The Atlantic Current: The Boating Issue - June/July 2026

COASTAL CULTURE PALM BEACH COUNTY

THE BOATING ISSUE

ISSUE 81 JULY / AUGUST 2026

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6/16/26 3:22 PM

CONTENTS

16

How to be the Friend Who Gets Invited on Boats

The Unwritten Rules of Becoming Everyone’s Favorite Boat Guest

24

31

38

Blue Top Legend

16

Twin Sisters, a Craigslist Boston Whaler, and a Viral Inlet Run

Dock & Dine

A Rundown of the Best Boater-Friendly Restaurants in Palm Beach County

24 24

Chasing Giants

How a Childhood Passion Turned Into a Life on Florida’s Waterways

31

42

44

Beyond the Catch

A Conversation With Captain Gary Lachman of Blue Devil Fishing Team

Gear Guide

Essentials and Nice-to-Haves for a Day on the Water

38

42 6

CONTENTS

PHOTO: DECK 84

PHOTO: RYAN NITZ

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E V E N T S J U L Y /A U G U S T 2 0 2 6

HOMEGROWN SINNERS @ Old Key Lime House

JULY 3

ROB ARENTH @ Square Grouper — Jupiter (3pm)

Mikes — Boca (8:30pm)

BRYCE ALLYN BAND @ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter (9pm)

RUBIXX — A TRIBUTE TO THE ‘80S @ Crazy Uncle BREWS ’N TUNES LIVE MUSIC @ Cove Brewery — Deerfield (every Friday at 6pm)

3-4 JUPITER 4TH OF JULY MEGA BASH – 2 DAYS OF CELEBRATION, MUSIC, AND BASEBALL @ Roger

Dean Stadium

4 4TH ON FLAGLER FIREWORKS & ENTERTAINMENT — WPB (6pm)

SIERRA LANE DUO @ Guanabanas — Jupiter (3pm) 4TH OF JULY 2026 BOYNTON BEACH @ Intracoastal

Park (6:30pm)

DELRAY SUMMER GREEN MARKET @ Old School Square (9am every Saturday)

DELRAY BEACH 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION @ E.

Atlantic Ave. & A1A (5pm)

4TH OF JULY FABULOUS FINALE @ Countess de Hoernle Park – Boca (6:30pm)

DEERFIELD BEACH 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION @ Main Beach Area (4pm)

5

AXCENTS @ Square Grouper — Jupiter (2pm)

8

PAM & DAVE @ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter (6pm) SIMPLY DYLAN - A TRIBUTE TO BOB DYLAN @ Boca

Black Box (7:30pm)

9

AN EVENING W/ THE SOMETHINGS @ Funky Biscuit — Boca (8pm)

10

SAMANTHA RUSSELL BAND @ Guanabanas —

Jupiter (8pm)

— Lantana

11

BOB MARLEY TRIBUTE BY YVAD & THE LEGAL ROOTS @ Arts Garage — Delray (8pm) SUMMER IN THE CITY — GOALS AND GOOD TIMES WATCH PARTY @ Mizner Park Amp — Boca (4pm)

13

CHICAGO + STYX @ iThink Financial Amp — WPB (7pm)

13-24

SEA TURTLE SAVERS SUMMER CAMP @ Loggerhead

Marinelife Center – Juno

15-18 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION W/ TROUBLE NO MORE — A CELEBRATION OF THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND @ Funky Biscuit — Boca (4 nights - 8pm)

16

MEN AT WORK W/ TOAD THE WET SPROCKET @ Pompano Beach Amp (7pm)

17

LYNYRD SKYNYRD W/ LOVERBOY @ iThink Financial Amp — WPB (6:30pm)

JUTT HUFFMAN SINGLE RELEASE “SMOOTH SAILING” @ Guanabanas — Jupiter (8pm) JUPITER ROCK FARM @ Square Grouper — Jupiter (8pm)

18

SPIRAL LIGHT @ Crazy Uncle Mikes — Boca (8:30pm) MEGAN MORONEY @ Amerant Bank Arena (7pm) LOT KIDS @ Old Key Lime House — Lantana

23

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD @ The Kravis Center — WPB (7:30pm)

24 FREE SUNSET CONCERT: A TRIBUTE TO BOSTON & FOREVER FOREIGNER @ Old School Square —

Delray (5pm) 8

EVENTS

E V E N T S J U L Y /A U G U S T 2 0 2 6

4

BLOOD MOON MAFIA @ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter (9pm)

COMEDY OPEN MIC @ Arts Garage — Delray (8pm)

MOONFLOWER — THE SPIRIT OF SANTANA @ Arts

6

Garage — Delray (8pm)

24-25 GLEN WATKINS REVIVAL FT. CRAZY FINGERS (FRIDAY) & BROTHERS AFTER ALL (SATURDAY) @ Crazy Uncle Mikes — Boca (8:30pm each night)

BOYNTON BEACH NIGHT MARKET @ Centennial

Park (5pm)

25

JP SOARS AND THE RED HOTS @ Guanabanas —

Jupiter (8pm)

CHRIS PIQUETTE DUO @ Square Grouper — Jupiter (3pm)

26

COLE CHASE @ Old Key Lime House — Lantana

29

DELRAY IN THE SKY DRONE SHOW @ Old School Square Amp — Delray (5pm)

31

TOTO + CHRISTOPHER CROSS + THE ROMANTICS @ iThink Financial Amp — WPB (6:45pm)

SUMMER IN THE CITY — PEACE OF WOODSTOCK BAND @ Mizner Park Amp — Boca (7pm)

AUGUST 1

MIKE PINTO W/ JON GAZI OF THE MAD CADDIES @ Guanabanas — Jupiter (8pm)

