Fishing has always been a family affair for me. Growing up in Wilmington, North Carolina, I spent countless hours on the water, fishing the pier with my father, and learning the art of fishing. My wife Sheila had a similar upbringing. Fishing was a huge part of both of our childhoods. However, over the past eight years, my journey has evolved from casual outings to the exhilarating world of competitive fishing. As the captain of the Forgiven Fishing Team, I’ve had my fair share of challenges, victories, and memorable moments, and I’d like to share one of the most unforgettable experiences we’ve had.
In 2023, we decided to participate in the King Mackerel Circuit, aiming for the coveted National Championship. While many people think that competitive fishing is just about showing up at the dock, launching your boat, and catching fish, the reality is far more complex. Weeks of preparation, strategic planning, and a little bit of luck are essential to succeed in this competitive landscape.
Our adventure began in Morehead City. The weather on the first day was promising, and our team revisited some of our favorite hot spots. Unfortunately, we ended the day having only caught an 18-pound fish, while other competitors reeled in significantly larger catches. It was a tough pill to swallow, especially with impending bad weather looming for the following day. Weather and weather forecasting are critical at these competitions and can be make-or-break.
That night, I reflected on our performance and knew we needed a fresh strategy for the next day. At precisely 9:33 PM, I discovered a promising fishing spot off of the Ocracoke Inlet thanks to my Sirius XM Marine fish marking app, marked by a hard temperature break, suggesting that the conditions could be right for catching larger fish.
The next morning, we set out in daunting weather conditions. The wind was howling at 20 knots, and rain threatened our plans, but we pressed on, following the coordinates I had marked on our Simrad charts. As we approached the temperature break, I could feel the excitement build. Once we got within 100 yards of the spot, we noticed the water temperature change from 62°F to 68°F—a promising sign that fish could be lurking below.
With our baits in the water, it didn’t take long before the action started. Our first line caught a bluefish, but soon after, we witnessed something spectacular: our first king mackerel of the day breached the surface, soaring nearly eight feet into the air. That moment was electric, and it would become our lucky day as we managed to reel in a 53-pound king!
The action only intensified. By 11:30 AM, we were struggling to keep two lines in the water as we battled fish after fish, upgrading and perfectly timing our efforts. As we neared the end of our bait supply, we made a strategic decision to put out one last bluefish on the short line, which led to our jaw-dropping 55-pound catch.
Returning to the dock felt surreal. With the fog beginning to roll in, we received a warm welcome from fellow competitors who were impressed with our haul. When we put our fish on the scales, the anticipation was palpable. As results were tallied, it became clear that we had done it—Team Forgiven had won our first tournament at the National Championship!
For a teenager who always dreamed of this moment, it was beyond disbelief. Winning against seasoned competitors felt like an incredible achievement, and basking in that victory was a reward for all the hard work my team and I had put in.
Reflecting on that day, it’s clear to me that preparation, teamwork, and a little trust in technology can lead to extraordinary results. The waves of emotions, the adrenaline rush, and the pure joy of fishing as a team all blended together to create a phenomenal victory that we will cherish for years to come.
As I continue this journey in competitive fishing, I’m reminded that every outing is a new story waiting to unfold—each one filled with challenges, surprises, and opportunities to learn. And as I look to the future, I know that countless more memories await on the horizon. So, here’s to more adventures and to making dreams come true, one cast at a time!
