Redefining an Unmatched Fishing Experience

Getting involved in efforts to save the oceans, I learned that contrary to popular belief, oceans are not a limitless resource that may be used eternally. This is a grave misconception that, luckily, is changing over time. One of our day's most pressing environmental issues is global climate change, which must be resisted at all costs.

In addition, ocean life loss results in heightened risks for sea animals, increased dangers in jobs related to the ocean, the opportunity to exploit marine creatures for research and testing, and the loss of the ocean as a significant cultural symbol. In many ways, marine ecosystems are incredibly beneficial. Immediate action must be taken to promote preserving and conserving the world's oceans.

To support efforts in conserving the ocean, I make it a point to donate regularly to local groups, particularly for reef restoration. Coral reefs are a complex ecosystem that has supported innumerable species of aquatic life for millions of years. The health and sustainability of the aquatic environment depend on their existence, which in turn has a direct impact on our well-being. Unfortunately, local and global pressures like overfishing, pollution, invasive species, and, worst of all, climate change are putting these wonderful marine communities at risk all across the world.

I love the ocean. My family needs it. Our whole lives revolve around the sea. From fishing, swimming, and snorkeling to diving, we love all things aquatic and build stronger bonds by doing all these activities together.

Lock It Up Charters may be a new charter, but that does not mean that there is nothing we can do to help conserve and preserve the very waters that give us life. Soon, we will join other captains and charters in cleaning efforts and donate fishing trips to raise money for ocean-related charity projects.

As we continue to grow, I see a future of us getting more involved in conservation efforts because I believe that it is important to cultivate the place we love and to give back to the environment that nurtures us. For now, on our fishing trips, we clean up as much garbage and plastic as possible, which is a lot when we are out on the ocean. After all, plenty of little things add up to become bigger things. That is something I try to impart to our guests, too.

Another piece of advice I like to share with our clients, especially young anglers, is to try new things and trust themselves more. Go fish. Life is an adventure, so explore. Always listen to the advice of older anglers and let them guide you. What makes Lock It Up Charters different is that we do not fish like the others because I learned on my own and took pieces of learnings from a wide range of experiences. In doing so, I developed my style and various options for any situation. You can follow our adventures on Facebook.

Anyone can bait a hook, but not everyone can catch fish. Learning requires hard work and perseverance, so do not give up easily. Even on a seemingly unfruitful fishing trip, you still learn something. Take note of that. Most people love to talk only about success and productivity, but there will always be days that would not be as fruitful as the others. As a guide, there are days that I do not catch much, but I did learn where not to fish next time.

All the lessons I learned from past failures and mistakes prepared me for eventual success and a better skill level. Personally, my favorite catch was a 26” mutton snapper we pulled off one of the wrecks. My wife and I catch mutton frequently, but this one was special. We pulled up to the wreck, and there were already two boats that were bigger and fancier than ours. The boat furthest from us was a bunch of men using electric reels in 120 feet of water. Meanwhile, the boat closest to us was being steered by a couple of older guys.

Neither boat caught anything important, but I tied our boat up and silently went to work. Within 10 minutes, my wife hooked something up. She was fighting something big.

My wife and I have been together for the last five years, and she grew to love fishing as much as I did. In that period, she acquired a nice set of rods and reels. Each time we go out to buy fishing gear, she has one rule: they must be pink. With the pink rod and reel combo she brought back then, she caught the attention of all the boats around us. The energy was something else! I was cheering and yelling for her to reel in. Boy, sharks and barracuda love this wreck. As she reeled it in, we finally saw color and knew we had mutton. Now, the fight is on!

We got it on the boat, and I was so ecstatic. I was like a kid in a candy store! I held up that fish with one hand for the other boats to see. I was hooting and hollering! Fun times. The older men cheered for us, too. After a little while, the boys with the fancy electric reels just up and left. They got shown up by a small boat and a girl with her pink rod and reel. I proudly told everyone afterward. I still tell people about it to this day, and it is one of my favorite stories to share with friends and guests alike. Definitely a core memory.

Looking back, it is the moments and the in-betweens that make fishing great. That made me fall in love with it, and I hope it’s the same for other people, especially our guests. It’s the rush, the raw energy, the camaraderie. I don’t care who catches them. Seeing the fight gets me so excited every time.

My wife says that my love for the water is unmatched and that fishing with me is everything fishing should be, and honestly, a younger me would have been embarrassed by that. But now? It is the highlight of my life to be considered one, and, incredibly, I get to live this life doing what I love the most in the comfort of a community where we inspire one another.

I hope you will also be inspired by this community and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. As far as water activities are concerned, there is nothing more exhilarating than catching prized fish, and I think it’s something every person on this planet should experience. For an unmatched fishing experience, book your next trip here.