tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54020722105404494402024-03-04T20:20:50.572-08:00Battling Orlando Bass and Cystic FibrosisLive, Fish, Breathe - my blog about current fishing in Orlando, how I live day to day battling Cystic Fibrosis, and what it takes for me breathe each day only having 29% lung function.
I welcome you to suscribe below to follow my story.Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-77749853318742926362015-03-30T13:36:00.001-07:002015-03-30T13:36:13.667-07:00April 1, 2015Bass fishing has been great all spring and will continue for the next few months. Myself, Captain Randy Dumars, and Josh Hamilton have been extremely busy this spring landing trophy bass, and crappie. Bookings are limited between us until the end of April. Bass are being caught on artificial and live bait, the fish are ending their peak spawn time but catching giant fish are always a possibility in Central Florida. We are fishing all levels of the water with spinners, soft plastics and swallow lures.
I will be fishing this summer on Lake Erie and the upper Niagara River for trout, steelhead, and my favorite, smallmouth bass. Lake Erie is in the top three for smallmouth lakes in the world and I can promise you will not be disappointed. Opening Day is looking like it will be May 11, 2015 on Lake Erie and potentially mid to end of April towards the end of April.
I will also be running fly fishing guided tours on 18 mile creek and other creeks in The Buffalo, NY area These tours start at $150 with gear.
Www.orlandotrophybass.com
www.buffalotrophybass.com
Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-57784806773105022352014-09-06T16:22:00.000-07:002014-09-06T16:22:01.256-07:00Never Forget 9/11/01It is a day I will never forget! Where were you on 9/11/01? Every year since 9/11 I have tried to honor those that have died, this year I want to spend it on the water. If you are a Police, Firefighter, EMT, Paramedic, or Military personnel I invite you to come out and bass fish with me. You will receive $50 off your charter on 9/11/14 - 9/14/14. Contact me at kpsfishing@yahoo.com
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMO5GAULLmZPZYR3UV8a9djpjlUU3QQCJEP4vT_-ZAV-Uabl3gFCu9jh2flWD5y6wP8Ig-Pzd0g5cOAZcq-4ioi-O4SzA4pB7yHNVvhBI8BCSD0sMsVyYm5vrX-nncLRaHfbJZisimC0/s1600/9-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMO5GAULLmZPZYR3UV8a9djpjlUU3QQCJEP4vT_-ZAV-Uabl3gFCu9jh2flWD5y6wP8Ig-Pzd0g5cOAZcq-4ioi-O4SzA4pB7yHNVvhBI8BCSD0sMsVyYm5vrX-nncLRaHfbJZisimC0/s320/9-11.png" /></a></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-55717073338030259772014-08-27T09:37:00.000-07:002014-08-27T09:37:32.205-07:00Wonders of Three Lakes Wildlife AreaI have been doing a lot of fishing and sight seeing in the Three Lakes Wildlife Area all week. Yesterday I came across a lot of deer, and took several pictures. After my guests 4 hours of fishing, I will drive around the wildlife area usually 45 minutes worth of driving through prairies. Here are some of the photos from yesterday morning.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmrH6jLTdrGUUPTaKja88y9Axtukes5j4jk3nWmeUUSU2eDVPB1qtikUsZiyuGbCwQMWOcli_QhLF6H4itDqcKMqSZ_ZiTzu2jv0fJSjg7nf9Dc2U8fl4lmwQ6KF3asO78qfmVkIOqYo/s1600/DSC06649.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmrH6jLTdrGUUPTaKja88y9Axtukes5j4jk3nWmeUUSU2eDVPB1qtikUsZiyuGbCwQMWOcli_QhLF6H4itDqcKMqSZ_ZiTzu2jv0fJSjg7nf9Dc2U8fl4lmwQ6KF3asO78qfmVkIOqYo/s400/DSC06649.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMsPcwlQ9uqpXEDbxNmBYKo1pH8AGqrT3-3CVibBGLPA9GZ0_X3-G91J1j7i81LO8BpR_lNfZp03HGSPKHx-1RB93O-OOp59KBtNdtDXA04Mxjmc90GjxpLO9BT1yx_1rI3a4EGJUW7w/s1600/DSC06651.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMsPcwlQ9uqpXEDbxNmBYKo1pH8AGqrT3-3CVibBGLPA9GZ0_X3-G91J1j7i81LO8BpR_lNfZp03HGSPKHx-1RB93O-OOp59KBtNdtDXA04Mxjmc90GjxpLO9BT1yx_1rI3a4EGJUW7w/s400/DSC06651.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-ZqeOOVNeokH1CWtkPm4H_vxAv-qVh-fWYEDU6GoL2sLl5S5OKA0_Ow8HbxNkcMq-Y8SWS_PlufKJuex5ffuCwBue7hnQvyjZynEUsmvNvavRLQSyDmkeBn88U2iA3bGINXfKxNVk1s/s1600/DSC06653.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-ZqeOOVNeokH1CWtkPm4H_vxAv-qVh-fWYEDU6GoL2sLl5S5OKA0_Ow8HbxNkcMq-Y8SWS_PlufKJuex5ffuCwBue7hnQvyjZynEUsmvNvavRLQSyDmkeBn88U2iA3bGINXfKxNVk1s/s400/DSC06653.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-x2bLrJ1zR_9hOD8hARr5vVJwRMMyCijZ0quHusz5nd2byS1zlHM6a_9L-lhbV7g1tKv5uCbym37r9cxlJ5_TxZh_hBIlNwCAzYV4420Jcy0pN2BK-Fl6C24cCUvZBJQcgjqRUmCZW4/s1600/DSC06666.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge-x2bLrJ1zR_9hOD8hARr5vVJwRMMyCijZ0quHusz5nd2byS1zlHM6a_9L-lhbV7g1tKv5uCbym37r9cxlJ5_TxZh_hBIlNwCAzYV4420Jcy0pN2BK-Fl6C24cCUvZBJQcgjqRUmCZW4/s400/DSC06666.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS9pMVpTkHLFVFe7kQyJ2TZvfJ4y4UEMvTOQ4AC2dSWcg7vLt3y22JILywLoiqZkjCo20aycTI_eh_S_SKreLx1yaXk8oqVVXCott3ouf48qcvbBa-YFGeYN6AzkDPTJALIQYFKcsIWI/s1600/DSC06669.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS9pMVpTkHLFVFe7kQyJ2TZvfJ4y4UEMvTOQ4AC2dSWcg7vLt3y22JILywLoiqZkjCo20aycTI_eh_S_SKreLx1yaXk8oqVVXCott3ouf48qcvbBa-YFGeYN6AzkDPTJALIQYFKcsIWI/s400/DSC06669.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R0TTNIKyuMRIbNCYcScY66Xd8CYZgKdFfqnnYM3czxRPqxSk0N-fyLrkJz0E4yuLS8JcV8tnjkAOnR9c_L0fCVwuH0fl0LrPi6YK3fMeLE2ybxL8i_gKbd_3BavehyxIHwpTB1R6N-0/s1600/DSC06672.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R0TTNIKyuMRIbNCYcScY66Xd8CYZgKdFfqnnYM3czxRPqxSk0N-fyLrkJz0E4yuLS8JcV8tnjkAOnR9c_L0fCVwuH0fl0LrPi6YK3fMeLE2ybxL8i_gKbd_3BavehyxIHwpTB1R6N-0/s400/DSC06672.JPG" /></a>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-2082403530539402152014-08-23T12:48:00.001-07:002014-08-23T12:48:55.987-07:00August fishingIt's been a few weeks since I have done any updates. There is a lot to talk about.<div><br></div><div>I am 10 months post my double lung transplant. Still feeling amazing. I did have a little set back because I was doing way to much to fast. Ended up with heat exhaustion and had to kind of sit back and relax. It's been hot...heat indexes around 105-107 degrees almost everyday. Next week highs will only be in the low 90's...I can't wait for fall to get here. </div><div><br></div><div>I am also thrilled to announce a new partnership with Captain Randy Dumars. Captain Randy has been a long time central Florida captain. We are working together to give our guests even better experiences. We now offer freshwater and saltwater charters, hog and gator hunting, scenic airboat tours and Bow Fishing. </div><div><br></div><div>I have also added another lake for charters. Charters are now available on Lake Jackson which is within a federal management wildlife area. The land is over 96 sq miles and full of deer, osceola turkey's, bald eagles, 150 bird species, wild hogs. Lake Jackson sits in the middle of the wildlife area, it is 1060 acres and loaded with double digit sized largemouth bass. The lake is also full of crappie, bluegill and some pretty big alligators. Fishing on Lake Jackson is more then just a fishing charter, it truly is a adventure. </div><div><br></div><div>Fishing has been great, the water is hot, in the upper 80's, but mornings are still producing tons of bites, a lot of schooling fish, and still getting big bass. As it cools the fish will start fattening up again for the winter. Even with the heat guests are catching 9 lbs bass, especially on Lake Jackson on artificial baits. </div><div><br></div><div>All the new information about my charters are now on my website, www.orlandotrophybass.com </div><div><br></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-56946797401626649852014-07-03T04:51:00.001-07:002014-07-03T04:51:51.465-07:00ICAST Orlando 2014Fishing has slowed down slightly as the surface temperature of my lake has gone up to 87 degrees. The stronger winds last week were mainly coming from the northeast and really slowed the schooling fish. However bigger fish 4-6 lb range have been hitting sinkos and flukes which wasn't the case two weeks ago. I am expecting the fishing to be exactly what it should be during this time of the year....a slower bite, requiring a slow retrieve with the baits, and slightly lower numbers, usually a single angler will land around 10-15 bass in four hours using artificial. ICast 2014 is coming to orlando in two weeks and I do have a few early morning charters that week available. I am located just 10 minutes from the convention center. Please contact me if your interested in a 4 hour charter.Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-65372524537129235032014-05-29T19:06:00.001-07:002014-05-29T19:06:35.251-07:00School is only over in the classroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYqyks1JfHJwXnS9WRnc2Z7MHqAOYv7cuKjVmYhDB074tHpclQDHQ15odWILvFePRGCp2bhoJg17KS4_MHlAVleXGbTGF6cOTdamVVqZupnZ75NJ70UzN0DldAIKLBsQE4b8wSUoD8Q0/s640/blogger-image--1317009386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYqyks1JfHJwXnS9WRnc2Z7MHqAOYv7cuKjVmYhDB074tHpclQDHQ15odWILvFePRGCp2bhoJg17KS4_MHlAVleXGbTGF6cOTdamVVqZupnZ75NJ70UzN0DldAIKLBsQE4b8wSUoD8Q0/s640/blogger-image--1317009386.jpg"></a></div>Top water action has been the best it have seen in years. They are striking averyhting from spinners, <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAne1CEKG4LAzUySmiApLMinuCRxJuUsYUepQp7zDS3Kaj2g9UBPAo2YRvU1a_hnZTJdukBFPoQC9hDhCKdnrDSbp6rli1QdIqcqvpNP1cgz5LBJscmjfE-PuYKUVGasLj8XGagc5YLA/s640/blogger-image--678245935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAne1CEKG4LAzUySmiApLMinuCRxJuUsYUepQp7zDS3Kaj2g9UBPAo2YRvU1a_hnZTJdukBFPoQC9hDhCKdnrDSbp6rli1QdIqcqvpNP1cgz5LBJscmjfE-PuYKUVGasLj8XGagc5YLA/s640/blogger-image--678245935.jpg"></a></div>top water plugs, frog, and even weightless sinkos. My last 5 charters have caught over 30 fish in 4 hours, most of them under two pounds but e action is almost nonstop. This tren will continue for weeks so book your charter as soon as you can, dates are becoming limited for June July, and August. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfApILo93mSn2lIi3MsG5_IgTBwtvGoZXwCrvjIOZoW0nG5pTUpwgEX5S0iphVrPFlOsBaLKxyFJTcTelmEAW4F_KOGdKOk6KiwLuBAWMAuPye_-x3jH7fjLSsa5o_BgI1dTIj0AXyMv4/s640/blogger-image--250671674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfApILo93mSn2lIi3MsG5_IgTBwtvGoZXwCrvjIOZoW0nG5pTUpwgEX5S0iphVrPFlOsBaLKxyFJTcTelmEAW4F_KOGdKOk6KiwLuBAWMAuPye_-x3jH7fjLSsa5o_BgI1dTIj0AXyMv4/s640/blogger-image--250671674.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-10406622290782794482014-05-23T19:03:00.001-07:002014-05-23T19:03:20.911-07:00Memorial Day weekend<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8CHLwm7k6K1Izdiaptt9-08UNdnKhOfFAqGfJOOJ9MWr9qEnaJEWW1gW7m7xOBAjNw87u3LcVl0CaDPELnzk95rlNdBV84sEy7g9mefM8yAImkbJqb9_obJlRJwvh5rpl9aB6WdlfsE/s640/blogger-image--305977083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8CHLwm7k6K1Izdiaptt9-08UNdnKhOfFAqGfJOOJ9MWr9qEnaJEWW1gW7m7xOBAjNw87u3LcVl0CaDPELnzk95rlNdBV84sEy7g9mefM8yAImkbJqb9_obJlRJwvh5rpl9aB6WdlfsE/s640/blogger-image--305977083.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Fishing is hot above and below the water! Weather temp is in the mid 90's and sunny all day. This warming up the water temps into the low 80's already. The lake seemed to turnover the past few weeks and the bite has increased dramatically. Top water action has been incredible for the last two weeks, we have been seeing areas all of the lakes with schooling bass busting out if the water for shad. This has made top water baits really exciting to use. Patients is still the key to success with these baits on schooling fish. When bass school on shad they become focused in the shape and colors of these live shad, so using hard top water plugs in the right colors are critical. I have been using a silver or clear color shad 3 inch popper and bass colored popper with 25 lbs test with my revo stix reel and my new skeet Reese 7'6" glass rod. I have been crushing fish on Lake Bryan and Lake Toho for two weeks. <div><br></div><div>Two days ago I took my takuya from JAPAN. it was hit first bass fishing charter in the United States. It was a educational day for me learning about how the Japanese people fish for largemouth In Japan and he even brought me some cutting edge soft plastics that proved themselves in only a few casts. We fished in the middle of a hot day, saw hundreds of bass schooling all around the boat, but we worked hard to get as many as week could in the boat. The photo below is the best we could do on size, but we did lose nearly 20 fish. <br><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR8ZAK_2AMFTY4hHkAhnCmScwOakYT2QPqaEvikLxLEGZ25yC3uwVhZo9JbLh9KpaAIFfWNDNlcszXy0a6WwUw2cET8RCxKbzLbDff6QA52N2nupl5CZArSAneGHWPaN4o1b8N9ZuDtI/s640/blogger-image--1885163227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUR8ZAK_2AMFTY4hHkAhnCmScwOakYT2QPqaEvikLxLEGZ25yC3uwVhZo9JbLh9KpaAIFfWNDNlcszXy0a6WwUw2cET8RCxKbzLbDff6QA52N2nupl5CZArSAneGHWPaN4o1b8N9ZuDtI/s640/blogger-image--1885163227.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The past few weeks I am preparing for a major tournament on Lake Toho for wounded warriors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I I have been prefishing the lake for nearly two weeks now and stumbled on some stops holding trophy fish. A 6 lbs bass and a 8 lbs bass in just a few minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzgj7n95SgGSz_b_lfR9k1k1Lj5q4J3c_OWojhZzTCBHc_NHoYBE42AFpR3PIs3lK9ldAXRbUpY8QSnKUaYuqmpr9NmBEqLpx2DWXFent-XmuPtE4nFC9Cxex4amH1qTdEXQhLUj6wvc/s640/blogger-image-1798279473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzgj7n95SgGSz_b_lfR9k1k1Lj5q4J3c_OWojhZzTCBHc_NHoYBE42AFpR3PIs3lK9ldAXRbUpY8QSnKUaYuqmpr9NmBEqLpx2DWXFent-XmuPtE4nFC9Cxex4amH1qTdEXQhLUj6wvc/s640/blogger-image-1798279473.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QAtLm4yPuWTa7Oeu3DV2hDUWKpv39IkidBziYSEPxH7vC0lqt45uHgpRkshzScRjHNowUEXAWLqyF3nMfH_3iD225NSuXOD3Z7arfKyQcNO_6kVCz2F8JqTPo-FIKgTh-gBdpEhSXyQ/s640/blogger-image--1196642670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8QAtLm4yPuWTa7Oeu3DV2hDUWKpv39IkidBziYSEPxH7vC0lqt45uHgpRkshzScRjHNowUEXAWLqyF3nMfH_3iD225NSuXOD3Z7arfKyQcNO_6kVCz2F8JqTPo-FIKgTh-gBdpEhSXyQ/s640/blogger-image--1196642670.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>I am very excited to be fishing this tournament with my friend Michael Irvin and hopefully put something together and get a solid limit of fish next week. Thank you to our the troops that have served this great country. With out their sacrifice we wouldn't be participated in tournaments like this one. </div></div><div><br></div><div>The great top action will continue for the next few months. I am booking fast so please if you are looking to book a charter please feel to contact me as soon as possible. Have a save holiday and remember those that have given us all our freedoms! </div><div><br></div><div>Capt Kevin Przybyl</div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-22806893898258507622014-05-09T09:26:00.000-07:002014-05-09T09:26:34.495-07:00Summer Bass fishing in Orlando, FLoridaThe Florida largemouth bass are in full summer pattern mode on my lake and its only the beginning of May. The last few weeks the temperatures have topped in the 90's during the day and low 70's overnight, which caused a rapid water temperature increase. In a matter of 5 days the surface lake trigger shad both using 10 lbs fluorocarbon with a medium rod. Another key to my recent success on the water has been the result of fishing small areas usually a square 100 yards at a time, painfully slow. Fishing these areas this slow is producing many bites and catches. I will fish an area this size for up to 2 hours at a time. In recent days my clients are averaging no less then 15 bass in 4 hours. This bite will continue to improve over the next several weeks then steady out until mid-august when the water temps are extremely high. temperature went from 72 degrees to 81 degrees. This past week it was obvious by how the fish were biting that the spring turnover was occurring. The bite was sluggish last week but this week the bite has improved dramatically. Also experiencing a dramatic increase in the amount of schooling fish feeding on bait fish throughout the day. This has made some great top water action for some of my clients, and honestly , myself. The majority of the larger fish I am catching has been on a "KP Craw" xtreme stix , a hand poured, sinko, style bait made by Cache Custom Lures. This particular color has been my go to bait for several weeks now. When I come across schooling bass, I have been switch to just a simple XPS popper or a Cache Custom Lure
