June 25th, 2025: Stiltsville & Billy’s Point
On Wednesday, June 25th, over a dozen boats—brimming with friends and family from all over—gathered just off of Stiltsville to say our Miami goodbyes to our beloved Captain David in his home waters. Among his loved ones, we were also grateful for the show of camaraderie from the Miami-Dade Police and Fire Department vessels, FWC, and the City of Miami Fire Dept.—who honored our Jefe with a stunning water salute.
Although the water was a little choppy, and the sky was overcast, that didn’t stop us from having a lovely celebration of our Captain’s life. There were vessels completely decked out in flowers—cupholders, rodholders, even woven through the railings on gunnels. We tossed roses and wreaths into the waves, with love and remembrance, and held some moments of silence before our Jefa graced us with some beautiful words over the radio.
Below were the words spoken by our Jefa, Kristen Salazar, as we gathered to celebrate our Captain:
We’ve come together on these waters that David loved, to honor his life and all that he meant to us.
These are the waters that raised him—from Miami to the Keys to Bimini—places that shaped him, grounded him, and brought him true joy. David wasn’t one for big speeches or grand gestures, but he showed his love quietly and deeply. Whether you knew him since childhood or just a short while, you felt the calm strength in his presence and his respect for this ocean that he called home.
He spent his life doing what he loved most—chasing the next bite, telling a good story, sharing a funny smile. David showed us that life is measured not in loud moments but in the small, steady connections that mean everything—a perfect morning at sea, the camaraderie of good company, the satisfaction of a day well spent.
And even now, we see him everywhere. Our girls love the ocean just like he did—they feel him in every warm breeze and every sparkle on the waves. In each of those glimmers, we catch a glimpse of their dad, forever present and watching over them.
Though David is no longer with us, his spirit will forever live on in the ocean, the light on these waves, and the memories we carry of him. Let’s honor him by cherishing these waters, by staying true to ourselves, and by celebrating each quiet, beautiful day—just as he would have wanted.
Rest easy, Captain Salazar. You are home. Until we meet again.
After this moving tribute, we ran as a group over to Billy’s Point where we tied up for a good old fashioned sandbar boat day our Jefe would’ve loved. During the celebration, there was one more small surprise: a plane flyover scattering white rose petals above us all. Truly a sight to be seen.
The love was overflowing, the stories were never-ending, all in all, it was a perfect day our Jefe would’ve loved; and even though he wasn’t there physically, he was with us in all our hearts.
June 26th, 2025: Wynwood Marketplace
Following up on Thursday, June 26th, we gathered for our Jefe once more on land at Wynwood Marketplace for those who couldn’t make it out on the water! We saw plenty of the same faces from the day before, as well as many new ones, eager to share some drinks and their favorite Captain Dave stories.
We were thrilled to be able to hand out Captain David shirts, donated by none other than AFTCO; and even some very fun Dave magnets on your way in to the celebration. There was a giant ice sculpture—which doubled as a shot luge—donated by The IWFA! This was truly an extraordinary event.
Even with all of that, there were crafting stations for the young ones, and—heck, even the grown ones! We were making cards with pictures of David, creating “Messages in Bottles,” and even stringing together friendship bracelets! Each card and message in a bottle was saved to put into a memory book for the Salazar Girls to have and treasure—to see every day growing up how loved their dad is, not just by them, but by an entire community.
As we gathered, our Jefa took to the stage to share another beautiful tribute to her best friend and our Jefe. These are her words:
Good evening, everyone.
Yesterday, we honored David out on the water—the ocean that raised him, grounded him, and gave him so much joy. And tonight, whether you were there or this is the first time we’ve seen each other since he passed, I just want to say thank you. Truly.
This gathering feels a bit like a wedding—so many hugs to give, stories to hear, people we love in one space. Except the one person who should be standing next to me… isn’t.
David and I always said we’d go back to Bimini for our ten-year anniversary—back to the island where we pulled off a wedding no one thought was possible. But we never made it back. Life got full: building Casa Vieja Lodge, raising our daughters, pouring everything into our work and our people.
So tomorrow, I’m going back. With the girls, with family, with friends. To celebrate the man who made that promise real—and kept it every day of his life.
Because David didn’t just love the ocean—he gave something to it. He helped make Guatemala one of the most respected sportfishing destinations in the world. He mentored captains, inspired anglers, and built a fleet that didn’t just catch fish—it raised the bar. He believed in sustainability before it was popular, in loyalty before it was expected, and in the power of fishing to connect people across oceans and generations.
And what he built…is still standing. Stronger than ever.
So tonight, if I don’t get the chance to personally hug you or hear your story, please don’t take it as distance. This is hard. Moving from one beautiful memory to the next without him beside me is harder than I can explain. So if I miss you, come find me. I want to hear your story too.
Raise your hand if David ever changed your life—gave you a connection, advice, encouragement, or even just a smile on a tough day.
That’s his legacy. That’s the kind of man he was.
And that’s what we carry forward—not just in memory, but in action. In how we love, how we work, how we live.
Rest easy, Captain Salazar. You are loved. You are missed. And we’ll see you in every sunrise, every tight line, and every sparkle on the water.
‘A hui hou’—until we meet again.
There was so much love all around: in the eyes of every young one running around, in the laughs of all of David’s old friends; and in the words we spoke to each other, filled with memories, tears and reverence.
We will never stop celebrating you, Captain David Salazar. Your legacy will continue through your resilient partner, your beloved daughters, and your unwavering friendships. Descanso en Paz, Rest in Peace.
We’ve still been getting asked about how to show support or contribute in any way to David and Kristen’s four daughters.
David did not finish his schooling or attend any formal university, but he always said that he wanted his girls to be smarter than him, and had already begun saving for their higher education.
If helping with the Salazar girls’ future and further education is something you’d like to do as well, please feel free to be as generous as you’d like with either their Florida Prepaid or 529K Savings Plan for Ava, Vera, Kira, or Mika ♥
