Fishing Dreams in the Florida Keys – A Kid’s Place Adventure

Bringing Foster Kids to the Water

With the help of Misty Wells and A Reel Future, the Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Memorial Foundation brought six foster kids from A Kid’s Place in Brandon, Florida, down to the Florida Keys for an unforgettable fishing adventure.

Set on five acres with five cottages, A Kid’s Place provides safety, stability, and healing for children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Their mission is powerful: to keep siblings together in a loving environment until they can find a forever home.

First Impressions in the Keys

When the boys arrived at our Big Pine Key office to pick up their Spanish Fly Foundation swag, they were polite but quiet—typical teenagers meeting strangers. But beneath those shy smiles were future anglers waiting to emerge.

Offshore Fishing With Captain JT

Day one on the water was unforgettable. Guided by Captain JT, the boys went offshore, catching a variety of fish that sparked laughter and excitement with each cast.

JT went beyond the basics. He taught them how to tie knots, use electronics, and try new techniques. Some boys fell in love with jigging, while others joked it was “too much work.” Either way, the smiles said everything.

That night, the group gathered at Tonio’s on Summerland Key, where JT cleaned the catch and the chef transformed it into a feast. Around the dinner table, the boys who had been quiet earlier were now laughing, teasing, and bonding like brothers.

“Thanks for bringing your boys,” Dylan told me. “I’m the youngest of six, and the only boy. It’s good to have someone who laughs at all my fart jokes.”

Moments like that showed the real magic of connection.

Lessons Beyond Fishing

Day two was slower fishing, but no less valuable. With “toothy critters” breaking lines, JT turned the chaos into a lesson—teaching the boys practical skills they could use for a lifetime of fishing. That kind of mentorship is what Captain Jose always believed in: turning challenges into opportunities to learn.

That evening, the kids experienced dinner at The Square Grouper Bar & Grill, a Keys classic. Upstairs at My New Joint, a room dedicated to Jose reminded us all of his legacy. Ordering freely from the menu, the boys’ eyes lit up with joy—something so simple, yet deeply meaningful.

Dolphins, Laughter, and Lasting Memories

The next morning brought even bigger smiles. At the Dolphin Research Center, the boys learned about echolocation before swimming with dolphins—an experience they’ll never forget.

Afterwards, we crossed US-1 to Bongo’s and then on to Grassy Key’s Lagoon, where the floating obstacle course became their playground. By the time we met for a farewell breakfast, the boys and counselors shared stories that reminded us why these trips matter so much.

One boy admitted quietly: “I don’t really know much about where I came from.” Later, a counselor explained he had been rescued from a shipping container—a survivor of human trafficking. That truth was heartbreaking, and it reminded us why giving kids hope, joy, and adventure is at the heart of our mission.

When asked about their favorite part of the trip, the boys’ answer was unanimous: the food. For kids who didn’t always know where their next meal would come from, simple moments of abundance were everything.

A Counselor’s Perspective

Mark, a counselor from A Kid’s Place, reflected:

“The adventure to the Keys has been absolutely wonderful. From the moment we arrived, the energy was contagious. Day one on the water exceeded all expectations—the captain was not only skilled but passionate about teaching. Sitting together and eating what we caught was deeply personal and unforgettable.”

Why It Matters

Fishing Dreams trips are more than fun—they give kids confidence, connection, and hope.

Each trip costs around:

• $1,600 for an offshore fishing day

• $1,400 for two flats days

• $200 a day for food

• $800 for activities like dolphin swims or eco-tours

• $3,750 for a week of accommodations

The total easily exceeds $6,500 per group, not including travel. Every donation—large or small—makes these trips possible.

❤️ Help us keep Jose Wejebe’s legacy alive.
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