If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
Purpose:
To point outdoorsmen to the cross by introducing local fishermen, businesses, and churches in the Jacksonville, FL area to the Florida Chapter of Blast & Cast Men’s Ministries.
Date:
Saturday, May 17,2025
Guest Speaker:
Darren Horst
Registration:
Thanks to our generous sponsors, this event is free to all participants. Space is limited so register now.
Age Limitations/Restrictions: All participants under the age of 18 must attend with a parent or guardian. Limit 1 youth participant per parent/guardian.
Location:
Palm Valley boat ramp (east ramp near the bait shop)
383 S Roscoe Blvd
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Activities:
Everyone is invited to join us for a half-day of fishing the coastal waters of Jacksonville, FL. We will meet at the Palm Valley boat ramp the morning of May 17th. Please note that there are two ramps. We will gather at the east boat ramp near the bait stand. Each participant will be assigned to a boat for a morning fishing trip. All boats are owned and operated by volunteers, not guides, so participants should bring their own fishing gear and expect to split any expenses (like fuel, ice, and/or bait). Tips are not allowed, but please help with share expenses. While fathers and sons stay together, we try to pair anglers with people that they do not know in order to help make new relationships… so don’t be surprised by this.
After our time on the water, we will all meet back up for lunch at the Palm Valley Outdoors Restaurant. We will share stories and hear a short devotion.
Meals:
Please bring snacks and drinks to bring on the boat. A light breakfast will be provided prior to launch, and we will have lunch at the restaurant next to the boat launch. Please bring cash to cover your lunch.
Rules:
- No perfect people allowed. Come as you are, no pretending.
- Alcohol will not be allowed on boats but will be allowed in moderation after the boat is on the trailer.
- Please be mindful of your language when youth participants are around.
- Have a good time.
What to bring:
- Valid Florida saltwater fishing license
- Drinks and snacks for the boat.
- Cash for lunch at the restaurant.
- Parents – Please provide a life vest for all youth participants.
- Everyone should bring their own fishing tackle and gear for a morning of redfish, trout, and flounder fishing. Please don’t expect volunteer boat owners to lend out their gear or tackle.
- If you want to keep fish, bring what is necessary to clean your own catch and take it home.
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
- Rain gear if necessary.
- A willing attitude that’s eager to help make it work and have a good time – remember, everyone there is a volunteer, so set your expectations as though you are going on a weekend trip with friends.
Suggested tackle:
Plan to fish for redfish, trout, and flounder. Each fisherman should bring their own rod. Appropriate rods are medium-light to medium action, 6-7ft long, either spinning or bait-casting. 12lb test monofilament or 20-30lb test braided line is sufficient. We recommend putting fresh line on reels if you haven’t done so in the last few months.
Event chairmen: Alec Gunn 904-729-9999 [email protected]
Joel Acay 281-684-6469 [email protected]
Schedule:
5:45 am Boat owner check in and early boat launch
6:15 am Participant check in
6:30 am Safety briefing, boat assignments, launch prayer
6:45 am Go Fish!
12:00 pm Return to Boat Ramp
12:30 pm Devotion, lunch, fellowship