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIMp0CV_BhEEtG-IJ7JT66VEUR8G2dCQrIZudpQgxLJqd25-9aVr1bX1qPtQic6ScKc7YSOsW4DYPpS0Wkl1MjDVjkDiGXc8vwI1Y0_89CsJRrPOcr8gtDhQsEfyT44380Q3zlpFbvdY/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIMp0CV_BhEEtG-IJ7JT66VEUR8G2dCQrIZudpQgxLJqd25-9aVr1bX1qPtQic6ScKc7YSOsW4DYPpS0Wkl1MjDVjkDiGXc8vwI1Y0_89CsJRrPOcr8gtDhQsEfyT44380Q3zlpFbvdY/s320/me.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnFnGGvA_boNDBTcIY0gX2nLTjDTo6HElVRaUvHM7EAuv-E9cf5Iplq7KCL9MYLgzcvMrQdPtjiOSEcvf6UHl76lN9GdW3nPoBRH4L_Xj7LrAGTVdwF1-goQn-AyaLSmIX9hakh1otQ8/s1600/joncinelli.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnFnGGvA_boNDBTcIY0gX2nLTjDTo6HElVRaUvHM7EAuv-E9cf5Iplq7KCL9MYLgzcvMrQdPtjiOSEcvf6UHl76lN9GdW3nPoBRH4L_Xj7LrAGTVdwF1-goQn-AyaLSmIX9hakh1otQ8/s320/joncinelli.jpg" /></a>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-45720965934707770982014-04-24T12:13:00.001-07:002014-04-24T12:13:14.645-07:00Awesome bass fishing and awesome lungsIt's been a rough 6 months, a lot of ups and downs with my health post double lung transplant. However I am super excited to just have had my 6 month Bronchoscopy and the report from my doctors that the transplant and lungs are looking great and for the first time since my transplant I will not need weekly bronchs. In fact, the next one is planned for July, I am really just excited about that. <div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">This also means I can do what I love, Bass fish and do my fishing charters without having to worry about tests and procedures. I know there will be more bumps in this road, but I hope for a few months I can just enjoy the gift I was given.</span></div><div><br></div><div>So let's talk bass fishing. I have been on the water a lot these past few weeks after having to take a month off from transplant complications. The bite has been great, I am defiantly getting people on numbers...usually 20 fish in the boat in 4 hrs. My go to bait for most of my fishing guests are flukes or sinkos, weightless with 10 lbs test fluorocarbon line. I work areas have hydrilla very slow and in depths around 8-10 ft. I will fish an area about 50 square yards for a hour or more at a time, especially if we are catching fish. Working are area that size that slowly is producing a lot of bites. The issue has been getting the big fish to bite. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have managed at least one trophy size fish per charter, it's something that I honestly expect to occur until mid-May. The weather has still been unsteady and keeping the water temps into the low 70's. These temps are causing some of the bass to spawn late, while some are post spawn and just not feeding, and a third of the fish are already in a sum my pattern, feeding constantly on shad and already schooling on shad on the surface. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I had believed the spawn was over on my lake, I had a lot of big fish in February, which is the normal peak of the spawn for this lake, but these past two weeks I have seen a ton of new bass beds all over the lake. I have been fishing lake Bryan for 5 yrs and have never seen these bass spawn this late. The bigger fish we have been catching have had marks on their tail and many even bleeding from the tail. Usually a clear sign they are clearing off beds, these bedding fish are bedding along slopes that drop down to 15-20 ft, and seem to be on the slopes in 8-10 ft. So I can't see the beds, but just they way they are striking the baits it's pretty obvious they are bedding fish. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When the winds are calm, I have been seeing bass schooling on shad pretty much all over the lake. This usually doesn't occur until the water temps heat up in June so when it does happen I try and use some top water baits just to see the fish strike top water. The fishing will continue to be great, so if your coming to Orlando take some time to enjoy some of Florida's great Bass fishing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-pAxRNBGrBzEEBp5yVbPib-eP8KJ7sEaVU3aBqOJ2Fuz3-s6jBsoy9ucLB__9oWJL-_K7w6oMvL8Y6OjLvDrcJyZDQmhZx6vNSf_ns1L5B89pJjZbQaqs4GZNZ4BDPhWiKdMwUItKzc/s640/blogger-image-44300933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-pAxRNBGrBzEEBp5yVbPib-eP8KJ7sEaVU3aBqOJ2Fuz3-s6jBsoy9ucLB__9oWJL-_K7w6oMvL8Y6OjLvDrcJyZDQmhZx6vNSf_ns1L5B89pJjZbQaqs4GZNZ4BDPhWiKdMwUItKzc/s640/blogger-image-44300933.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWczLq6jakLliFC2b3vheuGKd8r5ht-ejRfIrG9l7KNe8jgK4Tq-nLTRDC1UV6330j8u4ITYEtbMbNH_BzglpCa_kHVCwUdDTeHsnyBWyWNKPDgQTl7LiIAtIvEpWNBjMTmRyCCTzK3kE/s640/blogger-image-258920431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWczLq6jakLliFC2b3vheuGKd8r5ht-ejRfIrG9l7KNe8jgK4Tq-nLTRDC1UV6330j8u4ITYEtbMbNH_BzglpCa_kHVCwUdDTeHsnyBWyWNKPDgQTl7LiIAtIvEpWNBjMTmRyCCTzK3kE/s640/blogger-image-258920431.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Hg6N-pygnUrtb2jjxrQZy6tcVgyLs2BbipGIj9aFliw17Z2Dd0LibtuuQ8Csk3x_YA8jLjukyiIADzBINHmAZTz6hBJ_z04Gja25B_W-zv5RYmLor9HoLR-UF8XHIHbKDS5ikYcXRgs/s640/blogger-image--897720714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Hg6N-pygnUrtb2jjxrQZy6tcVgyLs2BbipGIj9aFliw17Z2Dd0LibtuuQ8Csk3x_YA8jLjukyiIADzBINHmAZTz6hBJ_z04Gja25B_W-zv5RYmLor9HoLR-UF8XHIHbKDS5ikYcXRgs/s640/blogger-image--897720714.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></span></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-32869002302616161192014-04-02T21:16:00.001-07:002014-04-03T11:37:36.224-07:00The big 6We are quickly approaching my first big milestone of reaching six months post double lung transplant. I am excited but there have been some issues. Continuous issues are developing in my right lung and last week I required a stent to be placed. This should keep my airway open fully, reduse the wheezing and allow the scar tissue to get stronger and hold the bronch together better.<div><br></div><div>As a result of this set back it has reduced the amount of the days on the water the past few weeks.</div><div><br></div><div> I am looking forward to fun month of April doing a lot of fishing.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-38630461501306220682014-03-05T13:22:00.002-08:002014-03-05T13:22:22.051-08:005 month post transplant and March fishing madnessI am thrilled to say I am 5 months post double lung transplant and still feeling great. There have been some complications still occurring that my doctors are dealing with on a weekly basis. My right lung continues to develop scar tissue causing it to narrow the right bronchiole. The narrowing causes me to wheeze and makes me short of breath. To correct this problem I have weekly bronchoscopies, which is when they stick a scope into your lungs and then dilate the bronchiole. The right lung is still not fully healed, and they say it will just take time. Otherwise I continue to get stronger everyday.
Fishing has been great. This past weekend I competed in my first tournament in over 3 years, the Oakley Big Bass tournament on Harris Chain. I fished with a good friend Michael. I was going into this tournament kind of blind. I have not fished Harris in a long time, and really had no solid game plan. That lack of preparation hurt us in the tournament, we only had 3 bites the entire two days. The best part of the tournament was the fact I was able to fish two straight days nonstop and wasn't exhausted like I was pre-transplant.
