Freediving for Dinner: A Day in the Water with Captain Tony Young
There’s something about spearfishing that demands you be fully present. The moment you drop into the water, the noise of the world fades. All that exists is your breath, your surroundings, and whatever lies beneath.
That’s why I was drawn to this story.
For this episode of Chasing Passion, I headed down to the Florida Keys to meet up with my friend Captain Tony Young—a freediver, spearfishing guide, and conservationist who spends more time underwater than most of us do on land. The goal was simple: film a day in the life of someone who lives and breathes the ocean, and maybe bring home dinner in the process.
We left the dock just after sunrise, loaded up with gear, cameras, and coffee, joined by my friend and fellow filmmaker Austin. Tony navigated us through the mangroves, pointing out how the ecosystem works—how every fish we chase on the reef starts its life back in the roots and shadows of those tangled trees. That was the first reminder: Tony’s not just a hunter, he’s a steward.
Our first dive was in about 40 feet of clear, turquoise water. Tony geared up, took a long, steady breath, and disappeared beneath the surface. He dropped down like he was born there—quiet, controlled, completely at ease. A few minutes later, he surfaced, calm as ever.
“There’s a point when you’re down there where you forget you’re diving,” Tony told me. “It’s not about the fish anymore—it’s just about being in the moment.”
Watching him move underwater is like watching someone dance. There’s no aggression in it. It’s all timing, patience, instinct.
I eventually put the camera down and picked up the speargun myself. After four years out of the water, I missed my first shot on a snapper. No surprise there. But Tony gave me another chance, and I eventually landed a lionfish—a small but meaningful win. They're invasive, they’re disruptive to the reef, and they’re delicious. A perfect beginner’s target.
Throughout the day, Tony kept the vibe light and the focus intentional. We talked about his work, his philosophy on food, and his passion for protecting Florida’s waters.
“The way we get our food matters,” he said. “This meal only took a few gallons of fuel. It came from right here, just a few miles from where we’ll eat it.”
We ended the day back at the dock, sunburnt and salty, with fresh fish on the grill and a cold beer in hand. There’s no better feeling.
This wasn’t just a fishing trip. It was a reminder of the kind of life I want to live—close to the water, connected to the moment, surrounded by people who care deeply about what they do.
Tony’s story is one of passion, purpose, and deep respect for the ocean. And I’m honored I got to help tell it.
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Watch the full episode of Chasing Passion: Spearfishing with Captain Tony Young → https://youtu.be/Rkn0iZZnW2s?si=V8yOQjUzVHV-_bmO
Learn more about ocean conservation and sustainable food → captainsforcleanwater.org