Yay Team! – Making Fishing Dreams Come True with Professional Marine 

We’ve been busy! Some of you know my story, and some don’t. Life pulls us in many directions, and the nonprofit world is no exception. Many of us juggle multiple jobs to sustain our families, and for me, that’s on top of being a widowed, single mom to two boys with epilepsy. Add in fun restrictions like not being able to drive, and I rely heavily on my rockstar boyfriend, my circle of friends, and our Spanish Fly family, who show up for me like a well-oiled fishing crew. Each one plays a role—just like on the water—helping keep things running smoothly when I can’t do it alone. That’s the kind of teamwork my dad believed in, and it’s the same spirit that carries our mission forward today. 

My dad, Jose Wejebe, believed in teamwork with all his heart. On Spanish Fly, when the captain’s skills, the angler’s effort, and just the right bit of luck came together, he’d always say, “Yay Team!” That same spirit drives everything we do at the Foundation. We succeed because we work together—donors, captains, volunteers, caseworkers, and the kids themselves. 

This trip is dedicated to Professional Marine of Summerland Key. Frank, Leaslie, and their incredible team make it possible for us to deliver fishing trips at the level these kids deserve. Without them, we couldn’t make these moments happen. And honestly—we need more people like them. 2025 has been a challenging year for fundraising, but their generosity reminds me that when we pull together, we can still create something unforgettable. 

Our second June trip brought back familiar faces from 2024. My friend Misty Wells—host of Let’s Take It Outside and founder of A Reel Future—has known this group for years, taking them fishing out of Sarasota and building trust along the way. 

This year, we welcomed a brother and sister, plus another foster teen they’ve lived with for years. Last year, that young lady was overjoyed about her upcoming adoption. But at just 15—after seven different placements—she had to make the difficult decision to return to the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch, a place where she’s always felt safe. She told me she recognized that the behavior she was seeing in her adoptive placement wasn’t acceptable, and from past experiences, she knew the warning signs. Rather than ignore them, she chose to protect herself and go back to the Youth Ranch, where she could continue building a future she felt safe in. 

While we were at the Lagoon in Grassy Key, she opened up even more, saying, “I’ve known Miss Misty for a long time, and I’m happy I get to spend more time with you this year, Miss Krissy. Fishing isn’t just for the guys—it’s a sport where guys and girls can compete on the same level. I hope more girls fish. It gives me confidence and peace at the same time. I don’t know of any other activity that’s done that for me.” 

She landed a huge grouper this trip with Captain JT and Misty. The brother and sister are on track for adoption, and thanks to JT, they’ll be taking home a special gift—a mounted barracuda skull from Buddy Skulls, made from a fish “lil bro” caught for shark bait. 

The takeaway? We are stronger together. Whether it’s Misty’s long-standing bond with these kids, Professional Marine’s commitment to our mission, or the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch partnering with caseworkers—each piece is essential. Just like on the water, landing the “big one” in life takes all of us. 

And in every cast, in every wave, I feel my dad’s spirit—reminding me that we work better together, and when we do, amazing things happen. 

Want to be part of the team? Donate today at josewejebefoundation.org 💙🎣
#JoseWejebeFoundation #YayTeam #FishingDreamsComeTrue