Lake Bryan, where I guide, continues to be a fishing hot spot. The last week my clients are catching numbers, catching over 20-30 fish in 4 hours using artificial baits. Size has been the factor, just not getting big fish. Honestly, this is common this time of year on this lake. The water temperature was already in the low 70's and the spawn is done, so all the big females are in a post-spawn pattern. Sitting in deeper water, and not feeding. Usually in a week or two these big females will recuperate and start feeding again. The smaller males are holding tight to the beds and protecting the eggs until they hatch. The crappie bite has slowed down as most of the big crappie are too off the beds. Florida is still getting slight cold fronts passing through almost weekly, and just that slight barometric pressure change affects the bite for a day or two after it passes. Again typical for spring in Florida, and this usually lasts until the end of March, and the heat and humidity will be back. Once my lakes waters really start to warm up, the bite increases, and the top water bite will also take off. I really love April to August fishing.
I hope to be making some cool announcements this week with my business, so stay tuned! Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-69019122111518413402014-01-18T20:44:00.001-08:002014-01-18T20:44:33.649-08:00Back on the water, finally!<div><br></div><div><br></div>After over 18 months this past Wednesday was my first charter since becoming to sick to operate my boat, and just 3 months after having my double lung transplant. <div><br></div><div>My charter was with two long time clients, great, fun guys...Matt and Stacy. I was nervous taking these guys out because I had only been on the lake once prior to taking them out, and my very first outing was a tough day with only catching 4 fish. I am obsessed with making my charters worth my clients pennies, so I do lose sleep at times when fishing gets tough.</div><div><br></div><div>We started in the late morning around 1030 am... Had a really slow hour and half with two fish. I then moved to a spot that just always produces fish, and we did...about 6 smaller bass...nothing really over 15 inches, but we were getting plenty of hits and fish in the boat. The air temps cooled and the winds picked up as the day went on, but the bite remained constant. </div><div><br></div><div>Towards the end of the day Matt and Stacy landed 20 bass, all on artificial baits, missed another 10-15 opportunities as well. It was a great start for me personally. I am still able to locate fish and put clients on those fish. </div><div><br></div><div>Matt caught 2 really decent fish, one 3 lbs and another right at 4 lbs....plus two huge crappie all with zoom flukes. </div><div><br></div><div>Stacy did ok, he managed to get 5 fish in, and lost two really decent fish. </div><div><br></div><div>For me I was so thrilled to be back doing what I love. I will continue to ease into the guiding, only doing a few a week and gradually increasing and my health continues to improve. My body still has a lot of recovering to do from the surgery, but I am amazed how quickly things have come together. </div><div><br></div><div>I have held at least 3 simultaneous jobs at once, I still do that now, it's a little different. First, my health is literally a full time job, then my family and being a dad and good husband is my second full time job, and now fishing again. </div><div><br></div><div>I am looking forward to some warmer weather, the cold we have had has really dropped the lake temp down to mid to low 60's, but the bass have already began the spawn. Several of the bigger fish we caught were shallow and in places where they would normally bed. If we get a few really warm days, and the temps start to rise, the spawn will be on.</div><div><br></div><div>Here are some photos of Matt's catches.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9qAbAZEFuQRZjZztKkfAxak_C3LrzcwOzkLdul9JRtatIewChFMNH9FoDhf4G8Hf6MPIdP07yJrlFWzV3Q1-IVp8Jaeq_M5E6NTfA1T4nSxyb7TzxH6CzSt8I-27dO8SBx9TXg2uXSY/s640/blogger-image-590897496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx9qAbAZEFuQRZjZztKkfAxak_C3LrzcwOzkLdul9JRtatIewChFMNH9FoDhf4G8Hf6MPIdP07yJrlFWzV3Q1-IVp8Jaeq_M5E6NTfA1T4nSxyb7TzxH6CzSt8I-27dO8SBx9TXg2uXSY/s640/blogger-image-590897496.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEidjxCLqpMih1PjLm8gXfqBd8wAkGmqiGfgP74u2P-ZK7fAevRj8imIQxbyOpbCeV9Q04YBhztuOAMZGf5armcvM8856MdsHvGdAR4lfuF1VG2OiKGE0b7rD9u1TsEHyQb9SGZVw3cpA/s640/blogger-image-143044934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEidjxCLqpMih1PjLm8gXfqBd8wAkGmqiGfgP74u2P-ZK7fAevRj8imIQxbyOpbCeV9Q04YBhztuOAMZGf5armcvM8856MdsHvGdAR4lfuF1VG2OiKGE0b7rD9u1TsEHyQb9SGZVw3cpA/s640/blogger-image-143044934.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsmI3oWVGf-HoWl_gsGLKpd858-VUKW9q8Qyl5B8nuWoo_5-BLQacvCmXDDWEY_x5_bxMqw2pfm_nYHnoco3NcX8yHKGDFEJKnHIlBuHM_XYYVG4eIXJBMjqGHNl06yYdq8vuUPtGqZ0/s640/blogger-image--1102594929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsmI3oWVGf-HoWl_gsGLKpd858-VUKW9q8Qyl5B8nuWoo_5-BLQacvCmXDDWEY_x5_bxMqw2pfm_nYHnoco3NcX8yHKGDFEJKnHIlBuHM_XYYVG4eIXJBMjqGHNl06yYdq8vuUPtGqZ0/s640/blogger-image--1102594929.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZVcl62o0JWgrpq_1yZNZHmJGxUWbRLqUjwjTLpW_Z_ya8sFVZ77q59g6w_ipwIh9rny6P5AkBOgqIAT8ten2BthmHfRBkMDL3lx3w3UE7hM3CtpYLiZOhArZkpt8UM0y16nqNDXPt08/s640/blogger-image-1199211948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZVcl62o0JWgrpq_1yZNZHmJGxUWbRLqUjwjTLpW_Z_ya8sFVZ77q59g6w_ipwIh9rny6P5AkBOgqIAT8ten2BthmHfRBkMDL3lx3w3UE7hM3CtpYLiZOhArZkpt8UM0y16nqNDXPt08/s640/blogger-image-1199211948.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-30636680763875093082014-01-09T18:38:00.001-08:002014-01-09T22:26:44.614-08:003 month LUNGiversary / my own custom baitThis week marks 3 months since my transplant. It's crazy to look back to a year ago at how sick I was, how depressed I was. It's even crazier to think I had a major surgery only three months ago and I am already getting back to fishing. This week was intense between doctor appointments and tests, then all the different pieces I had taking place for my business finally all came together. <div><br></div><div>On the health front, all my tests came back great. No infection, no rejection, and was able to stop 3 more meds. I was anxious all week for today's Bronchoscopy to be completed and thankfully everything looks great. Physical therapy continues to make me stronger and my drop foot is improving each week. So I am doing great!</div><div><br></div><div>Business wise things have been great this week. My boat wrap was completed and honestly looks amazing thanks again to Fresh Ink Signs and Graphics in Orlando. All my reels where re-lined since most of them haven't been used in 18 months. My gear is all organized and the only thing that remains is cleaning the boat. Saturday will be the first launch with my boat in 18 months and excited to be doing it with some great friends. Then next week the charters begin, starting with some loyal clients I have had since my first year as a guide. I will be easing into these charters only doing a few a week as I continue to build strength and endurance again. </div><div><br></div><div>The best part of the week and totally unexpected was the creation of my own custom soft plastic worm by the owner of Cache Custom Lures' owner Kent Thomson. Kent has a daughter battling cystic fibrosis and has done so much to support me with amazing hand poured soft plastics that put my clients on fish each charter. Today he revieled the "KP Craw". It's pretty bad ass that I have a custom bait named after me that others can buy. A bait I haven't fished yet but guarantee you it will catch trophy bass especially here in Florida. </div><div><br></div><div>Like I said this has been great week for what has been a long and emotional ride. Stay tuned for some more photos and video from this week.