The Psychedelic Fisherman-Jimmy Armel

01/02/2025

Under the Cover of Night

There’s something about heading offshore in the cover of darkness that stirs memories deep within me. It takes me back to my days in Ranger Battalion, when we would load the birds in the middle of the night—aircraft filled with the world’s most lethal infantrymen, moving silently, purposefully. We were a brotherhood, united by a mission: to deliver justice to the most evil humans that have ever walked this earth.

The night was always alive with its own energy. The hum of engines, the weight of the gear, and the steady resolve in our hearts. We moved with purpose, knowing the stakes were high and the cost even higher. It was in those moments I learned what it truly meant to trust, to fight, and to sacrifice for something far greater than myself.

Now, as I guide my boat into the vast expanse of the ocean under the same quiet darkness, I feel that same resolve, that same sense of mission. Out here, it’s not about taking life—it’s about honoring it. Honoring my fallen brothers. Honoring the men who gave everything for each other, for our country, and for the ideals we held sacred.

The night carries their memories. It’s a time for reflection, for gratitude, and for carrying their legacies forward. Whether it’s tagging a great white shark in their honor or bringing a veteran on the water to help heal wounds that aren’t always visible, the mission continues.

To those who were there, and to those who still fight the battles within: You are not alone. The night reminds me of that. Every time.

12/25/2024

Merry 🎅 Christmas🎄 everyone! Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus who gave his life on the cross to save us from our sins. How fortunate are we, to be loved so much? How fortunate are we to loved ones to share this day and other special times with? How fortunate are we to breathe air in our lungs on this beautiful morning? Words of positivity and hopes such as these use to make my skin crawl. I hated myself so much, I would lash out at things close to me, I would hope others were as miserable or more miserable than myself. All because I didn’t like the man in the mirror. After a tough childhood, troubled teenage/young adult years and my early adulthood spent in combat, my brain and my soul were broken. While I never lost my faith in God, I lost all faith in myself. These both can fall into the same category since God lives in all of us. I had created my own prison inside of my head. I was looking outward for happiness and could not find it and was ready to give up and give myself to the ocean. After a lot of crying and praying, I fully surrendered to Jesus, something I thought I had done but in all actuality, I had not. Over the next couple months God let me to Ambio Life Sciences where I took ibogaine and 5-MEO-DMT. It took these medicines for me to feel God’s love like never before and for Him to show me my life’s purpose which is to help others (sometimes we find ourselves helping non veterans as well) and everyday since has been nothing short of TRUE INTERNAL HAPPINESS.
I share this becuase Christmas isn’t pleasant for everyone. Reach out to someone who maybe feeling the holiday blues. Not just today, but next week, next month and so on. You never know, you might just inspire them to fine the happiness that lives inside of them. Even if you don’t get the response that you would prefer, let them know they are not forgotten. And if you’re hurting, please reach out. 540-535-8426
Thank you to everyone that supports what we do here at Knot Lucky Fishing. Star brite Solutions and Gray FishTag Research for supplying the tags. Ryan Fowler of Leak Seekers, Jimmy Bell and Shelia Dudley of 1st Ranger Battalion Sua Sponte Foundation, Galbreath Heating & Air Edwards Interiors, Ambio Life Sciences and Star Tron Fuel Treatment. Special thanks to Fletch Dornau of Starbrite who is also like a big brother/mentor, this all started from an idea in a swimming pool and Turner Austin Burwick of Starbrite who works harder than most and is always full of ideas. And most importantly my momma Barbara Salyer. I love you momma.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

12/22/2024

Meet Skeeter, Knot Lucky’s CEO

When Skeeter isn’t busy waiting for treats and belly rubs, you can usually find him napping on the bean bag with the crew, overseeing operations from his favorite spot.

Skeeter joined our family about 7-8 years ago, and life hasn’t been the same since. He’s brought so much joy, laughter, and unconditional love into our lives. At 12-13 years young, this spry, happy pup keeps us all smiling every day.

