2023 Mission Fishin’ and Main Attraction Outing
In 2023, the 2nd Annual Marathon Premier Sailfish Tournament proudly raised another $10,000 for the incredible organization, Mission Fishin’. Thanks to the passionate anglers who participated and the generous donations from our sponsors, we were able to continue supporting this amazing cause.
Mission Fishin’ is dedicated to bringing joy to children and families facing challenging circumstances, including special needs children, foster children, and others in vulnerable situations. One of the most heartwarming ways they make a difference is through monthly fishing trips for these children and their families.
Each October, my husband and I have the honor of taking some of these remarkable families out on the water. Over the years, we’ve learned more about the incredible work Tony Davis, the founder of Mission Fishin’, has done. His stories always leave us in awe. He once told us about a nonverbal autistic child who spoke their first word while on a fishing trip—an unforgettable moment. He also shared how children in wheelchairs often experience less pain while on the water, and their joy is truly contagious.
This past October, we had the pleasure of welcoming another group organized by Mission Fishin’, along with some familiar faces. I had the privilege of fishing with Byron and his dad aboard our center console. Byron, who lives in Key West and loves the outdoors, was quick to remind me that he caught the biggest fish last year—a Cero Mackerel. Sure enough, within minutes, he was hooked up to this year’s biggest Cero Mackerel! Byron definitely has a lucky streak when it comes to fishing.
It was a picture-perfect day. The sun was shining, the seas were calm, and we were ready to fish! Before heading out, Tony led us in a morning prayer, and then we idled out of Coco Plum Channel, splitting off to our different boats for the day’s adventure.
When we returned to the Marathon Sailfish Marina, we all gathered to compare our catches. Yellowtail Snapper, Mangrove Snapper, a few Mutton Snappers, and several Mackerel filled our buckets. The best part was seeing the pure joy on the kids’ faces. They eagerly shared their “fish stories,” and, like all great fishermen, the size of the fish seemed to grow with each retelling. It was truly a perfect day—one that will be remembered for a lifetime.
