As I recall, it was a sunny Saturday on August 8, 2021, when Tania and I embarked on another fishing trip. This time, we decided to visit Lake Okeechobee, a change from our usual fishing spots. Interestingly, during the previous year’s Christmas season, we had encountered a group of kind-hearted individuals who had established a non-profit organization called X-22 Adventures. Their noble mission was to assist veterans suffering from PTSD by taking them fishing. As a disabled veteran myself, the founder of X-22 Adventures, Steve Cone, graciously offered to take both Tania and I on one of these trips.

Our adventure began with a rather eventful journey to the boat ramp. Armed with Siri’s directions, we set off, only to find ourselves directed to park on the side of a desolate road in the middle of nowhere. Realizing Siri had misguided us, I promptly reached out to Steve for assistance. He shared his location with me, and we were back on track. Although the detour caused us to arrive at the boat ramp approximately 20 minutes later than planned, Steve and his crew awaited our arrival patiently, warmly embracing us as if we were long-lost family members.

Once we boarded the boat, we set sail toward our first fishing spot. It was then that Bill Saum, one of our companions, initiated our journey with a heartfelt and powerful prayer. Throughout the day, it became evident that the Lord had indeed answered Bill’s prayer. We enjoyed a delightful day of camaraderie with Bill, his wife Gail, Steve, and Steve’s wife Lori. The weather was simply beautiful, and we were fortunate enough to reel in numerous fish. Although we didn’t catch any monsters, we managed to gather enough fish to feed us all.

Moreover, Tania and I had the opportunity to partake in an entirely new experience—we traversed a lock to gain access to Lake Okeechobee. While it wasn’t exactly what I had envisioned, it proved to be an intriguing and noteworthy encounter. However, due to the somewhat rough conditions on the lake caused by a decent south wind, we decided to retreat back through the lock and resume fishing in the canal.

As the clock approached 2 PM, we concluded our fishing expedition and made our way back to the boat ramp. Before reaching our destination, we made a brief pit stop at the dock located near Steve’s residence. The dock had a convenient fish cleaning station, where we cleaned the 43 fish we had caught throughout the day. It took us approximately an hour to complete the task, leaving us with the anticipation of a mouthwatering fish fry.

All in all, it was an exceptional day spent on the water, intertwined with the joy of forging new friendships. The remarkable team at X-22 Adventures had become an integral part of our extended family. Tania and I are grateful to have meet Steve, Lori, Bill, and Gail and now they are a part of our lives. He has enriched us with their friendship.

Tania and I hope to make more memories this weekend when we go fishing. We pray that all who make it out this weekend have safe and blessed trip. May you all make memories with your family and friends, full of tight lines and good times.

The Treasure Coast Chapter of Salt Strong is now holding monthly meetings in Fort Pierce. The meetings are being held on the 4^th Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be July  27^th. These club meeting are for inside members only. If you would like to become an inside member here is what the membership includes: 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!