Marsh Sessions and a Passion for Redfish

Javier Fabrega's Journey from Surfing to Fly Fishing in Northeast Florida

Nov 08, 2023

In the midst of my frequent travels for work, the concept of Marsh Sessions took flight during one of those countless hours spent in airports and airplanes. While we all cherish the excitement of catching a fish, I began to realize that we often rush to share pictures without pausing to reflect on the moments that truly make a catch special. This realization became the driving force behind Marsh Sessions.

Growing up in the Republic of Panama, I had a deep connection to the ocean, but it wasn't until 2015, in Jacksonville Beach, FL, that I discovered the world of fly fishing. I found myself drawn to the welcoming and passionate fly fishing community, particularly at the old Black Fly Outfitter. Fly fishing quickly became more than just a hobby; it became a way of life. I vividly remember the first time I witnessed a tailing Redfish with Gabe Lefevbre, an experience that continues to inspire me.

Northeast Florida offers some of the finest Redfish opportunities, especially during the flood tide season, which runs from April to November, with the peak in September and October. There's an undeniable charm in silently poling a skiff across a grass flat, observing Redfish tailing or sipping at the surface. Fly fishing presents its own set of challenges, whether it's making the perfect presentation, offering a hand-tied fly, or positioning the angler on the bow for the best shot.

A typical day of fishing in Jacksonville isn't complicated; it's all about precision. Many people don’t know this, but Jacksonville, Florida is the largest city in the United States when it comes to area. As the day wraps up at work, I pre-order my favorite empanadas, brave the city's sprawling geography, and head to the boat ramp. There, I meet some of the most genuine and enthusiastic folks in the area. We embark on a quick run to the flats, crack open a cold drink, and start our pursuit of Redfish.

Marsh Sessions is more than just a personal journey; it's a platform to unite fellow fly anglers, wingshooters, and hunters who share our passion. My travels enable me to capture diverse content, and I must give a shout-out to my incredibly supportive wife, who encourages these adventures, whether it's chasing Bluefish and Stripers in NYC with Joel Stoehr, pursuing trout in Blue Ridge, GA with Daniel Massingale, chasing big jacks with Capt Sid Little, exploring the jungle for Tarpon and Peacock Bass in Panama with Riccardo Pessina, or targeting bull Redfish with Todd Monson and his Louisiana crew.

As anglers and hunters, we bear the responsibility of conserving the environments we cherish. Earlier this year, I collaborated with Justin Anderson of Historic Coast Outfitters and Lauren Ingals of North Guana Outpost to create Marsh Fest on October 7th. This festival aimed to bring our community together, raise funds for marsh conservation, and have a great time. We were thrilled to have 47 vendors, live music, raffles, and nearly 400 attendees, raising close to $4,000 for our mission.

Beyond fishing, the First Coast is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and families. We boast a vibrant food scene and numerous breweries across Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Vilano Beach, and St. Augustine.