Charter captain Jonathan Moss has been fishing Florida waters since he was three years old, a passion ignited by simple outings with his father. Today, Moss, a full-time charter captain and host of "The Captain's Log" on Waypoint TV, believes the key to getting children hooked on fishing lies in making early experiences enjoyable and manageable.
Moss transitioned from teaching elementary school physical education to a full-time guiding career a decade ago, driven by his love for the outdoors. He finds immense satisfaction in witnessing families create lasting memories on the water, particularly seeing a child catch their first fish or a family experience the thrill of a bite. He credits his own father for introducing him to the outdoors, and he cherishes filming with him years later.
Moss's family shares his passion. His wife, Brooke, hosts "Trail to Tide," an outdoor show for women and mothers. Despite not growing up in an outdoorsy family, she developed her own fishing skills and even demonstrated remarkable resilience, catching a large bass with a lure still lodged in her shoulder after an accidental hook.
The couple's two young sons, ages 4 and 6, are described as energetic and constantly engaged in outdoor activities, a natural extension of their parents' lifestyle. Moss notes that their immersion in nature doesn't require a complex strategy; simply being outside as a family, whether gardening, playing, fishing, or hiking, naturally instills a similar inclination in the children.
For parents aiming to cultivate an interest in fishing, Moss advises keeping outings simple and aligned with children's stamina and attention spans. He suggests early morning or late evening trips during Florida's summer to avoid the heat, packing snacks, and incorporating other enjoyable activities like swimming. The goal, he emphasizes, is to create positive associations and fun memories with outdoor activities.
Moss recommends that children don't need to target trophy fish initially. Catfish or ladyfish, or even playing with bait in the bucket, can keep them engaged. For his charter clients, he often gears trips toward catching smaller, active fish like speckled trout, which provide a satisfying tug and allow the child to reel them in independently. This approach, he believes, builds confidence and makes them eager for future outings.
The benefits of disconnecting from screens and engaging with nature extend to adults as well. Moss observes clients visibly shedding stress and tension as they board his boat and put away their phones. He finds that sharing these moments on the water with his own family, even after a long day of guiding, is paramount.
"I’ll do anything to spend time on the water with my family. That’s the most important to me," Moss stated. For him, the fish are a welcome addition to the deeper reward of shared outdoor experiences.