Each fall, when the tide rises just right and the Lowcountry light spills across Skull Creek, something extraordinary happens on Hilton Head Island. Dozens of charter captains trade a day’s profit for something far morevaluable – the pure joy on the faces of those who might never otherwise experience the thrill of being on the water.
It’s called Fish With Friends, a one-of-a-kind fishing event for individuals with special needs. For more than three decades, the event has been the heartfelt mission of Fuzzy and Kim Davis. “Fishing has been really good to us,” said Fuzzy, owner and boat captain of Silva Dolla Charters. “We wanted to give something back. What better way than to share the experience of being out here, on the water, with people who may never have had that chance?”
Kerry Davis, Drew Davis, Fuzzy Davis and Kim Davis
The idea began in 1993, when Fuzzy was already a seasoned backwater guide with nearly a decade of experience. One afternoon, a few clients asked if he might take their special needs children along. The transformation he witnessed that day stayed with him. Children who arrived shy and quiet left grinning ear to ear.
“They lit up,” he said. “It was like seeing the sun for the first time. They loved every second of it, and we thought, ‘Wow, what if we could do this for more kids in our community?’”
The seed was planted. With Kim’s help, and a bit of encouragement from Rose Fotia of the Children’s Relief Fund, one of the island’s earliest organizations serving children with special needs, Fish With Friends was born.
“We didn’t know if anyone would come,” Kim said. “That first year we had maybe six boats and a dozen participants. But from the very beginning, it felt right.”
A group from Pockets Full of Sunshine ready to reel in the big one!
Today, the event has grown into a massive collaborative effort involving 28 boats and about 75 participants, each paired with a caregiver. The day includes two hours of fishing in the creeks and calm backwaters around Hilton Head, followed by a community picnic that rivals any island celebration.
“It’s incredible,” Fuzzy said. “We’ve got charter captains giving up one of the best fishing days of the year, completely volunteering their time. But every single one of them tells me the same thing at the end of the day: ‘Put me down for next year.’”
Gary Kashishian and Fuzzy Davis holding a sheepshead
The Evolution of a Tradition
When the Davises first began, the event was primarily for children. But over the decades, those kids have grown up, and many have never missed a year.
“We still call them ‘kids,’” Kim said. “Some of them are in their 30s now. One of our participants, Timmy Hall from Bluffton, started fishing with us when he was 5. He’s 35 now and still comes every year.”
As the children matured, so did the partnerships. Organizations like Pockets Full of Sunshine, PEP, and SOAR – each devoted to empowering adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities – have become integral to the program. While reaching children has become more challenging due to changes in school-system regulations, the Davises have embraced the event’s natural evolution.
“The heart of it hasn’t changed,” Kim said. “Whether they’re 5 or 45, it’s about giving someone the chance to feel free on the water, to experience that sense of wonder.”
Andrew and Merrill Roberson of Still Playin’ with Jeremy Hall seated left, and Paul Green, seated up front
The event launches from the Hilton Head Boathouse, where volunteers line the docks to help participants into their assigned boats. Each vessel carries a small group – no more than three or four participants plus their caregivers – to ensure a comfortable, safe experience. Once they set off into the creeks and marshes, the excitement builds.
“We do whatever bites,” Fuzzy said. “Trout, redfish, bluefish, flounder – whatever wants to play that day. Sometimes the big boats go out into the sound if it’s calm, and they’ll hook these 30-pound redfish. You should see the smiles when that happens!”
While most of the day’s catches are released, the thrill of reeling in “the big one” never gets old. Some participants keep a small trout or mackerel to take home, a tangible reminder of the day’s success.
“Honestly, they’re just as happy catching a sand dollar,” Fuzzy said. “Anything that tugs on that line is a victory.”
Jaclyn Martz holds a redfish.
A Captain’s Perspective
Among the many captains who volunteer each year is John Werner of Outside Hilton Head, who has been part of Fish With Friends for as long as he can remember.
“Just being invited to take part is a huge honor,” Werner said. “If you know Fuzzy and Kim, you know they’ve been giving to this community for a long time. Fuzzy’s one of the kindest guys on the island – always willing to teach, always ready to help. He’s just that kind of person.”
Werner said the event gives something back not only to the participants, but also to the captains themselves.
“You’re donating your time, but you’re getting so much more in return,” Werner said. “It’s not really about what you catch; it’s about the time you spend together. You’re out there sharing the joy of being on the water, and for a few hours, everybody just lets go and has fun.”
Werner also pointed out the ripple effect the event has beyond the boats. “It’s amazing for the parents too,” he said. “There’s a time when everybody just gets to let go – no stress, no limits – just laughter and sunlight and salt air. You can’t put a price on that.”
Last year, when Werner was unable to participate after the passing of his father, Fuzzy honored both men – his own friend Frank Fowler and Werner’s father – by printing their names on that year’s event T-shirt.