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdk_KfBtDsYCYp4DMr2vJ0FNdcLp7tECQnj6I3q9WLqp4kzQwexcYTGCpeoBoyozT6rj7QSx0WyZlmcnUul09HaHv9LkVuTqcDArB2GkhNnUKuFh7OBceL60l81-wl1vYtWWDtuj2CC4/s640/blogger-image--1113036286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdk_KfBtDsYCYp4DMr2vJ0FNdcLp7tECQnj6I3q9WLqp4kzQwexcYTGCpeoBoyozT6rj7QSx0WyZlmcnUul09HaHv9LkVuTqcDArB2GkhNnUKuFh7OBceL60l81-wl1vYtWWDtuj2CC4/s640/blogger-image--1113036286.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-63467405042243432072013-12-31T21:56:00.001-08:002013-12-31T21:56:31.098-08:00The true physical test passed today!It has been just about 18 months since I last fished from a boat. 18 months away from doing something I have had a passion for since I was a kid. It's been less then 3 months since my transplant, and only since Thanksgiving since I regained mobility in my left arm and foot. After doing everything I could do so far in physical therapy, and honestly exceeding even their expectations with my recovery; today I put it to the test. I fished 4 1/2 hours on one of my best friends boat on Lake Cypress. A lake I haven't fished in years.... It was a cool, gloomy, and windy day on that water but I must have made over 400 casts....and without any fatigue, or pain. Even as I type this out 8 hrs later, I still feel great. <div><br></div><div>Fishing was horrible, but 3 hrs into it, bam! I land a 10" bass on a xtreme stix. I set the hook harder and better then I have ever before....it was the greatest feeling ever. My friend Don the followed up with two more maybe 13" bass, and it was starting to get dark. </div><div><br></div><div>It was all the proof I need and in two weeks I will have my first charter, some clients I have taken every year fishing but last year because I was so sick. 2014 will rock for fishing....and I am hoping for some pretty amazing opportunities that I have been perusing for a year start to take shape and happen. </div><div><br></div><div>Happy New Year Everyone !!!</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPmSOibCBikmv6W-2YefZhYaA6wmTquWsdNf6Gq_OwRXl7-GCQkLg2qH4E0U6E6K3MI4_qdmyNXg3qNTQv2qVDkvizgOKN5vseyYw8aI6R0iefT852gw0GSbb1iGnrjN6LeG6eS3iNEw/s640/blogger-image-1423444437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPmSOibCBikmv6W-2YefZhYaA6wmTquWsdNf6Gq_OwRXl7-GCQkLg2qH4E0U6E6K3MI4_qdmyNXg3qNTQv2qVDkvizgOKN5vseyYw8aI6R0iefT852gw0GSbb1iGnrjN6LeG6eS3iNEw/s640/blogger-image-1423444437.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-32544891596303372342013-12-25T22:18:00.001-08:002013-12-25T22:20:51.564-08:00What, I am 34 yrs old...damn I am old12 months ago on my 33rd birthday, I was prepared to not see my next one, but God has other plans. Today is my birthday, yes I get shafted because of Christmas and my birthday are a day a part. But this year all I wanted was the gift to keep on living. Sounds cliche but that's all I wanted and in October that wish came true. It still seems like a dream that I can breathe so well, and I am still paranoid as hell that something could go wrong with the lungs I received, I don't want this amazing feeling to ever go away. <div>And because it's my birthday and my blog...you smokers are stupid....but you will learn one day what I went through for 33 years. </div><div><br><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Today will be spent with my wife and son, possibly at Disney, or doing something together. It's amazing having energy and the drive to do stuff again. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The rest of the week will be about getting the boat and business rolling again. This past Sunday's wrap for a cause event was a success. Between the social media support, friends and guests stopping by Fresh Ink Signs and Graphics, and the video that was created, will all bring positive awareness for becoming a organ donor. In my mind it's just the start to an amazing year. Also met some great captains and anglers alike, really cool guys, I hope we can work together to create more good in this world and in our industry. I have ideas, hopes, and dreams this year....plus the drive to make them happen. First time I had a drive to do something I spent three years working to become a paramedic. My next drive was to create a successful foundation, which I did. Now the drive is all about fishing, not only as a captain doing charters, but also as a tournament angler. By no means am I looking to be a pro, but I am ready to win some trophies from some smaller events. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">All the pieces I have been working on since the transplant are coming together which will hopefully make my clients experience even better. Plus the connections I have already made with my return will make great memories for me and hopefully some cool photos and videos of trophy bass. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I will start on the water next week pre-fishing a tournament, getting my sea legs back, and tweaking all my techniques again...I am for sure rusty with my casting accuracy. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I am ready for my 34th year to be better then the last! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEoHLS9E00hY9B-hUverCZCTLgUoN3kzaDrQPGTk4a2cmNfdAyvOYbFFbkoBrW_okv4JYN940ozgHBfHiNAhWzqzSqTljg7a2jvVJS5KVcZYO4bijop4T8eX1itHtMdPWu5aAQpEzFsU/s640/blogger-image-1227311119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEoHLS9E00hY9B-hUverCZCTLgUoN3kzaDrQPGTk4a2cmNfdAyvOYbFFbkoBrW_okv4JYN940ozgHBfHiNAhWzqzSqTljg7a2jvVJS5KVcZYO4bijop4T8eX1itHtMdPWu5aAQpEzFsU/s640/blogger-image-1227311119.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3CNtDf8ARC7YlZzJcijmViIYk_-orc5kmKFW0bDLiC1ueAio6JT6_OF3z8EoM0AQYmneGAg7bTR8lXghq8SztAcLhixxHbnSItiGGcgB0Ym6Q5PhW7kRlFSjBXLqGmKnk_OQqgQYq-8/s640/blogger-image--158716587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3CNtDf8ARC7YlZzJcijmViIYk_-orc5kmKFW0bDLiC1ueAio6JT6_OF3z8EoM0AQYmneGAg7bTR8lXghq8SztAcLhixxHbnSItiGGcgB0Ym6Q5PhW7kRlFSjBXLqGmKnk_OQqgQYq-8/s640/blogger-image--158716587.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-82833557811142346642013-12-20T17:18:00.001-08:002013-12-20T17:18:12.266-08:00Wrap for a Cause<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8Kv-lhXKkCEaLhMdr_vZ26UxCw1-D2MRwNFx-O98gt6Hu8L3CvbzGRv6A1FTwCLAMs7LMlRB7WtQ1KYIYryR8ebPZvTCjusYvlXtgEOLvE-dE1S1S2XRXakHB0p0t5d67gonAbL2iCY/s640/blogger-image--1327254033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu8Kv-lhXKkCEaLhMdr_vZ26UxCw1-D2MRwNFx-O98gt6Hu8L3CvbzGRv6A1FTwCLAMs7LMlRB7WtQ1KYIYryR8ebPZvTCjusYvlXtgEOLvE-dE1S1S2XRXakHB0p0t5d67gonAbL2iCY/s640/blogger-image--1327254033.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div>Fresh Ink Signs and Graphics in Orlando will be installing a new boat wrap for Orlando Trophy Bass. The main focus will be designed to raise awareness about Cystic FIbrosis and the importance of becoming a organ donor. This Sunday Fresh Ink Signs and Graphics will be holding a event with free food and beverages, the opportunity to watch them install the boat wrap, and members from Translife Florida and Florida Hospital Tranaplant Center for you to learn about becoming a donor and even signing up to be a donor. <div><br></div><div>Join us from 11 am until 5pm at </div><div>Fresh Ink Signs and Graphics</div><div><div>207 N goldenrod Rd #100</div><div>Orlando, FL </div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow-KtgW_lv222MAq7xMVXSn0QDZDpl2vJtoqSAqqtpKT2KudNQkQgkInIATPVcnsB3JVfHqXU9Wr56eArLj8jBv167y6LKge50b_foZXDoQ-RQ54UZxzhysANQW1YhzXKJAcxGqHQPs8/s640/blogger-image--1320238288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiow-KtgW_lv222MAq7xMVXSn0QDZDpl2vJtoqSAqqtpKT2KudNQkQgkInIATPVcnsB3JVfHqXU9Wr56eArLj8jBv167y6LKge50b_foZXDoQ-RQ54UZxzhysANQW1YhzXKJAcxGqHQPs8/s640/blogger-image--1320238288.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-5246178638860767322013-12-07T10:42:00.000-08:002013-12-07T10:42:15.564-08:002 months post transplantToday marks the second month since my double lung transplant. It has been a crazy month. Appointments Monday thru Friday, rehab, plus battling through all the post operative pain. It is amazing how quickly I am recovering. My last doctor's appointment the doctor simple put it as "unbelievable". It is unbelievable that in a few weeks I have gain full function in my left arm and leg, have very little leg pain from the foot drop, no arm pain, and only minor pain around the main incision area of my chest. I was also given the all clear to start all activities again. Meaning I am now ready to focus on building up my strength and endurance to get things done around the house and to get back into fishing shape.