JERRY GARCIA BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FT. CRAZY FINGERS @ Funky Biscuit — Boca (7pm) BREWS ’N TUNES LIVE MUSIC @ Cove Brewery — Deerfield (every Saturday at 6pm)

2

I WANT MY ‘80S BACK @ Clematis Social — WPB (12pm) COCO MARKET DELRAY BEACH @ Old School

Square (9am)

3

JOSH HORTON @ Square Grouper — Jupiter (8pm) 10

EVENTS

MUMFORD & SONS @ Hard Rock Live (7:30pm) KING TIDE RISING @ Old Key Lime House — Lantana

(every Thursday)

7

BOYNTON BEACH 1ST FRIDAY CELEBRATION @ Centen-

nial Park — Boynton (5pm)

THE COVER LETTERS @ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter (9pm) BATTLE OF THE BANDS @ Mizner Park Amp — Boca (6pm) FRIDAY AT 5 @ Square Grouper — Jupiter (8pm)

8

THE LIMIT — A TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES @ Boca Black Box (7pm)

10

OPEN MIC NIGHT @ Biergarten — Boca (7pm)

12

AN EVENING WITH JIM LAUDERDALE @ Funky Biscuit — Boca (8pm)

13

YESTERDAZE: THE ULTIMATE ‘60S EXPERIENCE @ Boca Black Box (7:30pm)

14

KAT RIGGINS — BIG MAMA BLUES @ Arts Garage — Delray (8pm)

GIRLFRIEND MATERIAL @ Old Key Lime House — Lantana

15

JOHNNY DREAD @ Guanabanas — Jupiter (8pm) A TRIBUTE TO STUDIO 54 @ Abacoa Amp — Jupiter (7:30pm)

16

ELECTRIC RUBBER BAND @ Square Grouper — Jupiter (2pm)

18

JACK JOHNSON @ iThink Financial Amp — WPB (7:30pm)

E V E N T S J U L Y /A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 20

SIMPLY CLAPTON @ Boca Black Box (7:30pm)

21

HOLIDAZED @ Old Key Lime House — Lantana

22 OLD BOCA MUSIC FESTIVAL 12 FT. THE FABULOUS FLEETWOODS & SPECIAL GUESTS @ Funky Biscuit —

Boca (7pm)

MARK TELESCA BAND @ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter (9pm) WEST PALM BEACH BEER FEST @ Bryant Park — Lake

Worth Beach (6pm)

GIANTS VS. DOLPHINS (PRESEASON) @ Hard Rock Stadium (4pm)

23

MANGROVE MARK @ Guanabanas — Jupiter (2pm)

28 PARTY IN PARADISE — DELRAY’S TRIBUTE TO JIMMY BUFFET @ Old School Square — Delray (5pm) TRITONE @ Maxi’s Lineup — Jupiter (9pm) THE FLYERS @ Old Key Lime House — Lantana FALCONS VS. DOLPHINS (PRESEASON) @ Hard Rock Stadium (7pm)

29 PEPPER & THE MOVEMENT “HIGH TIDES SUMMER TOUR” W/ SURFER GIRL @ Abacoa Amp — Jupiter (5:30pm)

BROOKS & DUNN @ Hard Rock Live (8pm) UPROOT HOOTENANNY TRIO @ Guanabanas — Jupiter (3pm)

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DIRTY HEADS + 311 @ iThink Financial Amp —

WPB (5:30pm)

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12

EVENTS

THE BOATING ISSUE

PUBLISHER

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHY

Dustin Wright

MANAGING EDITOR

Deck 84 Jessica Bordner Justin Hodge

Haley Dockendorff

Ryan Nitz

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EDITOR

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WRITERS Ava Bourbeau Brandon Highwood Darien Davies

Copyright 2026 by the Atlantic Current LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Atlantic Current is a registered trademark of The Atlantic Current LLC.

EVENTS Danny Wright

PHOTOGRAPHY Dustin Wright

THE COVER : Greg Panas

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THE BOATING ISSUE

HOW TO BE THE FRIEND WHO GETS INVITED ON BOATS

BY BRANDON HIGHWOOD

When it comes to receiving event invitations as a free-willed adult,

it all boils down to a few select categories: the milestone invite, the

casual invite, and the boat invite. The first arrives with a formalized

RSVP and a smorgasbord of militantly predetermined details. The second, following a more free-spirited approach, typically rises up from the depths after the fourth pitcher at your local dive bar.

Then, there’s the boat invite.

Wielding more power on its own than the other two combined, this

recruitment attempt won’t include any muted pastels, floral patterns, or gift requests for that kid who “accidentally” dropped your lucky

pint glass from the National Championship game. There is no ambi-

guity, no dress code enforcement, and no need for flight coordination.

It doesn’t arrive by physical or electronic mail. Nay, this invite cata-

pults itself into your life with a simple two-word text notification just as you’re about to polish off that family-sized bag of purple Doritos.

Boat tomorrow?

16 FIELD GUIDE

ACCEPTING THE INVITE

A

First up, we need to formally acknowledge and accept the invite.

Make it clear that you’re interested, but don’t be too eager. Here are s of that moment, whatever prior plans you may have had are

now officially expunged. Birthday party for your neighbor’s kid? Hard pass. Brunch with your possible future in-laws? They can send a post-

card. An afternoon spent pretending to enjoy whatever padel is? You’ll get ‘em next time. Once that boat invite hits your smartphone’s door-

step, all social hierarchy restructures itself around the horizon, cooler space, and SPF math.

However, similar to finding a bar with live music that doesn’t make

you want to lie in traffic, these invites can be few and far between.

