A group of four teen boys from A Kid’s Place recently traded the Florida mainland for the open ocean, embarking on an unforgettable fishing adventure in Key West. Accompanied by their dedicated house parents, Mr. Marc and Mr. Manny, the boys enjoyed a special trip sponsored by Misty Wells and The Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation. Founded in 2012, the foundation honors the legacy of Jose Wejebe, the legendary host of the TV show Spanish Fly, who was famous for his kindness, conservation efforts, and love for fishing.
From the second the boys arrived at the marina, the excitement was sky-high. They eagerly loaded their gear onto a beautiful, high-tech Freeman catamaran. For many of the teens, just exploring the massive boat was an adventure in itself.
Once out on the water, Captain Mike Mako acted as both a guide and a teacher. He showed the boys different fishing techniques, and the teens listened closely, practiced hard, and cheered each other on. The group took their fresh catch to a local restaurant, where chefs cooked it up for dinner.
Over the duration of the trip, the boys reeled in some massive catches, including a 28-pound Mutton Snapper, a 38-pound Blackfin Tuna, and a whopping 40-pound Cubera Snapper. “One of these can feed 15 people!” one boy shouted in disbelief. Another laughed, “Oooh! I’m going to have some sushi!” The moment became even more magical when their host, Misty, revealed she had been trying to catch a rare Cubera Snapper for ten years.
Mr. Marc shared, “This Key West fishing trip was about more than fishing in the beautiful ocean. It was about exposure, mentorship, patience, learning, and appreciation. It was about teaching boys that they can learn new skills for the first time.”
The boys returned home with full stomachs, new outdoor skills, and proud stories that will last a lifetime.
With special thanks to Mr. Marc Cadet for capturing these moments and for sharing his notes and experiences.