator in the pond.

Following the water safety brief, we divided the families into three groups, each assigned to a specific station. The first group went to the casting stations, the second group went to  the knot tying station, and the third group went to the basic tackle and equipment stations. After 15 minutes, the groups rotated to experience all three stations, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to learn and participate in each activity.

Once each group had completed all the stations, we gathered together and distributed rods and reels to those in need. As an incentive, we inform the families that upon attending their second event, they will receive their own rod and reel. In the previous event, we provided 20 sets of rods and reels, and this time, we were able to give an additional 12 sets, ensuring that all but two children had their own equipment. We are immensely grateful to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, who generously selected us for the Vamos A Pescar Grant, making it possible for us to provide these rods and reels.

We continued fishing until 11:00 am, at which point we gathered the families to provide them with a delicious bagged lunch, graciously provided by Synergy Magnet School. Around 11:25 am, we organized a trash cleanup activity for the children. As a small token of appreciation, we awarded Publix sports bottles to two children who collected the most trash. I also had two additional bottles to give away, so I engaged the kids in a trivia game, with the first two to answer correctly winning the remaining bottles.

Overall, it was another successful event, filled with the joy and happiness of countless families. Tania and I feel truly blessed to have established strong partnerships with our sponsors, whose invaluable support enables us to host these family fish camps at no cost to the attending families. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Fishing’s Future, Salt Strong, Forrest to Seas Adventures, Synergy Magnet School, and all the personal donors. The smiles on the families’ faces are the reason we are so passionate about what we do.

We must also express our deep appreciation for our volunteers. Each and every one of you selflessly dedicates your time and energy to support our mission. Without your invaluable contributions, Tania and I would be unable to make these camps such a resounding success for the families. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for helping us bring these meaningful experiences to our community.

Reel Blessed is a nonprofit organization that relies on the kindness and generosity of others to support our cause and continue hosting these wonderful events for families, free of charge. If you or someone you know would like to contribute and help sustain these family fish camps, please click on the link below to make a donation. Kindly remember to specify “Reel Blessed” in the comments section of the donation form to ensure that the funds are directed to our organization and utilized to support the Port Saint Lucie area and its surrounding communities.

Tania and I sincerely pray that each of you has a blessed week ahead. For those of you planning on fishing, may you enjoy a safe and blessed trip, filled with tight lines and good times!

The Treasure Coast Chapter of Salt Strong held our first event will be April 27, 2023. We will meet the last Thursday of every month. The next meeting will be May 25^th. These club meeting are for inside members. Your insider membership will include access to the in-person meetings as well as all the other perks such as 20% off all tackle, Smart Fishing spots, and insider information on trends in your area. We will also have guest speakers at our meetings and we will be holding monthly tournaments. Click the link below to get a FREE pack of slam shady or a 10-Day Test-Drive of The Smart Fishing Spots App and The Salt Strong Insider Club . . . And We’ll Ship You $35 Worth of FREE Lures, an “Inshore Fishing Manifesto” Book (Physical copy) & Decals – Yours to Keep Even If You Cancel!