Everyday I feel stronger and more eager to do more things. I have been stuck in my house far to long. I recently took a ride to my lake for some photos for the new website and to give a few tosses with a rod in....and it was all great. The water looked great and fish were schooling on shad. Made me want to get out there right now. That being said I hope to be on the water in January and booking charters by February. Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-90445585328510946642013-10-29T21:49:00.001-07:002013-11-07T21:27:40.505-08:00Saturday marks month 1 post transplant<div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Everyone is asking about my surgery so far, and it's a story I want to share. People say I am a inspiration to them because I have battled Cystic Fibrosis for 33 yrs. I am blessed from all the support over those years from my parents, my aunt and uncle, my cousins, my amazing wife, her amazing family, my best friends, my fellow brother/sister firefighters, EMT's, Paramedics, Dispatchers, the list goes on. Nearly 20 years in emergency services made me who I am today....you all made me "Bubba". For the first time in a long time, I can happily say, Bubba is back baby !!! <div><br></div><div>That being said this story would not have a happy ending if it wasn't for the true hero of the story. That unknown person that donated their organs so others may live. It's no longer a story about me, it's a legacy about us. I will spend every moment I have, doing my best to honor this hero, and hopefully in time I can learn more about this hero and share their story, like I am about to share mine! <div><br></div><div>For 9 months I have been lower then low mentally and physically. Being tied to oxygen 24/7, not having the physical energy to leave to house, or even doing simple things around the house like showering. A few days before the call, my wife came up with a trip with my son to legoland Saturday October 12 in the AM. I wanted to but was worried it would be way to much to handle. So I went to bed early and next thing I know it's 745am Saturday and my phone is ringing. I knew what it was before looking at the number, then I saw the number and said "hello Lisa (transplant coordinator)! Her reply....what are you doing today? My response..not going to legoland I bet but getting something better. She said " you're right, everything looks perfect, eat a light breakfast and see you in a hour!!! " </div><div><br></div><div>Organized panic began...showers, emotional goodbye to Casey and off to dunkin donuts in 20 mins. We arrived at the hospital ICU room around 10ish with my Dr. Palaez, my surgeon, all ready for me. Immediately 2 16 gauge iv's were next to me in bed, aka straws, <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Placed after 4 missed attempts. Now my fellow EMS providers, like myself, during our training loved the idea of using 16 gauge needles. Well, this was the start of being humbled from my earlier years as a paramedic. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Next blood gases...finally hit the artery on attempt 4, again I wanted to scream but realized this is just the beginning. Then Chest X-rays, iv antibiotics and fluids plus breathing treatments. All of this within an hour, and my arms are already black and blue. Now it was my turn to fire off questions trying to get some info about the donor. I just wanted basic info age, and where the team was going. Why? Curiosity, because I know what happens behind the scenes, and piece of mind on quality of the organ. All they would give me, after hours of interigatting numerous team members was the situation was ridiculously rare, donor was much younger then me (also rare) and they needed to fly out to procure the organs. They estimated at one point they would see the organs in a hour and a half, and they needed to fly fixed wing. So folks...20 mins from hospital to airport and wheels up, 30 min flight, and another 20 I would say once they arrive....bottom line the organs were relatively close, which time is so critical once the organs are removed. This info is what I wanted and really comforted me. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Time moved slow and fast, if that makes sense. Next thing I know it's time to say goodbye and head to the OR. The emotions can never be written, not enough room even in a blog. </font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Once in the OR, I saw all the instruments and rest of the surgeons...all 4 of them, plus the team of about 20 people that were ready to make this story a success. Next, more fun with the anastesiologist. It was atrial line time.....I begged for sedation through my port before they did this but no go....so it took 4 attempts to get a atrial line in my wrist.....finally he said....Kevin it's time to sleep....I laughed and said ok. In all my humor, even with my lead surgeon there, I requested they add some Dave Matthews to their song list, that they already had on....no laughing at me naked....and let God guide their great skills. Just about everyone chuckled a little and agreed....so propofol was going in.( on a side note....why would Michael Jackson want this shit) it burns like hell going in....my anastesiologist says count to 10..... Yeah I counted to 20 before it hit. Right before discharge the anastesiologist came to see me and even couldn't believe how much propofol it took before I was out. </font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Pre-OP started after 630 pm....I am glad I was out because I know my family was going through hell waiting to hear how it was going. They estimated up to 10 hrs....well the ordeal lasted 6 hrs and a few hours after that I was already waking up. The first person I could clearly see was my wife beautiful wife Michele. He smile was something I will never forget. I saw someone else who I later realized was my father-in-law, but for the first several hours anything past 2 ft from my face was a blur. Knowing they were there was the greatest feeling....I also instantly felt how awesome it was to breathe. Being on the vent felt great, my lungs were expanding beautifully and I knew things were good. The only thing that sucked was them pulling the tube. That sucked !!! I have had 3 patients wake up after I intubated them, and two that pulled out their tubes before I could....it hurt being partially sedated...couldn't image just pulling it out. </span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Within 36 hours I was already moved from ICU into a step down unit. It was a very unexpected quick move. That next week was tough. I wasn't getting more then 2 hrs of sleep a day, the chest tubes hurt and the pain meds weren't touching the pain. I was walking little by little. The big issue was the loss of range of motion in my arms and legs. For several days I had no muscle strength to even lift my arms up. My right side came back in a week, but even today I am barely able to move my left arm and I now have left foot drop, which has been more painful the the surgery itself. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I have also gained back 12 lbs in 12 days, so I am back to my very low pre-transplant weight...so we have at least 30 lbs to go before my doctors and I will feel better. As for the lungs, they are healing above what was expected this early, so that's amazing news. For the next few months I will be focused on rehab, and getting stronger so I can start being the father I want to be to my son and the husband I want to be to my wife. