I met Jean when I stopped in Everglades Kayak Fishing headquarters, which are now in JT’s Cafe in Chokoloskee on my recent trip to Florida. She was working there taking reservations and such. She’s a graphic artist and photographic restorer by trade and moved over from the east coast of Florida. She had won a day of fishing with Everglades Kayak Fishing and that’s how she ended up getting to know Charles.  She’s an avid angler and decided to move to Chokoloskee and spend a season there and explore getting more involved in the sport. In speaking with her I was reminded of how small a world kayak fishing is. Jean told me she was intrigued with a gathering that the Florida forum members were organizing on KFS. They called themselves the derelicts and it was being called the ‘Derelict Gathering in Flamingo’. Jean was going to share a campsite with Terry. The gathering was set up because I had recently sold KFS and I was going to Florida to do some fishing.  It was a great reason to have a get together. I had a great time and got to spend time with a bunch of people I had known for years and never met. Unfortunately the day before the gathering Jean broke her arm and didn’t make the gathering. We would have met then and it’s ironic that we met 3 years later.

Jean and I didn’t get to wet a line in Choko, unfortunately because her mom was visiting so her days off were occupied. I’m sure we’ll fish sometime as she’s as passionate about kayak fishing as I am. She will get a chance to meet Terry at the Paddle In later this month.

I posed the following questions to Jean.

When did you start fishing?
At around age 8, I was riding my bicycle with the cute little basket and handle bar tassels, to Lott Brothers Bait & Tackle in Lake Park, Florida. I spent my time fishing around the docks and under the bridge mostly catching saltwater catfish. Of course I brought a rag so my hands didn’t get to slimy. I do not remember what I used for bait or how I had my own fishing pole, so I assume the guys at Lott Brothers must have helped me out. Eventually I started venturing farther from home all the way to the Intracoastal and beaches. My parents to this day have no idea how I became interested, as neither of them fished.

When did you first learn about kayak fishing, what made you start and when was that?
I discovered kayaking fishing in 2003 when I borrowed a kayak to go on a camping trip at Fisheating Creek on the West side of Lake Okeechobee. I brought my fishing rod "along for the ride". It was love at first cast. I absolutely loved it!

What kind of kayak do you use?
Ocean Kayak Prowler 13

Which is your favorite type of fishing?
Saltwater inshore, I especially enjoy casting into mangrove tree areas. It can be challenging getting those casts just right.

What kinds of tackle do you use?
DOA Lures of every kind, mostly the DOA Shrimp & Curly Tail grub. My favorite casting rod is my Falcon Coastal XG, 7’6" light. Okuma reels...VS40, and a few other models.