He may not bait hooks or reel in the big ones, but he’s an essential part of Knot Lucky’s mission and spirit. Here’s to Skeeter, the real MVP! 🐾

12/20/2024

On Veteran’s Day the amazing folks at Service Brewing gave Eric Cox and I some hockey tickets. At the game we met Miss Carol. I talk about Knot Lucky Fishing everywhere I go so folks don’t forget about the struggles that veterans face on a daily basis. Carol told me about “roll up blankets with a built in pillow” fabricated out of plastic bags which means they wont mold and are easily repaiable. She asked if we could get them to homeless vets in Savannah and I told her I had the perfect man for the job. I hit up Bad Luck Ben and he hit downtown and got over a dozen of these roll up blankets to our local homeless vets. Thank you Service Brewing, Miss Carol and Bad Luck Ben for being outstanding humans that care about others and show it. 🇺🇸🎣🤙🏾

12/19/2024

On December 26, 2023 Eric and I had the honor of tagging and naming a great white shark after Army Ranger Kevin Pape. Kevin was taken from us during the same mission where Eric was shot in the face. Kevin was the epitome of a Ranger’s Ranger—steadfast, courageous, and a true leader.

This shark, tagged just off Tybee Island, carries Kevin’s name to honor his legacy and remind us of the sacrifices made by our brothers. Six months later, the tag surfaced off Norfolk, Virginia, providing invaluable data and continuing Kevin’s story in a way that feels deeply meaningful.

Kevin’s memory lives on in our hearts, in the work we do, and now, in the waters these majestic creatures call home. Rest easy, Ranger. We’ll keep running towards the fight.

12/15/2024

At Knot Lucky, Fishing is Just the Beginning

At Knot Lucky, we catch a lot of fish for our veterans—but fishing is the smallest part of what we do. We are so much more than rods, reels, and the thrill of the catch. We are a family. A family that looks out for each other, helps each other, and most importantly, loves each other.

The saltwater has a way of welding bonds as tight as those forged on the battlefield. Out there, when the waves crash and the salt stings, you remember what it’s like to rely on your brothers and sisters, to laugh together, to heal together.

True healing happens when we look out for one another—when we put love, trust, and connection above everything else. Knot Lucky is not just an organization or a team. It’s made up of warriors who would lay it all on the line for each other.

At Knot Lucky, we’re family first.

12/14/2024

There’s something magical about those early morning hours, setting the boat up in the dark and cold, knowing you’ve got 80 miles to cover before you hit the fishing grounds. The stars are still shooting across the sky, and for a moment, it’s just you, the ocean, and the anticipation of what’s to come.

Then the horizon starts to glow, the first rays of the sun breaking through, painting the sky in hues that remind you why you chase these moments. The spread is set. The lines are out. And then—BAM! That first fish hits. The drag screams, cutting through the stillness. The man in the cockpit is barking instructions, and the captain is yelling, not out of chaos, but out of pure adrenaline and joy.

This is why we fish. For the moments that make you feel alive, connected to something greater. For the stories told around the dock and the ones you carry with you for a lifetime.

The ocean gives, and we chase. Every trip, every sunrise, every fish. This is the dream.

12/01/2024

Chris Henry, former USMC, is hooked up on another kingfish! We couldn’t do what we do without the support from the great folks at Ambio Life Sciences and The Sua Sponte Foundation. We have the best supporters that we could ever ask for. Thank you to EVERYONE who has donated to us or simply said a prayer for us. We appreciate you 🙏🏾🫶🏾

11/25/2024

In 2007, my buddy Dan and I deployed to Iraq together. We shared the highs, the lows, and everything in between during that time. Over 15 years later, life has a way of bringing people back together, and I couldn’t be happier that Dan is back in my life, now helping out with Knot Lucky.

It’s incredible to see how time and purpose can reconnect people who’ve shared such meaningful experiences. Dan’s been a huge help, pouring his heart into the mission of Knot Lucky, and it’s a reminder of the bonds we built all those years ago.

Grateful for you, brother—both for what we went through back then and for what we’re building together now. Here’s to making a difference and keeping those connections strong!

11/24/2024

When you’ve been a REALLY good boy all year, and all you want for Christmas is this ferocious robo-shark to add to your collection. 🎅🦈

I mean, look at it—glowing red eyes, real shark movements, and a mission to ‘stalk prey.’ What more could a grown man obsessed with great whites possibly ask for? Forget socks or cologne—this bad boy is the ultimate gift.

Tagging great whites on the ocean? Been there. Done that. But tagging a robo-shark in the snack aisle? That’s next-level dedication. Santa, if you’re listening, I promise to keep being good if this ends up under the tree this year. Just sayin’.

11/23/2024

🎣 Kings on Deck with Our Heroes 🇺🇸

What a day to remember! We hit the water with some incredible veterans, and the ocean did not disappoint. The rods were bending, the reels were screaming, and before we knew it, the deck was stacked with a limit of kingfish.