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As for fishing, several ideas and projects are in the works for my return so stay tuned.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Thanks again to everyone who has really help support my family and I through these tough years,and thank you to all the healthcare professionals at Florida hospital, and to my donor hero! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Here are some photos right before and after the surgery. I do have a photo of old lungs, it's nasty but feel free to email me direct and I will send it. It's graphic but honestly amazing because who could think I would still be breathing with what I had. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8kwciq7oogsO0hmauLGyzfO5waolrskjFn3mQuj8yhpHg-tRvmbqZKKiJ0Ztg1HON_mcTt7AOCT_lOtpvkLyTDu3e0eMwoi4wjo6AbQcNTUDL7jed1zk58VnHgR4lNmnLv9f5JWe_-Q/s640/blogger-image--1665808168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8kwciq7oogsO0hmauLGyzfO5waolrskjFn3mQuj8yhpHg-tRvmbqZKKiJ0Ztg1HON_mcTt7AOCT_lOtpvkLyTDu3e0eMwoi4wjo6AbQcNTUDL7jed1zk58VnHgR4lNmnLv9f5JWe_-Q/s640/blogger-image--1665808168.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Air transport from my ICU window...we know they used fixed wing to get to the donor, but I am sure they used this to get to the executive airport which is like a 20 min drive. This was near the time they left to get the lungs. </div><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_CHl5P174tVXYLp6qBWljSt8SbJXT8t8wiRQHD3LM8RbFWxpbuIeGfJBEgoyUii28bcWq_KJQ_H4MnkFa9O-mJgdRCVSyEyCfa97kzvYSAVppNfLjwoA8UcxoHyhCnkUKEgII62k1_c/s640/blogger-image--1230785291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_CHl5P174tVXYLp6qBWljSt8SbJXT8t8wiRQHD3LM8RbFWxpbuIeGfJBEgoyUii28bcWq_KJQ_H4MnkFa9O-mJgdRCVSyEyCfa97kzvYSAVppNfLjwoA8UcxoHyhCnkUKEgII62k1_c/s640/blogger-image--1230785291.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was the morning after surgery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz2Eb4hVMFStz_lakasuVpKvrNeyjhH954yn77OvUDzncEBFgW2xkFLBLHdPcZuXmdBuLvbUr2x1ANoNffGeJ3dbyOIG9KNWi8IXEiI5NdREOfxxPCmGraMTuqznJgSI1A8oM1o4pqBo/s640/blogger-image--782805510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkz2Eb4hVMFStz_lakasuVpKvrNeyjhH954yn77OvUDzncEBFgW2xkFLBLHdPcZuXmdBuLvbUr2x1ANoNffGeJ3dbyOIG9KNWi8IXEiI5NdREOfxxPCmGraMTuqznJgSI1A8oM1o4pqBo/s640/blogger-image--782805510.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My first day walking without all 4 chest tubes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cAS7HLnuxLu6V-cOcZ1goCqdm1E0YKtEiSIaMM7mEBIWMQLMm9rF3a0RIbdTRzsUCDfAyjvRSUDl5u5vIc-e7dhpUHP25UCakuvHHjl9FClt2i_EIutPULZdGtJ9oGw5dOHk-y2C7ro/s640/blogger-image-1570657992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_cAS7HLnuxLu6V-cOcZ1goCqdm1E0YKtEiSIaMM7mEBIWMQLMm9rF3a0RIbdTRzsUCDfAyjvRSUDl5u5vIc-e7dhpUHP25UCakuvHHjl9FClt2i_EIutPULZdGtJ9oGw5dOHk-y2C7ro/s640/blogger-image-1570657992.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I dressed up as the dark night paramedic of old for my bronchoscopy on Halloween day! In the middle is the quarter back of this all-star team, Dr. Palaez. He and his staff have to wear the white coats...it keeps there angel wings in !!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3nqTAZ0iFSMkauLMj9PlIHEzEXxTc_nQUUJkkaGcdA82FZZcr-nOZdrYaYc2SCyBnCfVVJUlUypBSaGyxwf1_dX191uOzDcyPB_KAnMjWnXvdjiEICwZj4F6GkmLRyM6-vgNC4poukc/s640/blogger-image-756114864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ3nqTAZ0iFSMkauLMj9PlIHEzEXxTc_nQUUJkkaGcdA82FZZcr-nOZdrYaYc2SCyBnCfVVJUlUypBSaGyxwf1_dX191uOzDcyPB_KAnMjWnXvdjiEICwZj4F6GkmLRyM6-vgNC4poukc/s640/blogger-image-756114864.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All the meds I take now each day to keep away rejection and infection. I love each one of them! </div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div></span></div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-42409426534513396952013-10-19T17:46:00.001-07:002013-10-19T17:46:20.703-07:00New lungs!Ihave been blessed with new lungs this past week. God bless the donor and the family. Things for me look very good right now, and it am recovering nicely. Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-82633848783541973802013-09-29T19:10:00.001-07:002013-09-29T19:10:46.321-07:00Back in the hospitalAnother fast developed lung infection worsened even quicker because of catching a cold on top of it, caused me another hospital admission late this week. After a few days I am showing a little improvement but I still feel pretty sick to say the least. My body and mind are fighting harder then ever until a set of lungs becomes available, but honestly everyone especially myself can see time is not on my side, I am getting worse, and they only thing that will keep me alive are lungs....and unless that happens soon. Not sure how much longer my mind and body will last. So let's all pray I get lungs, I still have to much to live for and accomplish! Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-5460553426877876672013-09-09T18:18:00.001-07:002013-09-09T18:43:41.993-07:00Changes have and will continue to happenA lot has happened these past few weeks. I have deactivated my listing for a double lung transplant with the Mayo clinic. I am only listed now with Florida hospital transplant center. I really do not believe this decision will impact me in a negative way. I am still on the top of the list at Florida hospital, and deactivating my status at the Mayo will not impact my standing on the national list. In fact I am more confident then ever with the entire team at Florida hospital. They are a smaller and newer center, but the surgeons have combined over 30 yrs of transplant experience. If anything, having a smaller center means I know exactly who will be doing the surgery and because there are not hundreds of patients being seen by these doctors, I am getting faster answers and action when I have a health related event happen. I will also be able to recover from my house, so all the issues and concerns we had about having to relocate are no longer a issue. Since I deactivated my listing, I have had a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I will now be able to focus on my recovery instead of worrying about the dozens of major factors with having to relocate to Jacksonville. <div>Last week I was asked by Florida hospitals PR team to do a live interview on Orlando's Fox 35 morning show. The story was focused on getting more people to become organ donors, and then I was interviewed live in the studio about what it's been like having been waiting for lungs. Here's a link to the story <font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); "><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9FUrL5I20" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp9FUrL5I20</a></font></div><div>It's been one full year since my doctor made the official request for a lung transplant evaluation. So doing that interview really reminded my wife and I what a fight it has been. It also shows how strong we are as a couple, it's not always perfect but I wouldn't have made it this far without her fighting CF right beside me. It was a nice morale booster, I have been a little down lately because we are getting close to the 9 month mark of waiting</div><div>Honestly this process and these past 12 months have really shown me what love really means, and what friendship really means. People have really shown their true colors to my wife and I, and I can say I have already begun reevaluating who and what my priorities will be in the near future and post transplant. </div><div>One thing I can tell you will continue is what this website and blog was intended for....fishing. I will come back to fishing once I am recovered enough. Since I will look healthier and feel better I will be changing my boat wrap and logo around. Start fresh, but it will still