Let’s set sail on how we should go about them, shall we?

a few thought-starters to get you going.

GOOD OPTIONS • Down

m Alternative version “I’m not NOT down”

• 10-4

• Done & Doner • Roger That

• That GIF of Shia LeBouf saying “Absolutely.”

NOT GOOD OPTIONS • Who all is going?

• Can I bring a plus one?

• I threw up on that spring break cruise, but this should be fine!

• I still love you.

• How big is the boat?

OTHER ACCEPTABLE OPTIONS

• Only if I can wear my movie-quality Jack Sparrow costume.

• You were my Uber driver four years ago, and I don’t even live there anymore. Please stop texting me.

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THE BOATING ISSUE

GATHERING THE GOODS

18 FIELD GUIDE

Preparation is, perhaps, the most critical stage of the event. Showing

FOR THE DAY

ed again. Additionally, you’ll be labeled as a complete and utter so-

• Sun shirt (or shirt you don’t mind getting soaked in)

up empty-handed for a boat invite is a surefire way to never be invit-

ciopath. Then there’s the person who shows up with so much that it propels them beyond “cute mother hen vibes” territory and into the “when was the last time this person experienced human contact?” zone. We want to avoid the extremes.

• Bathing suit

• A know-thyself level of SPF

• Footwear that does the job but won’t break your heart if they take a dive • Any specialty food/beverage items • Towel

• Sunglasses (refer to footwear criteria) • A hat

FOR THE BOAT

• Food + Snacks (handheld, minimal unwrapping needed) • Drinks (both the celebration and hydration variety, don’t be that person)

• A cooler/ice situation

• A no-skips playlist that can set the vibes right

No need to overthink it. Pack the essentials, don’t be a think-of-your-

selfer, and make sure you’re contributing to the cause. Along with a general idea of how you would establish yourself as an irreplaceable

asset if stranded on an island, the foolproof loadout includes ice,

snacks, and an adult beverage of your choosing, packaged in a cluster of 12 or more. Beyond that, here are some categories you may want to consider adding to the checklist:

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THE BOATING ISSUE

MAKING THE VOYAGE As a rule of thumb, it’s usually best to go into a boat day with the

FOR YOU

Great! If it’s super awkward and/or terrible? You survived! Either

the side?

expectation of survival, and nothing more. That way, if it’s great? way, your quest will begin at a marina that smells of fuel, tanning lotion, and generational wealth. It’s similar to the lawless landscape

of an airport at 10 a.m., the speakers are loud and overlapping, peo-

ple dressed as if today is simultaneously their first and last day on Earth, and red solo cups filled with enough proof to put Lizzie Borden away.

Then, after you and your fellow seagoers have unmoored yourselves from the piers of land and self-awareness, everyone suddenly trans-

forms into the best, weirdest version of themselves. Hats flipped.

Sunglasses are in place. Salt air is committing aggravated battery at

an alarming rate. You have set off on an adventure that will contain far too many slips of the truth and absolutely no Zoom invites. Life is good.

From there, it’s mostly a blur. Time is a construct. It was raining, but now it isn’t. Is this a fishing trip? Do any of you know how to

fish? All the meaningless details and happenstance that blend into a multi-hour fest of food, drinks, laughter, and a single over-side vomit moment from the guy who kept telling you how he “grew up around boats.”

It is in these fleeting moments of nautical nirvana that you discover things about your friend, yourself, and the couple who filled the day

with passive-aggressive jabs at one another. But don’t ignore the fact that you’re also proving yourself worthy of a repeat invite, so act accordingly:

20 FIELD GUIDE

• Can you grab the cooler before it flies off • Can you pull off a sympath laugh while being accosted by saltwater at 35 mph?

• Can you assemble a playlist that contains fewer than three songs that instantly prompt a resounding “NEXT” from the group?

• Can you somehow transform into a master deckhand in the span of six hours without any prior knowledge?

If so, bravo. You may have another invite down the line.

21

THE BOATING ISSUE

RETURNING TO REALITY The trip back after a day on the boat feels less like coming home and more like returning from a naval battle. You’re sweaty, sunburned, salt-covered, and you have a camera roll

filled with images that were “post-worthy” three hours ago but now look like gas station footage. Somewhere, in the depths of your soul and your bloodstream, one single Gatorade is fighting a battle that resembles a third World War.

And yet, you choose to overlook all these facts and bask in the sheer mythology of the day. The crew has the marina in their sights, and you all revert to the same small pond of post-boat-

ing remarks. Hell of a day, team! I knew the rain wouldn’t last.

Since when do you know how to spearfish? I think I left my

phone back at the sandbar. A perfectly fitting end to a day

spent inhaling saltwater, asking if that beer is your beer, and listening to early-2000s hip-hop.

And when that next boat day text arrives, you’ll be armed with the understanding of what’s being offered. Sun, surf, and the

ever-present danger of biting into a sandwich that has been sitting out in the sun for entirely too long.

Don’t forget to bring ice.

22 FIELD GUIDE

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CENTE C ENTE E EN NTE TE NNI AL AL P PA A R K & A M P H IT H E A T E R E.. OC 1 20 E OCEAN AVE. 23

THE PHOTO ISSUE THE BOATING ISSUE

BLUE TOP LEGEND TWIN SISTERS, A CRAIGSLIST BOSTON WHALER, AND A VIRAL INLET RUN.

BY AVA BOURBEAU

24 PROFILE PHOTO

Their dad had one rule: don’t go out into the ocean.

So, in the spirit of twin antics, 16-year-olds Sofia and Ariana Jewelewicz pointed their self-restored 1988 Boston Whaler at the Boca Raton Inlet and pinned the throttle.

