Capt. Bobby Manske (left) helps his crew, the Rappold’s, Hammonton, NJ, show off one of the first big bull dolphins to come to the dock at the beginning of the 2008 dolphin season –caught aboard “Pip’s 36”.

Bill Winn, Darrin Spencer, Sill Winn, Sr., Kevin Knowles, Barrett Goss and Barry Duckworth, Tampa, FL, had a busy day aboard “Pip’s 36” with Capt. Bobby Manske and mate Mike Rathbun.  The days total included:  a 40-lb bull, 38-lb cow, five slammer and 15 gaffer dolphins.

T.J. Dunn from Gibsonton, FL got his exercise landing this big 44-lb. bull dolphin while fishing aboard “Papa Pip’s” with Capt. John “Gator” Gray and mate, Mike Rathbun.

When good friends from Jacksonville, FL, Mike Jordan and Rhonda  Worley decided to get married, they couldn’t think of a better place than the Florida Keys.  Their sunset wedding took place aboard the Spirit Snorkeling Catamaran.  Dan Sullivan (left) provided the island tunes and Capt. Sandy with mate, Sarah made sure everyone – even the land lovers – were comfortable.

Capt. Johnny Maddox made sure there was a little bit of crying and a lot of laughing during the ceremony. 

Mike proudly shows off the ring – now it’s official.

A perfect Florida Keys sunset greets Mike and Rhonda as they start their life together.
Best wishes for a long and happy life together.

After a week of fishing and enjoying the hospitality at Captain Pip’s, the Schwantes family, from St. Petersburg, FL – Mike, Ted, Brian and Kari – took home some good fishing stories and a cooler full of tasty fillets. 

You never know what life has in store for you.  Like the day long-time Keys resident and local musician, Rocketman (right), came to play his usual Wednesday night gig at Porky’s Bayside. Before he could finish the first set, his daughter Roxanne (left) called to say their house was on fire.  The next day the house had been reduced to a pile of smoldering ashes and the family had lost all their possessions, including Rocketman’s extensive collection of photo albums, guns, knives and NASCAR hats.  While the flames were still shooting into the sky, Johnny and Barbara Maddox, owners of Porky’s and Captain Pip’s Marina & Hideaway vowed to hold a fundraiser to help Rocket and his family recover.

Three weeks later over 400 people showed their support.  Friends, family, local musicians and pirates donated their time to make the event a success.   Thanks to everyone who helped – we raised over $20,000 in just one evening.