be the great fishing and lake I was on. Having better health and even more confidence with my fishing abilities, will make for a great experience for my clients. I have been working on technique, learning more about large mouth bass and their habits, and some fun stuff other charter captains won't be able to do or just don't do. I hope to have to initial design work done this week, so keep an eye out for some updates. </div><div>Like I say at the end of all my entries, hopefully this surgery happens soon. </div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-57586177205759380032013-08-20T19:08:00.001-07:002013-08-20T19:08:30.023-07:00It's my anniversary!Tomorrow is my wife and I, 9th wedding anniversary. It has been the toughest year in our marriage, battling day after day to get this lung transplant and towards getting a whole new life. One of the key factors these past few days, is that I was accepted and listed for double lung transplant with a second lung transplant team in Orlando. So as of today I am listed at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and Florida Hospital Orlando. This does double my chances of getting a matching donor at the moment, but there maybe a decision to drop the Mayo and put all my eggs in the Orlando team's basket. Why you may ask....well this past year has been a battle since day one with the Mayo. As much as I respect what they have accomplished for others, my experience was far from what I expected and have heard. Especially after being welcomed with open arms and being shown a huge sense of urgency to getting donor lungs from the Orlando team. What took months to accomplish at the Mayo clinic, only took two weeks with Florida Hospital Orlando. Like I said, there has been a huge sense of urgency with the surgeons at Florida hospital. I know my disease is worsening, and they do too. Time is not on my side, and I am not affraid to hear that from my doctors. The reality is its getting harder and harder to maintain my body for this surgery and at some point my body is going to hit that wall, and I wont be able to recover and/or not be able to survive the surgery. The Orlando team isn't affraid of saying what I was thinking, and for the first time since this all started a year ago, I feel like I have people working for me. With the mayo, I was in a round about way, and at one point told that they were doing my wife and I a favor by even agreeing to listing me. It shouldn't feel like I was doing a business deal with the mob, and at some points I was looked down upon like someone that hasn't made the effort for 33 yrs to take care of themselves. Some of the Mayo's pre and post transplant expectastions have been and are unrealistic for someone with a wife that has a career, a 4 year old child, a mortgage, plus other responsibilities. The Orlando team embraces those factors and very quickly has proven how willing they are to make sure our lives won't be devistated by the surgery and recovery. For the past week I have felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders just from the support I have been given from the Orlando team. I have actually slept every night this week. For the last 8 months I think I have been maybe getting 3 hrs a night. My decision isn't final with what I will do with my status at the Mayo, but I am hoping that a call comes tonight or any night from the Orlando team. <div>Like I said tomorrow is my wedding anniversary, and I hope my gift could be a stronger and better man then the one that said I do 9 years ago. Our lives, our plans have been on hold for far too long.</div>Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-13239030182020561992013-05-08T17:47:00.001-07:002013-05-08T17:47:24.019-07:00Week 10 and no callWell, I am still waiting on that call for my double lung transplant. It has been such a emotional 10 weeks for me. The entire day is spent wondering if today is the day and thinking of the future plans I have. I only get a few hours of sleep every night, mainly because I can't fall asleep or I wake up in the middle of the night worrying that I missed a call while I was sleeping. It's a continuous cycle since the day I was listed and I understand 10 weeks really isn't that long of a wait, but it seems like its been a 10 years. Physical activity in the smallest amount is exhausting, and being a person that has had a job since he was 14, this not being able to contribute very much financially but more physically even around the house has been pure hell. I continue to hope this call happens today, if not today, hopefully tomorrow. Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-63979675615746025592013-03-10T19:42:00.001-07:002013-03-10T19:42:35.120-07:00Week 2 of waitingAnother week has past and no phone call yet. The anxiety is running high in my mind. Sleepless nights and long days laying around trying to gain weight and not doing anything too physical that would burn major calories. Each passing day, I have become more and more in favor of the whole idea of getting new lungs. my fear of waking up intubated plus massive pain is still there but again I am ready for it. I am ready to start a whole new chapter in my life, and once the pain subsides my goal will be get into the best physical shape as possible, so i can finally play with my son, and to restart the job I love of being a fishing captain. It will be better then ever! I want this surgery right now, so I can be back on the water by later summer, and prepare for the busy season and hopefully start fishing some serious tournaments. <br />
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Hopefully that call comes soon, but not like at 2 in the morning....I am hoping for a morning or afternoon call like before. Driving 3 hours at 2 am might be rough. Thanks for all the support and emails, I love to get them. Thank you !Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5402072210540449440.post-72690023744857487012013-03-04T18:32:00.001-08:002013-03-04T18:32:57.761-08:00First dry runThis past Saturday we were shocked when the mayo clinic called at 2pm requesting us get to the hospital as they may have a donor for me. We quickly grabbed some things, I told my son how much I loved him, while crying at the same time. I told him it was time for my big surgery and that I loved him more then anything...the look I got back made me realize my 3year old son knew what was happening. Thought he was going to cry, he just hugged me really hard. During our 3 hour drive we ran into heavy traffic and of course a major road shut down on i95 for a brush fire...40 min detour...but somehow my wife showed she has her driving skills from her days as a EMT. We arrived at mayo at 5pm. We were immediately sent to our room in ICU, where iv's we started, X-rays, blood work, iv antibiotics, breathing treatments, and more. Met many members of the team and my nurse. Who was awesome! I had so many emotions flowing through my head I couldn't cry, laugh, or really talk, I just looked at my beautiful wife and remembered all the good times since we met 10 yrs ago. She is my rock and the one that will keep me moving forward after the surgery. After many hours of waiting the surgery was set for 10pm, and the staff coming to move me to OR at 935. I was pretty ready, but five minutes before the time, the team doctor came in with bad news. After viewing the donors lungs, they determined there may have been issues with the right side and therefore canceled the surgery. They call this a dry run. I call it another anxiety attach waiting to happen. Going through the drive and the emotions will be hard again. I am looking forward to all the amazing things my body will go through after surgery, but not looking forward to the initial pain and being intubated when I am waken up. So we are home back on the list waiting for another call. God bless the teams and the donor and the donor's family! Orlando Trophy Basshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15443936653779149996noreply@blogger.com0