My fishing love story began on the banks of the Saco River in Maine. My dad would dig up night crawlers, and we’d chase smallmouth bass – or whatever else was biting between the mayflies. It’s where I learned the cast I still rely on today, threading a line between the overhanging trees and the boulders below. Cast after cast with my dad, my sister and my best buddy Scott – there was no better way to grow up.

Most summers we headed to Conesus Lake in western New York: big fish and bigger memories. Largemouth bass, pike, walleye (some call them “boots”), plus more perch and bluegill than we could count. Crawlers and crawdads, small cottages filled with family and friends. It was my mom’s favorite place – and in many ways it’s mine, too.  Back then we told time by the sun and our stomachs. My two loves were simple: playing ball and fishing.

Maybe it’s the Pisces in me, but I’ve always found peace on the water. The tug on the rod, the shot of adrenaline, the clear head during the fight – no matter the size of the fish, it always brings a smile.

I’ve been lucky to fish a lot of places and to land a lifetime’s worth of fish – some you’d call trophies. From Marco Island with Captain Crosbie, my pal Russ, and Captain Jesse to Boca Grande with Captain Bryce and my First-mate TJ, and our kids, the story keeps unfolding. The mighty Silver King is never far from my mind.

Home today is the bayou in Seminole, Florida – paradise for anglers and nature lovers.  There’s nothing like the grin on TJ’s face reeling in a redfish or teaching the twinkies - Jacey and Jersey - to cast and reel in a fish. On any cast you might meet a snook, grouper, snapper, sheepshead, jack, mackerel, or trout with teeth, big cats, even the occasional shark. You never know, and that’s the magic.

The wildlife show is part of the joy. Dolphins roll. Spoonbills glow. Manatees mosey by. Bald eagles patrol as herons, pelicans, and ospreys hunt the bait-rich water. It’s nature’s perfection. Our fury friends and salty dogs bring a day filled with delight.

Our family started Reelin’ Riddles to share our love of fishing – and to help folks, especially kids, learn about the water and the wonders living in it. Most importantly, how to protect and preserve it. We hope you will join us along the way.

See you on the water, Mark Riddle

The Captain’s Log...