The first blog I decided to write was about a fly fishing trip that I went on with a dear friend and amazing Captain, C.A. Richardson. Jenni and I were fans of Flats Class (https://www.flatsclass.com) for months before we ever connected with CA. We actually had no idea that we could charter CA and go fish with him. Our relationship quickly evolved from clients to friends. One thing we realized very early on was our love for food. Being self-proclaimed “foodies” was something we agreed on whole heartedly. We have a motto at Casa De Kent…”We live to eat rather than eat to live”.  As we continued fishing with CA and, soon thereafter met his wife Jessie, we would also share our favorite recipes and restaurants. CA mentioned early on, “I have some friends that I want to introduce you to, I know you will love them”. When we met this couple, Will and Maura, at CA and Jessie’s house, it was apparent that our friendship was going to blossom around our love for food and fishing.

That first introduction was the birth of what we now affectionately call the “Supper Club”. After we had convened at our house for a few times, I suggested that there was one more couple that we should consider bringing in to our newfound supper club. I assured everyone that Dave and Julie were “our people” and they were kick ass anglers and loved food as much as we did. Our little supper club grew by 25%.

Friendships can be a funny thing. My personal view on them is that they are akin to a joint checking account. Both parties make deposits and withdrawals. If one side is making all the deposits, and the other is only withdrawing, the friendship is broken. The “opting in” is what creates lifelong friendships. For me at least, it makes friendships one of the most rewarding relationships and something that you cherish.

Our fishing adventures as a Supper Club have been many and varied. It’s rare that all 8 of us get to fish together, but it does happen. Will and Maura introduced us to some of the sweetest people that have ever walked the earth, Mike and Carol Shipley. Mike and Carol own our absolute favorite hotel in all of the Florida Keys, The Island Bay Resort. (https://www.islandbayresort.com) On our first trip to Island Bay, Mike told us about a charity fishing tournament that he was very involved in. The tournament is held every fall in the upper keys, is run by the Rotary Club of Key Largo, and is called the “Take Stock in Children Back Country Challenge”. Being huge fans of charity fishing events, we were “hooked”. <grin> Charity fishing events are super special. We get to kill 3 birds with one stone…our desire to give back, the opportunity to meet and fish with some amazing people, and the chance to compete.

Oh by the way, did I mention that Mike and Carole are foodies as well? 🙂 We try to have an expanded Supper Club at our house each year when Mike and Carole come in town to fish with C.A. and chase Tarpon on the west coast of Florida. There are almost guaranteed to be some sore cheeks at the end of the night (from non-stop laughter) and more than a few hangovers the next morning. Have you ever noticed that some friendships are harder on your liver than others? And that those are the friendships you cherish the most? If you have made it this far, my wish for you is that you find friends in your life that you love as much as we do the Supper Club.

Now that I think about it, I guess there actually is a fourth F…FUN. It’s one of the main reasons we look forward to our supper club rendezvous!

Cheers!