True confessions of a fishing guide: How we continue to do what we do

Capt. Jermaine Kemp (center) with Jake and Luke, whose passion for the ocean reignited Capt. Kemp’s passion for being a fishing guide.

Over the years, I have had many clients ask if being a fishing guide ever gets boring. You know… having to get up every day and do what others may only dream about doing as a career. Of course, my answer is always an emphatic “no it doesn’t get boring!” However, if the truth be known, the fact is it can, from time to time, seem menial and very repetitious. So, what keeps this fishing guide motivated? Every so often a particular client comes along and refreshes the whole experience of the true role of a fishing guide, at least as I see it. Recently, I had as clients Mitzi and her two sons Jake and Luke. During our time together, she and her sons helped put it all into perspective. They were so grateful for our time spent together and what they learned from the experience. To see their passion for the ocean and all of its inhabitants, big and small, grow as a result of this interaction was truly rewarding. Yes, we take people fishing, but it is so much more than that. We share our respect and appreciation for the sea and hopefully turn them into greater advocates for those creatures that do not have a voice. When this spark and awareness is ignited in a customer who was initially just “going fishing,” it makes me realize how important my job is and why it is ultimately so personally and professionally rewarding.

To all the Mitzi’s, Jake’s and Luke’s out there, thank you for helping me remember why I do what I do.

 By: Capt. Jermaine Kemp
Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, Bahamas
Phone: (242) 359-7394
Email: fisheleuthera@yahoo.com

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