It wasn’t just about the fish—it was about the camaraderie, the laughs, and the chance to share this unforgettable experience with those who have given so much for all of us. Days like this remind us why we do what we do.

To every veteran on board today: Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, and your strength. We’re honored to have shared this adventure with you. And to all our supporters and sponsors who make these trips possible, you’re the true MVPs. Together, we’re proving that healing happens in many ways—and sometimes, it starts with a rod in hand and saltwater in the air.

Until the next adventure, tight lines and good vibes!

11/21/2024

“Kingfish Frenzy with Our Nation’s Heroes”

Tuesday was one for the books—a day of relentless action and memories etched in salt spray and laughter. I had the honor of taking a group of veterans offshore for an epic kingfishing adventure, and let me tell you, the bite was on fire—something I haven’t witnessed since 2019.

The day started early, with lines in the water just as the first rays of light broke the horizon. The air was electric with anticipation, and within minutes, the reels were screaming. These weren’t just any fish; these were big, mean kings, testing the limits of every rod, reel, and veteran aboard.

The excitement was palpable as every hookup turned into a battle. These warriors, who’ve faced some of life’s toughest challenges, poured that same grit and determination into every fight. Rods bent, drags screamed, and fish after fish came aboard, their iridescent scales gleaming in the sun.

We swapped service stories between runs, shared laughter, and marveled at the ocean’s bounty. Each fish brought high-fives and fist bumps, a reminder that days like these are about more than just the catch. They’re about camaraderie, healing, and finding peace in the saltwater.

By the end of the day, the deck was bloodied, the cooler was packed, and the stories were endless. The ocean showed us her best, and the veterans gave it their all. Days like this remind me why we do what we do. It’s not just about fishing; it’s about giving back to those who’ve given everything.

Here’s to more epic days, screaming reels, and tight lines. And to our heroes—thank you for your service, your spirit, and for letting me share the stoke with you on the water. Until the next run!

11/14/2024

Wow

Public outrage calling for a de-franchising of Firehouse Subs in Pooler after an incident on Veterans Day went viral.

11/14/2024

Yesterday, Bad Luck Ben was back at it again, battling 30mph wind gusts out on the Tybee Pier. No matter the conditions, he’s been relentless in his pursuit, pulling in more of these beautiful bull redfish! Sometimes, it’s the roughest days that bring the best rewards. Never underestimate the determination of a guy who’s earned the nickname “Bad Luck”—he’s been on fire lately. Keep after it, brother!

11/13/2024

🎣🐟 The One That Got Away... 🐟🎣

Every angler has that story about the one that slipped through their fingers, and today was our turn. This fish hit like a freight train, ripping off over 300 feet of line against 12lbs of drag like it was nothing! 🚂🎣

He hit a whole mullet we were reeling in from the bottom, grabbing it mid-water column. After a solid few minutes of an intense tug-of-war, changing directions like a master escape artist... he was gone. Just like that—line went slack, and all we could do was stare in disbelief. 😳😩

So, here’s the question for all the fish whisperers out there: What do you think it was? Big kingfish? Amberjack? Maybe even something toothier? 🦈🤔 Drop your guesses in the comments!

11/12/2024

🎣🐟 Hungry 'Cuda on the First Pass! 🐟🎣

Talk about an aggressive strike—this barracuda inhaled the lure like it hadn't eaten in days! 🦈⚡️ Bad Luck Ben was on the reel, and with Eric “Pockets the G-Mate” Cox behind the camera, we captured every second of the chaos. 📸🔥

Crazy thing is, we thought we were in for a hot bite after that first pass, but after landing this beast, it was like someone flipped a switch. 🛑🐟 Not a single bite for what felt like an eternity... So, we pushed out a bit deeper and finally found where the fish were hiding. 💪

Ended the day with an epic bite—snapper and amberjacks exploding on topwaters like it was their last meal! 🐠💥 Nothing better than turning a slow day into a banger finish!

11/06/2024

There’s nothing quite like the sound of a drag screaming—whether I’m fishing from land or out on the boat, it gets me every time. That pull, the thrill, the moment you feel that power on the line—it never gets old.

If you’re a veteran and want to get out there and experience it too, hit me up at 540-535-8426. Let’s make it happen. Nothing better than good company, the open water, and the unforgettable sound of a fish on the line. 🇺🇸🎣🤙🏾