Join us in Oak Hill, FL for a 3-day saltwater fishing event on the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon.
Purpose: The event is designed to build meaningful relationships with other outdoorsmen for the purpose of leading them to, or back to, Jesus Christ. Our secondary purpose at this event will be to further develop a core group of volunteers to help build our new chapter in Florida.
Dates: July 26-28, 2024
Lodging: We will be staying at Oak Hill Fish Camp. Lodging for Friday and Saturday nights is included in the cost.
The address for the camp is: 426 E HALIFAX AVE, OAK HILL, FL 32759. The website is located at https://oakhillfishcamp.com/.
Cost: $195 for fisherman, $125 for volunteers bringing a boat to the event. This cost includes lodging, most meals, t-shirt, and fishing on volunteers’ boats throughout the event.
Age restrictions: Minimum age for participants is 16. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Fishing: Volunteers will be bringing boats to provide fishing opportunities. Please bring your own tackle. We expect to be fishing inshore for redfish, speckled trout, and snook primarily, but where and how you fish will be up to the boat owner. Our volunteer boat owners are paying their way and are not professionals – nor are they licensed guides. No tips are allowed, but split expenses like gas, ice, and bait. Each volunteer boat owner will be assigned a fishing party each day. While we keep fathers and sons together, usually you will be fishing with people you don’t know. This is done purposefully so please don’t be surprised.
We will try to pair volunteer boat owners with parties suitable to their preferred method of fishing, but please remember to be flexible as this won’t always be possible. Volunteer boat owners will be introduced to their parties in our meetings. Please see your volunteer boat owner for assistance and/or special needs with regard to fishing.
Meals: Dinner for Friday and Saturday evening will be provided. Breakfast for Saturday and Sunday morning will be provided. For lunch on Saturday, our plan is to meet up at a local restaurant on the water. Please bring some cash to cover your lunch.
Giveaways: Door prizes will be given out Saturday night. If you’d like to donate door prizes or fishing tackle, please contact Juan Carranza or Stephen McPherson their phone numbers and emails are listed below.
Rules:
- Perfect people are not allowed. Come as you are, no pretending.
- No drunkenness. Alcohol in moderation is allowed, but not on the boats, please.
- Please help keep the environment kid-friendly.
- Have a good time.
What to bring:
- Valid Florida saltwater fishing license Florida Salt Water fishing see regulations here https://myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/
- Bed roll, blanket, pillow, towel, toiletries
- Rain gear and sunscreen (prepare for all weather conditions)
- Outdoor sitting chair
- Favorite snack and one to share with others
- Knives and baggies to clean your own fish if you choose to retain any
- Everyone should bring their own fishing gear and tackle as it is not expected of the volunteer boat owners to lend out their gear or tackle. If they choose to do so, please replace it.
- Cash for boat gas, ice, or any live bait you would like to use
- An open mind, an open heart, and a good attitude 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 speckled trout, redfish, and snook. Each fisherman must bring their own rod and reel. Appropriate rods are medium-light to medium action, 6-7ft long, either spinning or bait-casting. Monofilament line is typically 12lb test, braided line is typically 20-30lb test. We recommend that you put fresh line on reels if you haven’t done so recently.
- Artificial bait – Paddle tail-style baits are the easy to fish and effective. 3-4’’ models in glow/chartreuse, limetreuse, red/white, and pumpkinseed are the basics. Topwater baits like Super Spook Jr’s or Skitterwalks (white, chrome, or black) can be exciting. Gulp shrimp tails fished under a popping cork can also be effective and kid-friendly. Weedless gold spoons of all sizes are handy while fishing for redfish.
Contact info: Please contact Stephen McPherson or Juan Carranza with any questions. Stephen can be reached at 407-461-6242 or [email protected]. Juan can be reached at 786-719-0511 or [email protected].
Schedule of events:
Friday:
3:00 PM Check-in
3:30 PM Orientation/safety briefing
4:00 PM Evening fishing trip
8:00 PM Dinner/devotion
Saturday:
5:30 AM Breakfast/devotion
6:30 AM Morning fishing trip
Noon Lunch at a local restaurant
2:30 PM Afternoon fishing
8:00 PM Dinner/devotion
Sunday:
5:30 AM Breakfast
6:30 AM Morning fishing trip
11:00 AM Check out