“He didn’t have to do that,” Werner said. “That’s just who he is. That’s what this family and this event are all about. It brings out the best in everyone.”
No one captures the deep-rooted spirit of Fish With Friends quite like Collins Doughtie, whose family moved to Hilton Head in 1961, long before the island became a bustling destination.
“Our home was the eighth house in Sea Pines,” he said. “I’m an original islander, and I’ve always been addicted to fishing and the ocean.”
Jonah Zagahri, Brian Sanniota, and Jacob Eddy hold a large black drum.
Doughtie, who introduced Fuzzy to Kim decades ago, has been part of the event since its earliest days. His connection to one participant in particular, Riley Lewis, has spanned more than three decades.
“I’ve taken the same kid for 32 years,” Doughtie said. “Riley was about 6 when we started, and now he’s in his 30s. We’ve stayed in touch all these years, and he’s always pumped to fish in this event.”
For Doughtie, Fish With Friends isn’t just a day of giving back. It’s a tradition that celebrates friendship, mentorship, and the timeless joy of being out on the water. “I love teaching new boaters,” he said. “This event is a reminder of why we all fell in love with these waters in the first place.”
Everyone’s a Winner
Unlike most fishing tournaments, Fish With Friends isn’t about competition. Every participant receives a trophy, a T-shirt, and a hat, donated by generous local sponsors like AFTCO Tackle, Cousins Dental, and with help from Steve Hughes and the Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory.
“It’s a fishing event, not a tournament,” Kim said. “Nobody’s comparing what they caught. They’re all cheering for each other, and that’s what makes it so special.”
The fishing itself lasts about two hours, but by the end of that time, there’s always one question echoing from the boats: When’s the picnic? “They know the picnic is a big deal,” Fuzzy said. “That’s when the feast begins.”
The post-fishing picnic is hosted and donated by Skull Creek Boathouse, led by partner Rob Jordan, with Chef Brad Blake and Kristen Benoit, director of catering, providing an impressive cookout spread, complete with desserts, sodas, and all the fixings. Not only do they feed the captains, volunteers, and participants, but they invite the participants’ families as well.
“We have been a proud supporter of Fish With Friends since 2010, when SERG opened Skull Creek Boathouse,” Jordan said. “When the boats come in from fishing, everyone gathers for lunch at Sunset Pavilion, prepared by our catering crew. The fish stories and pictures of their catch are shared by the participants, their parents, and the boat captains. It truly is a special day to see how much joy this event brings to all involved.”
Jordan added that Fish With Friends also introduced him and SERG to Pockets Full of Sunshine, expanding their partnership with the local special needs community even further. “It’s been a blessing for our team,” he said. “Every year, we leave with full hearts.”
The Boathouse staff also shuts down their busy boat ramp for the day to ensure safe loading and unloading for participants. Golf carts shuttle guests between cars and docks, and volunteers line the area to help wherever needed.
“It’s truly a community effort,” Kim said. “From the captains to the servers, everyone gives so much of themselves. You can feel the love.”
Supporting Cast
No Fish With Friends celebration would be complete without Lollipop the Clown, known offstage as Christine DeLong, who has been part of the event for 25 years. A professional clown for more than four decades, DeLong brings not only her bright costumes and balloon animals, but a contagious joy that lights up the dock.
“Seeing my Fish With Friends friends each year is indeed a cherished time,” she said. “I bring sunshine, lollipops, and the famous Wagon Full of Fun. My favorite part is seeing forever friends and meeting new friends. The special needs guests look for me every year, just like I do them.” Her presence is as much a part of the tradition as the fishing itself.
That sense of connection is exactly what Mandy Jimenez, director of dry storage and the bait and tackle shop at the Hilton Head Boathouse, treasures most about the event. “Fishing With Friends is just another example of this wonderful community we are so blessed to live in,” she said. “Our fishing community is extraordinary. The captains, the families – everyone is so genuine. It’s one of the highlights of my year.”
Having known the Davis family through her work and through carrying Pockets Full of Sunshine merchandise at the Boathouse, Jimenez has seen firsthand how the day brings people together. “Your face hurts by the end of the event from constant smiling and laughter,” she said. “On this day, no one is left out. Everyone cheers each other on, and so many beautiful friendships and memories are made. Your cup will be so full and overflowing after spending the day with these amazing humans.”
From those first six boats to today’s 28, the ripple effect of Fish With Friends reaches far beyond the docks of Hilton Head Island. Participants return year after year; caregivers find community; and volunteers often describe it as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
“You can’t put a price on what it gives back to you,” Fuzzy said. “Seeing those smiles – it’s worth more than any charter you could ever book.”
The legacy of Fish With Friends lives not just in the joy of one beautiful day each year, but in the lifelong friendships, family traditions, and the unspoken bond between those who call Hilton Head home.
