“I’m coming,” was the response I received when I sent my mentor and dear friend, Capt. Jimmy Zavacky an inReach message that I was taking on water in heavy seas 45 miles from home. I knew he was somewhere behind me and wanted him to know my situation. When I saw his response, I trusted he was doing just that, coming to help. That was simply who he was, a man of his word, who would help in any way he could and he did for me and my crew that day.
The LBI fishing community lost one of its finest back on September 18 with Capt. Jimmy’s passing. Anyone who knew him or had the pleasure of just brushing by him was immediately touched by his infectious good humor, joyful attitude and beaming smile. He would take time to shake your hand, ask how you were and then dive into fishing, telling you where, when and how on anything offshore, and listening to what you had to offer. I can’t think of a single time that anyone in the fishing community had anything but admiration and respect for Capt. Jimmy. Like a modern day E.F. Hutton, when he spoke about fishing offshore, we all listened; actually, when he spoke about anything, we all listened.
My first “real” offshore trip was with Capt. Jimmy and his son Patrick. It was an incredible experience and one that hooked me on offshore tuna fishing. Because of that trip I bought my first offshore capable boat and decided to learn as much as possible from the incredible group of captains that I had come to bond with on LBI. The Zavacky’s were always available to discuss fishing and the latest intel. A call would never go unanswered or fail to be returned to discuss an upcoming trip. Jimmy had “numbers” for everywhere and would never hesitate to share while telling me ”shhhh” as he smiled widely.
Capt. Jimmy had a huge influence on kids learning to work as first mates on charter boats, as he volunteered his time and his boat the Reel Determined to teaching the correct way to fish, handle a boat and understand the nuances associated with both. He tirelessly mentored the kids in the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association’s Junior Mates program. Through his unique teaching style, young men and ladies were blessed to get to know and learn from one of the best, leaving them with a better understanding of themselves and how fishing could be such a positive outlet in their lives.
The Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association and the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna club were fortunate enough to have Capt. Jimmy on their respective boards in various positions. His wisdom and ability to listen to multiple viewpoints while sharing his ideas helped both fishing organizations serve their members well, over the years. Through the Zavacky family’s support and participation, the White Marlin Invitational Tournament was certainly enhanced and has grown year over year. The Zavacky family is and always has been an integral part of the tournament and the club as a whole. It will take some getting used to, to not see our friend and mentor smiling and walking around the club, smiling and ready to share fish stories.
A husband, father, grandfather, brother, mentor and friend has moved on, leaving a spot that will never completely be filled. Please keep his incredible family in your thoughts. For anyone who had the privilege of getting to know Capt. Jimmy, remember all of the times you got some bit of wisdom that helped you land that fish, the broad smile that made you smile back and that feeling of just being around that wonderful man, leaving you just a little better of person.
The author owns Jingles Bait & Tackle and runs the Miss Beach Haven.
