The Foundation is committed to continuing Jose’s legacy of encouraging new and unique ways of interactive fishing, sharing the importance of conserving our marine environment and dedication to those individuals who encounter life with extraordinary challenges.
Current Projects
The Foundation’s first efforts will be to partner with Make A Wish. The Foundation will provide funding for travel, luxury hotel accommodations, food, fishing guides, and a take home package. Between all of our fishing connections, we can grant the ultimate fishing wish.
Our First Wish
Tyler Murdoch’s wish was to fish in the Florida Keys. After his experience he wrote this letter to Jose:
Dear Jose,
You would be so proud of all the people that joined forces on your behalf so that someone “like me” could experience the trip of a lifetime.
When I arrived at this amazing resort, I didn’t just have my own bed – I had my own house! And in that grand house it was stuffed full of goodies like Santa had made a Xmas stop!!!
– Shirts, hats, shorts, pants, sweats and , yes, even Costa shades. For just me, no, the entire family!!!
We met your daughter that night and had a chance to get to know each other over a nice meal.
Even though you have only been gone 7 months, I think it is incredibly brave to take on such a HUGE task – giving someone like me a trip of a lifetime. Together, Mike and Krissy, met me at Key West. That day was like a party on the water with paddle boards, snorkeling and great company!
When I went to bed that night, I could barely sleep thinking about what was going to happen in the next 3 days! Fishing all day with my own Captain, on a 37 foot boat that was pimped out with 3 – 300hp Yamaha four strokes!!! PIMP THAT! Everybodies only job was to have fun and put me on the fish.
Captain Greg even arranged, one morning before heading out, to have Jimmy Johnson at Plantation Marina to meet me and even sign a football for me. I felt like a rock star. They didn’t stop there because on another day, while fishing, we stopped by Wyland’s studio where I had a chance to meet him and he even gave me his book signed “To Tyler”, a rare occurrence I hear.
I will never forget all the fish I watched, in the clear blue water, take my bait, or the what it feels like to be talked through a 45 minute battle for a sailfish, never forgetting to release the catch as you did thousands of times on Spanish Fly.
What was most memorable was the feeling of everyone rooting for me to bring in “The Big One” (all while having Mike’s camera 2 inches from my face : )
I missed you, Jose, but having this experience with all your loved ones made it so special. Because of their love for you I had my wish granted, I know how proud you must be!
Love, Ty
Why A Foundation
On April 6, 2012, the fishing community lost a great angler, icon, and friend, Jose Wejebe, host of the immensely popular saltwater fishing and fly fishing television show, Spanish Fly. Through his show and his adventures, Jose shared his passion for fishing and a lifestyle that touched and inspired anglers around the world. At the same time, Jose encouraged conservation, leading his viewers by example to take better care of the environment they so enjoy.
Jose Wejebe never forgot his humble beginnings or those others that helped him find success. Throughout his life and career, Jose unselfishly donated his time, money and equipment to support countless charities including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Marc House, Wounded Warriors, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and many others. The charitable work seen on his television series, “Spanish Fly”, documented only a small portion of his generosity. Behind the scenes, he quietly assisted with many more charities throughout the world. He did so out of compassion and kindness, and was humbled by those who expressed their appreciation.
In order to continue Jose’s passion to help others, The Jose Wejebe “Spanish Fly” Memorial Foundation was founded in April 2012. The Foundation will memorialize and honor Jose’s compassion by continuing his charitable efforts with a number of nonprofit organizations.
