A lifetime of adventure—chasing challenges, battling adversity, and pushing limits—has given me the opportunity to finish off a lifetime goal.
From those early days fishing on the Chesapeake Bay with my Uncle Donald and my dad, both of whom are surely looking down, rooting for this moment, to big game fishing across the world’s oceans, and most recently, facing off with cancer, the journey
has been one of endurance, resilience, and grit. Quite frankly, I was probably too stubborn to quit.
But in hindsight, I realize now that this journey has been a true metaphor for life—the good, the bad, and the incredible moments that define us.
While catching a Shortbill Spearfish (billfish species #9) and securing the Royal Grand Slam is a significant milestone, there’s a much bigger picture. It’s like completing a marathon—a remarkable achievement that demands effort, preparation, mental toughness, persistence, and support.
But when you strip it down, it’s the journey itself, the lessons learned along the way, and the people who have cheered and supported you that are far more important.
As I sit here, lines soon in the water 25 years after I caught my first billfish—hoping like hell that the dang fish actually bites! —I’m mindful of a few life lessons my friends and the ocean have taught me that extend far beyond fishing.
Sometimes It Doesn’t Happen.
No matter how much planning, preparation, or effort you put in, sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
The fish don’t bite. The opportunity slips away. The door closes without explanation. It’s true in fishing, and it’s true in life.
But the reality is, it wasn’t failure—it was just the tide against you at that moment.
The real test is in how you respond. Do you quit? Or do you regroup, adapt, and press forward?
Those who succeed—the ones who reach their goals, land the big fish, and turn setbacks into comebacks—are the ones who refuse to let a tough break define them.
Patience is Underrated.
In sport fishing, there’s a fine line between persistence and stubbornness. I’ve spent hours, even entire days, trolling without a single bite. And just when it seemed like the day was lost, BAM! —the rod bends, the reel screams, and the fight is on.
The lesson? Just because the action isn’t happening exactly where you are, doesn’t mean the fish aren’t in the area
We live in a world that glorifies speed and instant gratification— quick wins, fast success, results now, now, now. But the ocean doesn’t work that way, and neither does life.
The real victories—the ones that matter—take time. They require you to trust your instincts, stay in the fight, and believe in your ability to make it happen, even when the odds don’t seem in your favor.
Because when that moment comes—when the line goes tight and the game is on—you’ll realize that every second of waiting was worth it.
Drive Your Own Boat.
For a long time, I second-guessed myself. I assumed that other people had better instincts, more knowledge, or a clearer vision than I did. And, I let my own insecurities and fears creep in.
I was wrong.
It took years to fully embrace the truth that no one knows your path better than you do. You can get advice, listen to experts, take in different perspectives—but at the end of the day, you’re the one at the wheel.
There is power in owning your choices, your direction, and your journey.
Trust yourself. Trust your gut. Own your journey.
Because if you don’t, someone else will—and it won’t be the course you were meant to take.
Energy is Everything.
I’ve come to realize that my energy, my mojo, and the fire in the belly come from the people around me. I thrive on camaraderie, shared purpose, and the energy of a team chasing something bigger than themselves.
No one accomplishes anything great alone.
There have been countless people—friends, mentors, even strangers—who have been part of this journey, whether through direct support or simply pushing me to be better. Recognizing and appreciating them is something I don’t take lightly.
Starting with the guys that were on my Dad's boat, the Mysty Gypsy, for decades to the team that attacks the Pirates Cove Billfish tourney every year…I am humbled by each and every one of you.
And to so many that stood by me, encouraged me, challenged me, and believed in me—thank you. You have been the “secret sauce” of life.
There is indeed Karma.
If there’s one thing I know to be true, it’s this: the energy you put out into the world comes back to you.
The ocean has its own way of rewarding those who respect it. So does life.
There have been moments where a catch seemed impossible—where the conditions were wrong, the odds stacked against me, and the day felt lost—only for the impossible to suddenly happen. A last-minute strike. A fish on the line when the day seemed over.
It’s not coincidence.
That’s the universe responding to patience, persistence, and positivity. The same applies to how we treat people. Do the “right thing”, help where you can, lift others up—because what goes around, comes around (and picks up speed).
The Final Push.
Now, it all comes down to this—one last fish, one more battle. The Billfish Royal Grand Slam is right there.
In the grand scheme of life, this is just one challenge. But it’s one that represents a lifetime of lessons, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of something bigger.
I’ve gained strength from the lessons of the water—from the calm and the storms, from the near-misses and the hard-fought victories. I see the symmetry between fishing and life, between every struggle and triumph that has shaped me.
And I know this: If the fish is out there, I will catch it.
Lines In. Last Call. Let’s Go…