“We had never been in the Inlet before,” Ariana recalled, “so we had no idea what to expect.”

Wake from another boat came toward them, but Sofia took it in stride,

going full throttle through it. A camera from Wavy Boats, a local boating media outlet, caught the action — including the wide smiles across both

girls’ faces. A dockhand showed them the video when they tied up at Marina One later that same day. It was already generating buzz online.

That was five years ago.

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THE BOATING ISSUE

LEFT: ARIANA JEWELEWICZ, RIGHT: SOFIA JEWELEWICZ

26

PROFILE

“Looking back, it really feels like something God allowed to happen to give us a platform. Now we’re able to use that attention to share more than just

boating — we can share our faith, our lifestyle, and connect with people in a deeper way,” shared Sofia.

The platform has been built and evolved over time as the sisters mark

chapters in their lives. “It wasn’t an instant switch — it was a natural pro-

gression as we grew up, matured, and got clearer on who we are and what we stand for,” said Ariana.

The Jewelewicz sisters grew up in South Florida and were no strangers to

the water. Their weekends as kids were spent tubing, boating, swimming, and staying overnight at Lake Boca with their dad. It was the kind of

sunburned and salty upbringing that you grow up wanting to chase down.

Something many of us are familiar with.

Based on the stories of their dad sending them flying halfway across the

Lake while tubing behind their family boat, they also developed their love of thrills early on.

In high school, after struggling to fit in with the status quo and not wanting to participate in clique culture, the desire to chase that feeling intensified.

The sisters switched to virtual school, which provided more free time than in-person school. They loved being on the water and knew that a change was necessary.

Then, they asked their dad if they could get a boat.

“It felt like God was pulling us back to the water,” Sofia said.

Their dad found an old Boston Whaler, complete with its “blue top” cover, on Craigslist, and the three of them dove into fixing it. They repaired,

rewired, and recaulked — figuring things out as they went and constantly finding something new to improve. The nicks to be fixed were persistent

and constantly increasing by the way they drove, but it was a labor of love.

Those hours turned out to be just as important as anything that happened

on the water. “Those were some of the best memories,” Ariana said, “learning hands-on, bringing that little boat back to life together.”

And then, they took it out through Boca Inlet.

Sofia’s composure that day caught people’s attention just as much as the speed did. Ariana, who’s logged the most hours beside her twin at the helm, described why:

“She understands the waves in a way that’s hard to explain — it’s like she already knows what the water is about to do before it happens.” Even in rough conditions, Sofia reads the inlet like a pro.

“That level of confidence and awareness is rare, and I think people notice that,” Ariana said. It doesn’t hurt that they also look like they’re having

the time of their lives, crashing through the waves and turning every head on the Boca Inlet jetty. Good thing their dad insisted on Boston Whalers, which are known for their durability.

27

THE BOATING ISSUE

“He always talked about that ad where they cut a Whaler in half, and it

still ran,” Ariana said. “Looking back, especially with how Sofia drives, I’m really glad he set that standard.”

Now, the duo’s brand, Blue Top Legend, has grown a lot from a Craigslist

They’ve also been able to invest in a new Whaler, one without their signa-

ture blue top cover. The name stuck, however, and “Blue Top Legend” is

still visible on the side of their skiff despite the scratches and dings from their bumpy rides.

boat and a single viral clip. Both things opened doors for them, especially

Sofia and Ariana still regularly post videos of themselves navigating the

push into a set role; it was a steady stream of opportunities and explora-

vlogs on their YouTube channel. The comments are usually a mix of

after gaining so much attention on social media, but it wasn’t an instant tion of their passions.

Sofia runs Blue Top Yachting, the sales and brokerage arm. Her client

inlet in collaboration with Wavy Boats, as well as keep up with regular

people thanking them for wearing life jackets and others saying they do it better than the boys. We’re here for both.

relationships are built on trust, and she is proud to have more referrals

When asked about their goals for the brand, neither sister had a follower

She helps navigate the sales process for both buyers and sellers and

main goal. Everything else comes after that.”

than cold calls. “A lot of my clients end up feeling like family,” she said. approaches every transaction with the dedication of someone who loves what she’s selling.

Ariana works on Blue Top Legend’s digital presence but also runs her own

branch. Under the brand’s umbrella, she works as an integrative and functional health coach and personal trainer through Blue Top Performance.

On the surface, this might seem like a departure from the brand, but it

really isn’t. Their purpose has always been to get outside, be active, and appreciate the water. “Our platform naturally promotes a really active, outdoor lifestyle,” Ariana said, “which aligns perfectly with my coaching philosophy.”

count or quota in mind. “Being a good disciple,” Sofia said. “That’s the

Ariana’s response resonated similarly: “Success for us isn’t about numbers. It’s about being obedient with what we’ve been given.”

The sisters are grateful to be able to share their purpose on the scale they do, and especially that they get to do it together. “Sofia is my best friend, so getting to do this alongside her has been one of the biggest blessings

in my life. We trust each other, we know each other so well, and we share the same values and vision, which makes working together feel natural,” said Ariana. No twin rivalries here.

They have fun. They pin the throttle when needed. And we’re still wondering what their dad’s reaction to that first video was. @bluetoplegend

28

PROFILE

Blue Top Legend Tips: 1. ALWAYS check tides and wave conditions before leaving the dock This is a non-negotiable for us. We always check tides, swell, and wind

before heading out—especially running through Boca Raton Inlet. The inlet can change fast depending on tide direction and wind against current.

Knowing if it’s incoming or outgoing, how strong the current is, and what

the wave height looks like can completely shift your plan for the day—and keep you out of trouble before it even starts.

