It's not the end result, it's the journey"

Originally introduced  by Mel and Ginny's daughter Debbie, they shared a lot together.  Men of considerable wit, intelligence and "drive", Mel and Jay shared a number of interests.   Aside from all of the other things they held in common, they both loved fishing and talking about fishing.    Two great voices of the Tampa Bay fishing community have gone silent, but their countless contributions continue to be seen and heard.  

Original publication, Coastal Angler Magazine-Tampa Bay May 2010

By Neil Taylor

Tampa Bay's fishing community lost two icons in the past year: One a
communicator, the other an educator.   Both were impressive, influential figures
in the fishing community. They were also friends.   These were men that were
a "welcoming committee", helping virtual strangers that had an interest
in fishing Tampa Bay waters.   These men: Marion "Jay" Brewington and Captain
Mel Berman.   Most people "knew" Captain Mel.   At multiple memorial events, I
wondered how many of the people attending "knew" him had met Mel or simply "felt
like they knew him".   The writer, radio/TV show host and talent behind his
"fishing conversations" created a huge following and familiarity with anglers
around the world.  Mel passed away in early February due to complications
following heart surgery.
 
I became aware of Mel soon after I moved to the area.   Jay Brewington is
someone I heard about when it became obvious I wasn't the only one using a kayak
for fishing these waters.   Jay was one of Mel's original web site forum members
and with the growth in the paddle fishing scene, Jay got Mel's blessing to
start a site catering to kayak-fishing, specialized to socialize and exchange
ideas on kayak-fishing.  Jay passed away after battling cancer in April of 2009.
 
Both of these men were sports and fishing fanatics, devoted family men and
promoted ethical practices and behavior.  Most people discuss the "property" of
these men but what I remember is what they stood for.   So much has been written
about Captain Mel, who was in Florida nearly 40 years. The captain didn't give
seminars he held "conversations" using both laymen and expert
knowledge educating people on better techniques and ethics.  Mel talked about
improved fish-handling before anyone else subscribed to the concept.  He lived a
great life enjoying his passion to the very end.    When I talked to Mel about
the heart surgery he was eager to get it done and "get back to work."
 
A man most didn't hear nearly as much about after he passed on was JayB. 
Jay, born in 1950 in Miami, grew up fishing the flats of Biscayne Bay, moved to Tampa
to study at USF obtaining a teaching degree.  He stayed in Tampa and taught in
the Hillsborough County school system for 30 years.
An avid angler even through the 1970's when the Tampa Bay fishery collapsed,
he reportedly "sustained himself" as a student catching trout off Courtney
Campbell Causeway.
 
To others Jay was a dear friend.   I was an acquaintance at best but developed
respect for him immediately.   Jay was a baseball fan.   I was a (Triple A) pro
baseball umpire when we first met and he was eager to "get some questions
answered."    Superior intellect and tremendous analytical skills is what I
witnessed in every interaction I had with the man.  Our other connection: JayB
realized the potential of the kayak as a fishing vessel.   He got his
first fishing kayak in the mid 1990's then subsequently put tremendous time and
effort into promoting the sport. He was the first "sponsored" kayak angler.  Not
happy with getting a free kayak for himself, Jay immediately got "Johnster" and
Dave Loger added to the first paddle-fishing "Pro Staffs".  
 
Incredible fishing prowess, Jay fished Cockroach Bay in spring for snook, Piney
Point in summer for redfish and Mullet Key Bayou in winter for trout, with great
success though you'd never hear him brag about his innate talent.
 
John Callaghan and Jay met in 2000 and became intensely close friends, and set
out to discover all that Florida had to offer, exploring new waters together and
tackling new species.  John shared this summary:  "To the masses he was JayB, to
me he was everything: Best friend, mentor, confidante, leader and hero. In the 9
years we knew each other we never crossed words.  We may have disagreed but
never did we argue.   He left a void in my life that will never be filled, no
matter how hard I try to move on, he is with me always.   I will miss him
forever."
 
I'd like to extend my gratitude to them for their positive impacts on the entire
fishing community.

Neil Taylor