I honestly have never been anywhere near Destin Florida unitl this last week when we decided to do a last minute Vacation with Mia’s Florida Family.  We spent the week with Mia, Ryan and River,  Wayne and Carol (the other grandparents). Ross and Kaitlyn (mias brother in law and girlfriend),   and Aunt Beth (Carol’s Sister).   And how do you pull a big reunion like this off?  You trade  a week of the Fairmount Ghiradelli Residence for the Fairmount Heritage Place Inspiration.   Our 4 Bedroom Beach  was prefect to host Rivers Florida Family reunion .  The resort has four championship golf courses, the Sandestin Golf Academy, a 98-slip marina, 15 world-class tennis courts, 45 retail offerings, 17 restaurants including waterfront dining, a health club, salon and day spa, an 18-hole putting course, along with children’s programs and more.  I can see this becoming a yearly tradition.  Destin exudes a laid-back elegance, with many of its resorts and neighborhoods offering a distinctly upscale coastal vibe. The area features luxury high-rise condos, private beach clubs, world-class golf courses, and full-service marinas lined with million-dollar yachts. Upscale shopping and fine dining abound at places like Grand Boulevard and HarborWalk Village, where visitors can enjoy fresh Gulf seafood, designer boutiques, and sunset cocktails overlooking the water.

River is a lucky kid. I used to think Mia named him River because it sounded like the perfect name for a future fishing guide—but this weekend I found out there’s even more to the story. Turns out, the other side of River’s family is stacked with serious anglers. His grandpa Wayne OHara isn’t just a weekend fisherman—he’s a seasoned bluewater pro with two offshore boats docked at his dream home on the Ocean.   Like me, he gets out on the water almost every week.  I learned this weekend that he is in the top 20 senior Cross Fit Games athletes in the world.  I thjink River has some really good genetics from the O’Hara side .  Then there’s Ross, Ryan’s brother—one of the most naturally gifted anglers I’ve met. I gave him a quick fly casting lesson, and he cast like he’s been doing it for decades. I may have just found my next fly fishing buddy. I also learned that Ryan used to rent kayaks and fish regularly with his dad and brother when he was younger—something he never really mentioned. It was all shared by his family this weekend. River is going to grow up surrounded by boats, fishing rods, and stories from both sides of the family. And something tells me Destin will always be part of his adventure.

Destin is a world-class fishing destination offering exceptional offshore, inshore, and fly fishing opportunities. Just minutes from shore, anglers can access deep waters teeming with grouper, amberjack, tuna, sailfish, and red snapper, thanks to Destin’s unique proximity to the continental shelf. Inshore, Choctawhatchee Bay and the surrounding flats are perfect for fly fishing and light tackle, with redfish, speckled trout, and tarpon cruising the shallows. The clear Gulf waters, thriving marine ecosystems, and professional guide services make Destin a top-tier location for anglers of all skill levels seeking everything from technical fly casts to hard-fighting offshore battles.

I booked a day trip just to get a feel for the inshore fly fishing scene with Captain John Jacob of 7wt Charters. Despite the kind of weather that makes you question your life choices, John managed to put me on some redfish shots—impressive, considering Mother Nature was clearly in a mood. The stormy skies killed our plans for chasing migrating tarpon in the Gulf, but John is one heck of a boatsman and guide. He’s a retired restaurateur and chef who loves trout and striper fishing and, as it turns out, is also a fellow Deadhead—so the vibe on the boat was equal parts fishing trip and Greatful Dead philosophy.

“If you get confused, listen to the music play.”   Ripple

Embracing life’s uncertainties, trusting the journey, and finding meaning in the moment. It’s about letting go, tuning in, and letting the rhythm of life (and music) guide you. It’s both chill advice and cosmic wisdom… with a groove.  We only spent a half day on the water, but I learned enough about him to know he’s staying in my Destin Rolodex. Meanwhile, Wayne OHara and his sons went full gladiator mode on an offshore deep-sea charter.  They hooked monsters so big they couldn’t yank them off the wrecks, but at least they came back with the lone fish between all of us—a humbling reminder that sometimes the fish win.

I used this trip to test out  the Echo Trip 8 piece travel fly rod.    I figured it might be just right to sneak in my suitcase antime I was around redfish.  If you’re seeking a travel‑friendly, full‑power fly rod without sacrificing casting feel or performance, the Echo Trip 890 (#8 weight, eight pieces) might just be your perfect match. This compact rod breaks down to around 18 inches—ready to slip into your backpack or carry‑on—but it casts and fishes like a full‑length 9‑footer. It delivers a crisp, medium‑fast action with surprising backbone: ideal for large streamers, bass poppers, bonefish flats, and windy conditions It feels remarkably like a standard 4‑piece rod on the water, and casts with accuracy and power out to 80 ft.   Echo’s stainless, low‑friction guides and durable blank design deliver excellent line feel and responsiveness, all backed by Echo’s lifetime warranty.  For anglers who travel but refuse to compromise on performance, the Echo Trip 8 wt offers both portability and punch in a surprisingly tiny package.

I can’t believe how fast River is growing—it feels like just yesterday he was a loaf of bread with opinions, and now he’s a fully mobile, giggling maniac with his own language and an adorable sense of purpose. He struts around like he owns the place, speaks fluently in what I assume is ancient toddler dialect, and throws in some perfectly timed sign language just to keep us all guessing. The kid bops to every beat I play on the guitar like he’s got backstage passes to life, and he lights up anytime he’s surrounded by family. Always smiling, always scheming—I’m beyond excited (and slightly terrified) to watch him grow up into whatever wonderfully weird little legend he’s destined to be.  Mia and Ryan are doing a fine job.