My friend and fishing buddy, Dan, and I lowered his pristine 36-foot Invincible into Vaca Cut. It was one of those beautiful Florida Keys mornings. We had a direct view of Captain Hook’s marina and tackle/dive shop. Boats from 15 feet to 60 or 70 feet maneuvered their way in and out of Captain Hook’s docks.

Commercial dive boats with island music and the distinct bonging of scuba tanks touching each other while first-time divers and master divers prepared, and jibber-jabbered as they headed for open water. I love everything about boating, diving and fishing. It’s the whole package that makes it magical.

C.J. Geotis is a lifelong fisherman who followed his dream more than 20 years ago to live in the Florida Keys. His books, “Florida Keys Fish Stories,” and “Double-Edged Sword” are available at Amazon.com. He lives in Marathon with his wife, Loretta, and her Coca-Cola collection. His email is fishstoriescj@comcast.net.