On Saturday morning, Tania and I were up early and ready to chase some trout! We also planned to meet on the water with my friend Max, who was visiting from Germany. Max and I connected through Salt Strong, and I was looking forward to finally meeting him in person. We left the house around 6:00 a.m. and headed to the Fishing Center to pick up live shrimp.

After we got our bait, we made our way to the dock. We arrived around 6:35am. It was already hot and humid, with a strong breeze coming in from the SE. We got to the dock early and had to wait a bit for the dockhands to arrive before we could start loading the boat. By about 7:00am, we had the boat loaded and were heading to our first stop, Bear Point. I wanted to make a couple of drifts and see if we could find some trout.

We had to take it slow from the channel to Bear Point, so we trolled along the way. About halfway from the channel, I got a hit and brought in a ladyfish. We made two drifts at Bear Point, and the only other fish we caught was another ladyfish. While we were there, I realized we’d forgotten to say our prayer on the drive to the bait shop, so we stopped and took a moment to say it.

From Bear Point, we headed to the power lines on the east side of the river, where Max had planned to meet us. As we trolled toward the shore, I hooked a jack. That put me ahead three fish to zero.

Now, if you’ve followed our fishing adventures, you know that when I catch the first fish, we usually joke that I’ve put a curse on the boat. With me already at three fish, Tania wasn’t expecting to catch much—if anything!

The wind and current were pushing us north. I knew Max was coming from Nettles Island, so he would be heading north, too. Around 8:30 a.m., he messaged to let us know he was a little farther south than we were, so we headed his way.

On the way, a few dolphins surfaced alongside the boat and followed us until we pulled up near Max’s boat. It was a pretty special way to arrive, and it was great to finally meet him in person!

We started drifting north, and it didn’t take long for Tania to get into the trout. She was throwing a Rapala Crush City 3.5-inch The Mayor in Albino Pearl, while I worked through several colors of Salt Strong paddle tails.

Over the next hour, we made two drifts before storms rolled in and cut our morning short. Tania finished with eight trout and one snook. As for me, I managed one trout to go with my two ladyfish and a jack.So much for the curse! Tania broke it and outfished me again. I had the early lead, but she definitely had the stronger finish!

We made it back to the dock around 10:30 a.m., but the fishing was only the start of what turned into a great day. While talking with Max on the water, we told him we would love to have him and his wife over for dinner. Around 3:00 p.m., he messaged to say they were free that evening. By 6:30 p.m., Max and Dani were at our house, and we sat down to chicken, coconut rice, fried rice, and broccoli.

We spent the evening around the table, sharing stories, getting to know each other, and building a friendship. Before we knew it, it was 11:30 p.m.! With Max and Dani planning to fish early Sunday morning, it was time for them to head out. Before they left, Dani asked if we could take a photo together. We ended up getting a family photo—and somehow even got the dogs to behave and sit still for it!

We went out hoping to catch trout, and we did. But the best part of the day was adding another great couple, Max and Dani, to the friends we’ve met through fishing. The fish brought us together, but the time on the water and around the dinner table gave us memories we’ll carry with us.

This is what fishing is all about—making memories!

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.