World Travelers Inspire Youth to Embrace New Experiences

James Ketchel, an enthusiastic world traveler, is on a mission to inspire young minds to step away from their screens and venture into the world. He encourages them to build confidence, embrace fresh experiences, and learn valuable lessons through life’s challenges, sharing stories from his global journey—including some hair-raising rescues at sea.

Captain Jonathan Moss, who has been fishing in Florida since he was just three, recalls those simpler days spent on the water with his father. Back then, it was all about catching sea bream and playing with earthworms. Moss shared how the outdoors captured his heart from the beginning. “I caught the bug and was hooked from the get-go,” he reflected, highlighting the joy of being outside and near the water, a place he feels most alive.

Now a full-time charter captain in central Florida and the host of “The Captain’s Log” on Waypoint, Moss left a career as a physical education teacher to pursue his passion. “I was teaching every day, and every day I was thinking, ‘This is beautiful weather. I should be on the water,'” he noted. Taking the plunge, he quit teaching and bought a boat, starting his charter business from scratch. “I started praying about it, and God said, ‘Go catch some fish,’ and here we are,” he said, reflecting on his ten years as a full-time guide.

For Moss, fishing transcends just catching fish. “The best part of my job is seeing people experience something together that they will remember long after the trip is over,” he said. He cherishes sharing his favorite spots with guests and witnessing family bonding moments while fishing.

A memorable story from his experience includes fishing with his father during a recording for his show. They may not have caught anything spectacular, but it was the shared experience that mattered most. “We were fishing together,” Moss recalled fondly, crediting his father with igniting his passion for the outdoors.

Moss’s wife, Brooke, has also embraced their outdoor lifestyle, hosting her own show aimed at women and mothers. Surprisingly, she didn’t come from a particularly fishing-loving background, but she managed to learn the ropes—teaching herself to fish and tie knots through online videos. Moss takes pride in watching her grow as an angler.

One autumn fishing trip, an incident occurred when their son accidentally hooked Brooke on the shoulder while casting, yet, remarkably, she stayed focused on the fish in front of her, showing her determination. “She put the lure on her shoulder and started catching one of the biggest bass I’ve ever caught,” Moss said, clearly impressed.

The couple’s two young sons, described by Moss as “almost feral,” embody energetic childhood, always eager to explore. “They’re all boys and they go from the moment they wake up until we drag them to bed,” he mentioned. Interestingly, there’s no grand strategy to keep them away from screens. Moss believes their love for the outdoors is simply rooted in their family lifestyle. “Mom and dad are outside doing something,” he explained.

Moss emphasizes that outdoor adventures don’t have to be elaborate. In the summer heat, they opt for early morning or evening outings, packing snacks, swimming, and even indulging in ice cream post-adventure. “When they look back and say, ‘It’s fun to do something outside,’ that’s a fun memory,” he noted, underscoring the importance of creating enjoyable experiences.

He believes it’s essential to keep outdoor activities relaxed and uncomplicated. “You don’t have to be there all day,” he advises parents, recommending shorter, engaging activities. Catching smaller fish can help keep kids interested and involved, leading to shared fun and engagement on the water.

Moss’s charter business often tailors trips to ensure kids are engaged, even if that involves catching smaller trout. “Is it big? No. Does it pull? Yes,” he said, stressing that the thrill is what hooks them. With time, children can gradually learn and progress in their fishing skills, but the first goal is to create enjoyable memories that lead to repeat experiences.

He sees the same stress relief in adults when they step away from technology and embrace nature. “You can see his shoulders slump,” Moss explained, noticing the immediate relaxation when guests board his boat.

While he hosts a TV show and appreciates technology, he recognizes the richness of a few hours unplugged to soak in nature. “I’ll do anything to be on the water with my family,” he said, emphasizing that for him, the joy of family bonding with fish as a bonus is what really matters.