Saturday, February 28, did not unfold the way we originally planned. Tania and I made the difficult decision to cancel our Reel Blessed surf fishing event due to the weather forecast. We never want someone’s first introduction to beach fishing to be standing in the rain. First experiences matter.

Since we both had rain gear ready and a free morning, we decided to pivot.

Because we were scheduled to be on the beach, we did not have a boat lined up. Still, I had a feeling the forecast might cause a cancellation. Sure enough, at 4:15 PM on Friday, I got the call that a boat had opened up for this morning. God’s timing is always perfect.

On the way to the Fishing Center around 6:00 AM to pick up shrimp and ice, Tania and I said our morning prayer. We asked for protection over our day, for the Lord to open our eyes to see His wonderful creations, and if it was His will, to allow us to catch a few fish to bring home. God never fails us.

I was hopeful the Fishing Center might have sand fleas, one of the best baits for sheepshead in our area, but their supplier has been having trouble getting them. Shrimp would have to do.

We arrived at the dock around 6:30 AM and loaded up. As we eased away, a light rain began to fall. Once we cleared the inlet, the rain tapered off, and the ocean lay beautifully. The seas were completely flat, making for a quick run north along the beach to one of our favorite sheepshead holes. Reports had been strong, and we were hopeful.

We started bottom fishing with 1/0 hooks on knocker rigs tipped with shrimp. Tania landed the first fish of the day, a solid porkfish. Not our target, but always a welcome start. She followed that with four or five fish, mostly small gobies that were determined to pull her straight into the rocks.

My first fish was the first sheepshead on the boat, but at 11 inches, it was just short and went back to grow.

After a few drifts and steady pecks from bait thieves, Tania asked me to tie on one of her jigs. That changed everything.

Her first drop with a 30g slow pitch jig from Coastal Buzz Jigs, orange with glow crackles, resulted in a beautiful 13-inch keeper sheepshead. That was the key. We both switched to the same 30g orange glow crackle jigs, and the bite turned on.

By 10:00 AM, we had run out of shrimp, but it did not matter. Five quality sheepsheads were in the cooler, ranging from 13 inches up to a solid 17-inch fish. Exactly what we had prayed for.

We also caught a mix of other species, including a surprise 20-inch snook that Tania landed. We have never caught a snook in that area while targeting sheepshead, so that one definitely caught us off guard.

On top of the fishing, the Lord answered every part of our prayer. We made it back to the dock safely. We saw sea turtles and dolphins along our run. We experienced calm seas. And we brought home fish to make another batch of sheepshead chowder.

As we were driving home, the skies opened up, and severe thunderstorms rolled through off and on for the rest of the day. The timing could not have been better.

What started as a canceled event became a peaceful, blessed morning on the water. Protection. Perspective. Provision.

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

The Treasure Coast Chapter of Salt Strong now hosts monthly meetings at Islamorada Brewery and Distillery on the 4th Thursday of each month. These meetings offer members a range of benefits, including guest speakers and fellowship with local anglers who share their knowledge and help one another catch fish. Membership to Salt Strong includes a 20% discount on tackle, access to Smart Fishing spots, and insider information on local trends. To learn more about Salt Strong, click the link below for a FREE 30-day test drive.