By: Jessica Hendrie
September is a special month for me, it’s my birthday month! But this year, we decided to celebrate a little early with one of my favorite things to do: fishing. Back in July, we headed offshore with one goal in mind, red snapper. There’s just something exciting about dropping a line over a good reef and waiting for that unmistakable thump. Once you hook into a nice snapper, you know you’re in for a fight. They may not peel drag like a tuna or make blistering runs like a wahoo, but they know exactly how to use the bottom to their advantage, and that’s what makes them so much fun to catch. We were lucky enough to have a great day on the water, and bringing home a limit of beautiful red snapper made for the perfect early birthday celebration. Of course, fresh red snapper on the dinner table afterward didn’t hurt either! Every September, I like to reflect on where I’m at in life, and fishing has become a big part of that tradition. Whether it’s chasing a bucket-list species or simply spending a day offshore with family and friends, it’s a reminder to slow down, enjoy the moment, and appreciate the memories being made. One of the best parts about these trips isn’t just the fish, it’s the people you’re with. The laughs, the stories, and the time spent together are what make every trip memorable. The fish are just the bonus. So even though I celebrated my birthday a little early this year, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to do it. Here’s hoping September brings more time on the water, calm seas, and maybe a few more snapper in the cooler. Happy fishing