After reviewing the marine forecast, which called for 3-4 ft seas and a 10 kt south wind, I planned to take them to a trout spot I’d found. I figured they would enjoy catching trout with artificial baits. But come Saturday morning, the weather buoy showed calmer 2.6 ft seas at 13 seconds, so I shifted plans and decided to head offshore to the boils in search of a permit or snook.

We met at the dock around 6:45 a.m. and were treated to a beautiful sunrise. It had been too long since I’d experienced such a peaceful moment by the water. The boys were brimming with excitement, and when I told them we were going offshore, they could hardly contain themselves.

We set sail for the boils once the boat was loaded and prepped. The ride was smooth, but the water clarity was murkier than I had hoped, especially after the storm. I knew the chances of catching a permit might be slim, but I was confident we’d find some action.

We each rigged our rods with different jigs to experiment with what the fish would bite. Jake had a silver and blue slow-pitch jig, Jayden had a chartreuse slow-pitch jig, Jason tested a new jig I wanted to try, and I used my trusty squidtrex.

Jason was the first to land a fish—a 15-inch mutton snapper, his first catch on a boat. The excitement spread quickly, and soon, everyone was catching fish. At one point, Jake caught a sennet, and while I was unhooking it, the fish slipped, and I ended up with a hook through my thumb. After a quick recovery, I was back in action. It was great seeing the boys’ faces light up with every catch.

By 12:30 p.m., I was ready to head back in, though the boys would’ve gladly stayed out all day. The sun was relentless, and with the wind picking up, the chop took its toll on me. I’m not as young as I used to be!

While we didn’t hook the permit or snook I had hoped for, we had a successful day. We caught over 30 ladyfish, 20 ribbonfish, around 15 sennets, and several snappers—including a keeper lane snapper that made it home with us. We also brought back a Spanish mackerel, a pompano, a black drum, and a whiting. Jake lost two big fish, one of which I’m pretty sure was a permit based on how it hit. I lost a decent fish, too, though I couldn’t tell what it was.

In addition to the fish, we were treated to the sight of marine life like turtles, spotted eagle rays, and sharks. For the kids, it was like being on a live episode of National Geographic.

Although we didn’t land the big permit or snook, this trip was about more than the fish we brought home. The joy on Jayden and Jake’s faces as they reeled in their catches and the moments we shared made the day unforgettable. I’m truly blessed to be able to share my love of fishing with others, especially those who give their time so generously to help others. This trip was a reminder that it’s not just about the fish—about the connections and memories we create.

Tania and I send our best wishes to all fellow anglers. May your fishing adventures be safe, blessed, and filled with tight lines and good times! Until next time, keep casting and chasing those dreams on the water.

The Treasure Coast Chapter of Salt Strong now hosts monthly meetings in Fort Pierce on the 4th Monday of each month. These meetings offer a range of benefits to members, including a 20% discount on tackle, access to Smart Fishing spots, and insider information on local trends. Additionally, there will be monthly tournaments and guest speakers featured. To learn more about Salt Strong, click the links below for a FREE pack of Slam Shady or a 30-day test drive.