Jose Wejebe was more than a TV personality. He was an inspiration to thousands of friends, fans, and followers, creating a passion for fishing, boating, and the ocean lifestyle that he so loved. His background and history tell a story of a passionate man who would have said that the Spanish Fly lives on in everyone who followed and loved him.
Born in Havana, Cuba in 1958, Jose Wejebe and his family fleeing Fidel Castros’ revolution moved to South Florida to start a new life. Growing up in Miami, Jose cut his teeth on the waters of South Florida. His first experience with fins and a snorkel at a young age was a life changing experience that marked the beginning of Jose’s marine based career and life.
Logging hours on the water in the small skiff he purchased himself, Jose received his Captain’s license at the age of eighteen and began his career as an inshore charter captain in the warm waters of Biscayne Bay, Florida Bay, and the Florida Keys. Seeking out fishing greats and pioneers, Jose learned from the best including Stu Apt, Flip Pallot and Lefty Kreh. His travels and passion for learning new fishing and rigging techniques took him all over the world where he learned new and non-traditional methods.
Jose took this knowledge back to his home waters of the Florida Keys and shared it with his charter clients and leaders among the fishing industry. Building relationships with trade leaders such as Shimano, Mercury and other boating manufacturers, Jose was an integral part in the development of the booming light-tackle industry.
Jose lived life to the fullest pursuing many hobbies and activities besides fishing. He threw his heart and soul into learning and becoming the best he could at whatever undertaking he took on; becoming a private pilot was one of them. The freedom offered by flying was comparable to being on the water and Jose spent many hours in the air piloting his own plane. Tragically, on April 6, 2012, friends, family, and fans were shocked to hear that Jose’s plane had crashed shortly after take off in Everglades City. Jose was the only person in the plane, and did not survive. Source: http://www.josewejebefoundation.org/about-jose-wejebe/