Born in Havana, Cuba in 1958, Jose Wejebe grew up in a politically tumultuous time. Fidel Castro leading the Cuban revolution had just seized power and was imposing communist ways on the country. The new government then began taking land, money and property from some of the families with claims that the property now belongs to the "revolution". His father was imprisoned for speaking out against the Castro regime. Jose, his mother and sister fled to the Swedish embassy for safety and stayed there until papers were set for asylumin the US. After turning over most everything they owned to the Cuban government including all their land in Cuba, Jose's father and grandfather were released from prison. Completely broke and destitute, the family escaped. The beginning years in America were not easy for Wejebe family. With a total of 10 family members living in a two-bedroom house and barely enough money to get by, life was challenging during Jose's younger years. However, growing up in Miami, Florida, the tropical locale was a integral turning point for the beginning of Jose's marine based career and life. At age eight, his father first took him out on the waters of Biscayne Bay and taught him to fish. His mother purchased him a mask and fins. What he saw underwater changed his life and perspective on the world forever. There was a whole new world for him to discover and since then, he never stopped exploring. At ages 12-14, Jose read everything he could get his hands on that had to do with fishing. He meticulously studied his heroes such as fishing legends Stu Apt, Flip Pallot and Lefty Kreh. He would write to them and send them handmade flies he tied himself. Coincidentally, Flip Pallot, who was then a South Florida banker, financed Jose's first professional guide boat at age eighteen.Jose, even at an early age, began to create lifetime relationships with others that would benefit many. Stu Apt taught young Jose to pole, Flip Pallot taught him the fine art of bonefishing and Lefty Kreh introduced him to the perfect fly cast. "They were my inspiration and my heroes. They showed me that you can turn your passion for fishing into a successful career," Jose said. In his early teens, Jose purchased his first boat with the money he earned working at a gas station. The small Crosby skiff prompted him to leave the land behind and combine his love of the water into a weekend business spear fishing and diving for tropical fish for extra money. During this time he was able to log many hours on the water and work towards his Captain's license, which he received at age eighteen. This is when he began his career as an inshore charter captain. For several years he worked full-time at the Miami Seaquarium, starting as a diver, then moved up to working with and training marine mammals. His time working "hand and fin" with dolphins and sea lions only increased his fascination and desire to learn more about the world under the water. On his days off he would guide the local waters of South Florida. - See more at: http://www.spanishflytv.com/article/jose-wejebe/#sthash.Rju9olD5.dpuf
While not filming Spanish Fly, Jose found time to work for several charities including Make a Wish Foundation, Red Bone Catch a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis and Big Brothers and Big Sisters. He felt strongly the importance to take the time to fish with kids and teach the next generation of anglers.
His personable character, and genuine compassion made him an inspiration to many. Jose lived life, and there were few things that he wanted to learn and didn't peruse. Becoming a private pilot was one of them. The freedom offered by flying, was comparable to being on the water. On April 6, 2012 friends, family, and fans were shocked to hear the tragic news. Shortly after take off Jose's plane crashed in Everglades City. Jose was the only person in the plane, and did not survive. The loss of a man like Jose was tragic. Fans felt moved and connected to Jose. Friends' lossed a brother. As a family man Jose was the best son, brother, and father one could ever ask for. We were all inspired by Jose no matter what your relationship was with him. Spanish Fly was not Jose, it is a lifestyle. He shared his lifestyle with everyone who watched. No matter your location, or job if you shared the same passions as he did you have the Spanish Fly within you. - See more at: http://www.spanishflytv.com/article/jose-wejebe/#sthash.Rju9olD5.dpuf
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