2. Respect the Inlet and read the water Even if the forecast says it’s “good,” you still have to read what’s in front

of you. Watch the sets, look for breaking waves, and don’t force it. Some

days you go, some days you don’t—and that decision-making is what keeps you safe long-term. Confidence on the water comes from awareness and patience, not pushing limits.

3. Stay prepared—and have fun Keep your boat simple, maintained, and ready. Know your systems, have your safety gear (wear your kill switch), and stay consistent. But also—

don’t forget why you’re out there. For us, boating is about joy, freedom,

and being fully present. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24). That perspective keeps everything

in check and reminds us to make the most out of every day, because every day is a gift from God!

29

JULY

AUGUST

7/4 SIERRA LANE 3PM

8/1 CHEYENNE LEAH TRIO 3PM

7/4 GIO CHAMBA 8PM

8/1 MIKE PINTO 8PM

7/5 CLEMENT AUBREY REGGAE 2PM

8/2 VITA FUNK 2PM

7/10 SAMANTHA RUSSELL BAND 8PM

8/7 MORE BETTER BAND 8PM

7/11 JOSE RIVERA 3PM

8/8 COLE CHASE 3PM

7/11 ROOTS SHAKEDOWN 8PM

8/8 JUKE 8PM

7/12 JOEY TENUTO TRIO 2PM

8/9 SAMANTHA RUSSELL 2PM

7/17 JUTT HUFFMAN SINGLE

8/14 IRIE SOULJAH 8PM

RELEASE 8PM

8/15 SIERRA LANE DUO 3PM

7/18 TASTY VIBRATIONS TRIO 3PM 7/18 ANDREW MORRIS BAND 8PM 7/19 MICHAEL LEBON 2PM 7/24 SPIDER CHERRY 8PM 7/25 JOHNNY DEBT 3PM 7/25 JP SOARS 8PM 7/26 JERRY GARCIA BIRTHDAY BASH 12PM

7/31 ELECTRIC KIF 8PM

8/15 JOHNNY DREAD 8PM 8/16 VICTORIA LEIGH 2PM 8/21 SONNY EAST BAND 8PM 8/22 TRITONE 3PM 8/22 SPRED THE DUB 8PM 8/23 MANGROVE MARK 2PM 8/28 JAKE WALDEN BAND 8PM 8/29 UPROOT HOOTENANNY 3PM 8/29 FUNKIN’ GRATEFUL 8PM 8/30 NOUVEAUX HONKIES 2PM

DOCK & DINE

THE BOATING ISSUE

A rundown of the best boater-friendly restaurants in Palm Beach County.

GUANABANAS - JUPITER

Guanabanas - Jupiter

U-Tiki Beach - Jupiter

is around the back of the restaurant, off the waterway side. As you pull

available. Navigating through the marina requires a little attention, but

The Dock. Navigate up the Intracoastal or through Jupiter Inlet. The dock up, you’ll spot the rows of colorful Adirondack chairs lining the back deck, a nice preview of the relaxing vibes to come. First-come, firstserved, same as everything else here.

AC’s Hook. Open-air tiki huts, banyan trees, tropical foliage, and a music calendar that draws both local favorites and national acts. Guanabanas

has been a Jupiter institution since a group of local surfers opened it in

2004, and it earns that title on all fronts. Check the music schedule before you head out. Slip space fills up on big nights, and you’ll want to be there

The Dock. Tucked inside Jupiter Inlet Marina, with public docking

nothing a competent boater won’t handle. The view of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse from the dock is worth the effort on its own.

AC’s Hook. U-Tiki is one of the better sunset spots in the county, and the

lighthouse framing makes it easy to see why. Plan to time your arrival for sunset. The food is solid, the vibe is easy, and the lighthouse will do the rest of the work.

1095 N. Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477

for it. The macadamia and coconut crusted fresh catch is the order. Don’t sleep on the rum selection either.

960 N. Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477

31

THE BOATING ISSUE

Square Grouper - Jupiter

The Dock. Right at the Jupiter Inlet on Castaways Marina. Transient slips

are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there’s a fuel dock on

site. If you’re heading in from offshore, it’s one of the first stops you’ll see.

AC’s Hook. The whole property is 21 and up, no exceptions, which tells

you most of what you need to know about the vibe. Sandy floor, live music, wide open views of the inlet and the Jupiter Lighthouse. Come for a post-run beer and stay longer than you planned.

1111 Love Street, Jupiter, FL 33477

32 DOCK & DINE

Charlie & Joe’s at Love Street - Jupiter

The Dock. Sitting directly across the Intracoastal from the Jupiter Lighthouse, one dock gives you access to three different spots: The Beacon,

CHARLIE & JOE’S AT LOVE STREET - JUPITER PHOTO: JESSICA BORDNER

Topside, and Lucky Shuck. There’s a small beach area alongside the dock you can hang out at while you figure out where you’re headed.

AC’s Hook. Three spots, three different energies, pick based on your crew.

The Beacon handles upscale waterfront dining. Topside is the rooftop bar above it, worth the climb, with a daily happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. that

includes $2 shrimp and oysters. Lucky Shuck splits the difference with a raw bar and prohibition-inspired cocktails. One dock, plenty of options.

1116 Love Street, Jupiter, FL 33477

1000 North - Jupiter

The Dock. Heading in from the inlet, it’s just past the US-1 Bridge on your left. First-come, first-served, and worth calling ahead if you’re bringing a larger boat.

AC’s Hook. The most elevated stop on this list, with sweeping views of the Jupiter Inlet and the lighthouse to match. One thing to note before you

pull up in board shorts, they have a dress code. No swimwear, tank tops, or flip flops. The Terrace works well for sunset cocktails, and the dining

room is the right call if you’re making a night of it and you’re dressed for the occasion. Reservations recommended.

