The open ocean holds many stories, but few are as poignant and thrilling as the tale of teamwork, perseverance, and honor brought to us by Team Star brite Captain Jimmy Armel of Knot Lucky Veteran Fishing. Our journey into the deep blue became a mission not just of sport but of tribute, as we embarked on a unique project in partnership with Gray FishTag Research to name tagged great white sharks after fallen veterans, merging the thrill of the catch with a solemn remembrance.
The Challenge of the Chase
Our adventure took a dramatic turn on a day that began like any other. Despite a promising start to the season with a successful tagging on December 26, we faced a challenging period, with over 84 hours spent on the water that resulted in minimal action. Each unsuccessful attempt was a lesson, a moment for Captain Armel to reflect on the intricate dance between predator and fisherman, and to strategize for the next encounter with the ocean’s most formidable opponent.
The Turning Point
The breakthrough came unexpectedly one afternoon. After two missed opportunities in the morning, the team’s resilience was rewarded with a significant bite at 4:20 PM. Initial success was fleeting, but the persistence of Nicholas Shreves and Eric Cox, alongside Captain Armel’s expertise, brought the shark back into play. In a heart-stopping moment of teamwork, Shreves, a combat veteran with a deep connection to the sea, secured the shark, setting the stage for an epic battle that tested their skills, determination, and spirit.
A Tribute to a Hero
The climax of this tale is not just about the thrill of the catch but the profound act of naming the great white shark after Staff Sergeant Stevon A. Booker, a fallen hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. This act of remembrance, carried out in the midst of the chaotic ballet of tagging a moving shark, added a layer of gravity and respect to our adventure, reminding us all of the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who defend it.
The moment I felt the applicator tip penetrate the tough skin on this Great White Shark, I was in disbelief. We had a mission and a purpose, to get a satellite tag into a Great White, name it Stevon A. Booker, contribute to research to help protect these beautiful animals and to get the stories of America's gunfighters out there that didn't make it home.
A Community of Support
This endeavor could not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community, including Star brite Solutions, Gray FishTag Research, and the many individuals who stand behind our veterans. Their commitment not only fuels our adventures but also underscores the importance of honoring those who have served.
A Legacy of Courage
As we released SSG Stevon A. Booker back into the depths, the experience left us with more than just an adrenaline rush; it gave us a profound sense of connection to the heroes who have served and sacrificed. This project, a collaboration between Captain Jimmy Armel, Star brite, and Gray FishTag Research, stands as a testament to the spirit of adventure, the bonds of brotherhood, and the enduring legacy of our veterans.
We partnered with Star brite and Captain Jimmy Armel to collaborate on a new study for our program. The heart and mission behind this study are to collect research data on Great White Sharks while bringing awareness to fellow fallen Army Rangers that Jimmy has served with.
We're Thrilled!
We’re thrilled to join forces with Knot Lucky and Gray’s FishTag Research, as we collectively bring awareness to the stories of America’s heroes and contribute to marine conservation. If you’d like to donate to the Knot Lucky Tagging Program, use the button below.