In the first quarter of 2021, RJ Boyle contacted Main Attraction to reserve October 16th to host a Mission Fishin event. As the Co-Owner of Main Attraction, I enthusiastically scheduled the charity in for all of our vessels. Unfortunately, Main Attraction could not host them the previous year due to added precautions concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. Many special needs children Mission Fishin' helps are immune-compromised. To say our crews were excited to fish with Mission Fishin' again was an understatement; we all look forward to the laughter and excitement of fishing with these families.

On October 16th, we had all four of our vessels reserved for the charitable organization. For the day, we hosted five different families and 21 people. Two of the families that got to fish with us that day were local to the Keys, and three families drove down. Everyone met at the dock at 9 am, got their boat assignment, loaded up, and off they went.

One boat had to be in a little early, so they stayed closer on the reef and caught yellowtail snapper. Mr. Tony, his family, and RJ Boyle were on Main Attraction 2 with Captain Alex and first mate Tristen. Their first fish up with a huge flag yellowtail. Joshua, Tony’s son, was filled with excitement, smiling every time a fish came up and cheering for everyone. They had plenty of Yellowtail Snapper to take home for family dinner.

Main One shot offshore, as it was a flat calm day, and got into some schoolie dolphin. Anther vessel pulled on some amberjack on the wrecks and also trolled for Blackfin Tuna.

When the children and families returned to the dock, Mission Fishin' provided trophies and fishing rods for the kids to keep. Main Attraction also donated some t-shirts, hats, koozies, and tank tops as extra souvenirs. Causeway Pizza provided a pizza lunch for all the Main Attraction crew and Mission Fishin organization, along with homemade brownies.

The weather could not have been better. It was hot, but there was a slight breeze, and it was flat calm, so seasickness was not a factor. When everyone arrived back at the dock, we took photos, ate pizza, talked about their marine outing, and just enjoyed their beautiful Saturday in the Florida Keys.

The Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament proceeds with help future trips like this, where more families can be hosted and help offset boat/fuel/crew costs to bring smiles to special needs children and families.

If you have a special needs child and they would like to participate in future adventures, please reach out to Mission Fishin and get signed up. We would love to see them in the future and share an experience similar to what we just enjoyed.