1000 N. US Highway 1, Jupiter, FL 33477

33

THE BOATING ISSUE

Deck 84 - Delray Beach

Waterway Cafe - Palm Beach Gardens

The Dock. Right off Atlantic Avenue on the Intracoastal with around 150

The Dock. Just south of the PGA Boulevard Bridge on the Intracoastal,

Boynton, both a fair distance from the dock, so plan accordingly.

for drawbridge traffic coming and going.

feet of dock space, first-come, first-served. The closest inlets are Boca and

with over 150 feet of dock space on a first-come, first-served basis. Watch

AC’s Hook. A downtown Delray staple since 2010, with Intracoastal views

AC’s Hook. Been here since 1986, and the floating boat bar is the reason to

p.m. Live music on weekends. Catch something worth eating? Bring it in.

and unobstructed views of the boats going by. Social hour runs Monday

and an extended happy hour running Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 They’ll cook it.

840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33483

come by water. It’s a genuine island on the Intracoastal with a full menu

through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Time it right and grab a spot at the boat bar before anyone else does.

2300 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Frigate’s Waterfront Bar & Grill - North Palm Beach

The Dock. Off the Intracoastal on the Earman River in North Palm Beach.

Sailfish Marina Restaurant - Palm Beach Shores

Jupiter or north from Peanut Island, it’s a natural stop along the way.

Shores. Easy to get to from Lake Worth Inlet, you’ll just need to navigate

Turn off the ICW and it’s tucked just off US-1. If you’re heading south from AC’s Hook. Laid-back tiki bar energy with more on the menu than you’d

The Dock. Sailfish Marina sits on the Intracoastal side of Palm Beach through the Peanut Island sandbar squatters.

expect. Fresh seafood, sushi, and a raw bar alongside the classics. Happy

AC’s Hook. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and they offer a breakfast

and coconut crusted grouper sandwich.

you hit the ocean. A South Florida institution since 1952, with fresh

hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Get the macadamia 400 US Highway 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408

buffet every morning until 11:30 a.m. if you’re looking to fuel up before seafood sourced directly from their own boats when available. If you’re

around on a Thursday, the Sunset Celebration along the seawall is worth timing your trip around.

98 Lake Drive, Palm Beach Shores, FL 33404

34 DOCK & DINE

TWO GEORGES - BOYNTON BEACH

35

THE BOATING ISSUE

Old Key Lime House - Lantana

Prime Catch - Boynton Beach

in a small bay off the Intracoastal. Watch for jet skiers and moorings as

for drawbridge traffic when pulling up. Also be sure you check the tides

The Dock. Just southwest of the Ocean Avenue Bridge in Lantana, tucked you pull in.

AC’s Hook. Florida’s oldest waterfront restaurant, open since 1889. The

largest tiki bar in South Florida sits right on the Intracoastal, live music,

The Dock. Just south of the Woolbright Bridge on the Intracoastal. Watch when pulling up to the inside slips at Prime Catch. There is a sandbar that gets exposed at low tides, and your boat can get stuck quickly if you’re not paying attention.

and the largest gator viewing site in the area. Fun fact: they’re also the

AC’s Hook. The most upscale stop in Boynton Beach, open since 2004 and

you’ve found your people. Head up to the Sky Bar on the second floor if

Island is their outdoor bar, built over the Intracoastal with a bridgeway

largest Florida Gator club in the world, so if you bleed orange and blue, it’s open for a great view of the sailboats in the bay. And we know it’s on the nose, but just get the key lime pie.

300 E. Ocean Ave., Lantana, FL 33462

Zagat’s Best New Restaurant in Palm Beach County in its first year. Prime

connecting to the dining patio. Snag a high top out there for the best seat and service in the house. Happy hour runs weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m.

Reservations are suggested.

700 E. Woolbright Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Two Georges Waterfront Grille - Boynton Beach

The Dock. On the backside of the restaurant just north of Ocean Avenue

in Boynton Beach. Watch for bridge traffic and boats entering and exiting Boynton Harbor Marina as you pull in.

AC’s Hook. A Boynton Beach institution for over 60 years, with the

thatched roof, the catfish circling the docks, and the kind of waterfront energy that doesn’t need to try very hard. Happy hour runs weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Get the Fish and Chips.

728 Casa Loma Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Banana Boat - Boynton Beach

The Dock. Located right next to Two Georges on Ocean Avenue. Plan your day ahead and make sure you leave enough time to no-wake your way there from the inlet.

SeaSpray Inlet Grill at Waterstone Resort - Boca Raton

The Dock. Tucked just underneath the Camino Real Bridge at the Waterstone Resort and Marina, where Lake Boca meets the Boca Inlet. Watch for boat traffic, Lake Boca hooligans, and the shuttle that runs between The Boca Raton’s Harborside Club and The Beach Club as you pull in.

AC’s Hook. The only dock and dine restaurant in Boca Raton, which tells you something about the real estate. All outdoor seating, full bar, and views of the inlet that don’t require any convincing. Happy hour runs

Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. Pro tip: stop at the Lake Boca

sandbar on the way in during an incoming tide. The water clarity might surprise you.

999 E. Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432

AC’s Hook. A Boynton Beach landmark since 1978. Island-influenced

seafood, waterfront views of the drawbridge and boat traffic from the side dock, and a happy hour that runs Monday through Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. Reservations accepted, which is worth noting for the area.

739 E. Ocean Ave., Boynton Beach, FL 33435

36 DOCK & DINE

DECK 84 - DELRAY BEACH

37

THE BOATING ISSUE

Chasing Giants HOW A CHILDHOOD PASSION TURNED INTO A LIFE ON FLORIDA’S WATERWAYS

BY DARIEN DAVIES For most Floridians, the Loxahatchee River is

“My dad showed me how to catch a bluegill

turkeys, documenting another side of wild

dling, boating, or simply enjoying a sunset. But

much took it from there,” Ryan said. “Every-

The combination of trophy snook and rare

a scenic backdrop where hours are spent pad-

for Ryan Nitz, it was a classroom that changed his life.

Born and raised in Jupiter, Ryan has spent nearly every day of his life connected to Florida’s

coastal waters. Today, he’s known throughout

when I was about ten years old, but I pretty thing I’ve learned has been self-taught.”

With the techniques he’d mastered while bass

Florida that many residents never experience. wildlife imagery created a unique perspective

that resonated with outdoor enthusiasts across

fishing, Ryan began targeting snook in the Loxa- the country. hatchee River. It was a progression measured not in years, but in inches.

Then came the phone call that changed everything.

the fishing world as a sought-after charter cap-

First came the 10-inch snook. Then the 20-inch.

one of South Florida’s most recognizable snook

exceeding 40 inches. Today, he’s still chasing the angler Tom Rowland of the television show

tain, photographer, conservation advocate, and anglers. And while he now has as many social

media followers as snook he’s caught, he started out the old fashioned way: effort, passion, and determination.

Growing up just a mile from the river, Ryan discovered fishing at an early age. Before he could roam the riverbanks on his own, weekends at his grandmother’s community ponds became his proving grounds.

“I had to have caught every bass in those ponds

ten times over,” said Ryan, who fished from sunrise to sunset. “But it slowly perfected my craft.”

Those long days from sunrise to sunset taught

him patience, observation, and the fundamentals of fishing. When he eventually turned his

attention to saltwater species, he had to slowly apply what he knew about bass fishing to the snook fishing world.

38 PROFILE

Then 30-inch. Eventually, he landed snook

One day, Ryan received a call from renowned

elusive 50-incher.

Saltwater Experience. For someone who had

Throughout middle school and high school,

felt surreal.

nearly every afternoon followed the same

grown up watching Rowland on television, it

routine: get home, grab fishing gear, and head

“I couldn’t believe he wanted to fish with me,”

evolved into a lifestyle.

The pair spent three days filming an episode on

for the water. What began as a hobby gradually

Ryan said. “My nerves were through the roof.” the Loxahatchee River. At the end of filming,

Then social media arrived. At first, Ryan wanted Tom handed Ryan the keys to a brand-new skiff nothing to do with it. After all, the glory was in

and encouraged him to use it for the rest of

Eventually, he started sharing videos of himself

For the first time in his life, Ryan had access to

a GoPro strapped to his head, becoming more

in exploration. The river he thought he knew

the catch, not the post.

battling giant snook from his plastic canoe with and more interested in visual storytelling. The

footage was raw, and his content quickly found a following because it was authentic.

the summer.

a boat, and what followed was a crash course

suddenly became much larger. Areas inaccessi-

ble by canoe opened up, and he spent countless hours learning every corner of the estuary.

On days when he wasn’t fishing, he was deep in

When the episode finally aired about a year lat-

ing mature Florida whitetail deer and Osceola

anglers around the world asking if they could

the woods with a Nikon camera, photograph-

er, everything changed. Emails poured in from book a trip with him.

PHOTO: JUSTIN HODGE At the time, he wasn’t even a licensed guide,

Eight years later, Ryan continues guiding

have all affected the ecosystems he grew up

ignore. So he did the only reasonable thing he

life while also balancing a career in real estate

and uses social media to educate viewers about

but the demand was impossible for him to

could think of: quit his pest control job, head

to the Coast Guard to earn his charter captain’s license, and officially launch his charter business, no looking back.

“All I had to do was make one post on Instagram letting people know I could legally take them fishing,” Ryan said. “I’ve been fully booked ever since.”

anglers through the waters that shaped his

during slower fishing seasons. Beyond the busi-

ness success, what drives him most is protecting the resource that made it all possible.

Like many lifelong Floridians, he’s witnessed

exploring. He decided to be part of the solution the beauty and fragility of Florida’s estuaries.

“I try to educate people and show them the val-

ue in what we have before it’s gone,” Ryan said.

dramatic changes in local waterways.

His conservation efforts have connected him

Rapid development, increasing fishing pres-

including Captains For Clean Water founder

sure, habitat loss, and water quality challenges

with numerous advocates throughout the state, Chris Whitman. The non-profit organization>>

39

THE BOATING ISSUE

works to restore and protect Florida’s aquatic ecosystems and address

long-standing water management challenges affecting the Everglades and coastal estuaries.

For Ryan, conservation isn’t a trend. It’s a responsibility. He believes that the fish, wildlife, and waterways that built his career deserve protection for future generations.

That same mindset extends to the fishing community itself. Over the

including acclaimed fishing photographer Justin Hodge, whose work even-

tually landed Ryan on the cover of Salt Water Sportsman magazine.

For those who spend time on the water, his journey shows that sometimes the best stories are found just down the street, in the river you grew up fishing. And they’re worth fighting for. @ryannitz

years, he’s built friendships with other self-made outdoor professionals,

PHOTO: JUSTIN HODGE

’

Ryan Nitz s Five Tips for Catching Monster Snook 1. Find Moving Water

4. Fresh Bait Wins, but Soft Plastics Work, Too

out and utilize the current when deciding how they want to ambush prey.

become incredibly effective. JYG Pro and NLBN are some great choices.

Snook thrive in areas with strong current flow. They like to move in and

Live bait remains the gold standard, but modern soft plastic lures have

2. Fish the Heat

5. Choose Circle Hooks

occurs when water temperatures reach a steamy 88 to 91 degrees.

especially when using dead bait, to ensure the snook has the best chance

Big summer snook love jacuzzi-hot warm water. Some of the best action

3. Use Heavy Fluorocarbon Leader

A 40- to 60-pound fluorocarbon leader is ideal. These fish are smart and have rough mouths that can cut through lighter leaders.

40 PROFILE

These fish are under enough pressure. It’s important to use circle hooks, of survival.

at Old School Square.

PAINTING CULINARY TEXTILES DRAWING PRINTMAKING PHOTOGRAPHY CERAMICS

Register for classes online: delraybeachfl.gov/CAS 561-243-7209

51 N. SWINTON AVE.

41

THE BOATING ISSUE

BEYOND THE CATCH A Conversation with Captain Gary Lachman of Blue Devil Fishing Team WEST PALM BEACH, FL 1. You clear the inlet and you’re headed out. What are you looking for in those first few minutes?

2. What’s the catch that defines your time on the water — the one you still talk about?

found. We look up to the sky for circling birds, especially Frigates and

Our baits were down between 1,400 feet and 1,600 feet. One was straight

I’m looking for natural clues as to where the fish are most likely to be

other tuna birds. They are usually feeding on schools of bait like ballyhoo, pilchards, sardines, and goggle eyes.

On the surface of the water we search for rip currents, slicks, and edges

because these anomalies often reveal where the baitfish are, and where

Most recently, we were about 20 miles offshore hunting for swordfish.

down and the other about 75 yards behind the boat attached to a buoy with a white indicator pole and flag. When the tip of one of our rods be-

gan bouncing up and down, we knew we had a fish on. Twenty minutes later we had a nice 125 lb. sword trussed up on the deck.

there are baitfish, there often are hungry tuna, sailfish, mahi-mahi, wa-

After nearly eight hours at sea, we were all set to return home when the

for bottom structure that may hold fish as well as the red eyebrow shapes

began retrieving the line with the LP electric reel. Seven and a half hours

hoo, and other gamefish. Below the surface, we keep an eye on our sonar that indicate larger pelagics.

buoy pole flattened against the water, indicating a good bite. We slowly later, we had a 425 lb. swordfish on the deck. This had been a 17.5 hour trip endured not only by Matt and Steve Magassy, but also Bones, my Ger-

man Shepherd service dog. Back home, when co-captain Steve Magassy began his “filet surgery,” we saw that the big one was a pumpkin sword-

fish; the most delicious meat found deep under the sea. Between those

42

Q&A

two fish, we must have fed 20 people.

But that wasn’t our only memorable trip that is forever embedded in Blue Devil Fishing Team history. A couple of years ago we had the pleasure of

taking out a small group from Captains For Clean Water. First we found a school of large mutton snapper, and then a couple of athletic sailfish were hooked up from our kite baits. We then decided to head far offshore

to look for swordfish. We weren’t disappointed. Two 150+ lb. swordfish took the expertly-tied baits prepared by the Magassy twins and were

landed aboard the Blue Devil. This was all filmed by Noah Miller and compiled into a promotional video for Captains For Clean Water.

“After all, isn’t that what’s it all about? The camaraderie, teamwork, and respect for the natural world.”

3. The alarm goes off and it’s tournament day. What does that morning look like before you ever hit the water?

First of all, it’s dark. It’s only 4:30 in the morning. We are scooping live

bait out of our dock’s bait tanks into the bait wells aboard the Blue Devil.

Rods are being loaded into the rocket launchers, food is being prepared by my very supportive wife Linda, and onboard refrigerators checked for

ample water and soft drinks. If it’s a windless day, balloons are filled with helium and lashed down for use with the kites. Five or six different opinions on tournament strategy are being argued. The generator is switched

on and the shore power is disconnected. The radio is checked and the navigation lights are turned on. And off we go with high hopes, confidence, and expectations as we race into the sunrise.

4. How much of what happens on tournament day has nothing to do with fish?

It’s all about the fish – Where they might be found, what bait to rig, and

how to deploy it; kite or flatline or both. That being said, the music and

food are critical for having fun. And after all, isn’t that what’s it all about?

The camaraderie, teamwork, and respect for the natural world.

5. What’s the moment a first-timer has on your boat that tells you they’re hooked for life?

When we hand a rod with an acrobatic sailfish or mahi-mahi tearing line off the reel, jumping and performing flips like a marine life Cirque du Soleil. Their eyes light up, the smiles are usually blinding.

6. You donate your tournament winnings to Captains For Clean Water.

What are you seeing out there that makes that feel necessary?

When we are navigating through the Intracoastal Waterway and see dirty brown water we know that will soon flow into the ocean. When we are

looking for beds of seagrass that feed manatees and hold baitfish that have disappeared due to toxic chemicals like nitrates and phosphates

from sugar cane farming. When our newly-washed boat is covered in ash from the burning of cane fields to the west. When we see evidence of

blue-green algal blooms in the St. Lucie River or dead fish on the beach from red tide. When divers tell us the reefs are dying. All such conditions

make it obvious that the fight for clean water is essential to the health of Florida’s marine life, its citizens and visitors, our property values, and our economy.

7. If someone handed you a boat and told you to disappear for a week, where would you go?

Assuming it’s a large and very fast boat, I’d be headed east to Madeira to

catch a few grander (1000+ lb.) blue marlin. In the summer, it’s up the

coast of British Columbia all the way to Alaska, stopping to catch some Chinook Salmon, lingcod, and halibut.

43

THE BOATING ISSUE

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46 GEAR GUIDE

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