About Me

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Dr. Bob Pletka: Educator, Avid Fisherman, and Adventurer Behind Sea Spirit Adventures

As a career educator and proud father of six grown children, I’ve always sought ways to create meaningful connections—whether in the classroom, at home, or out on the water. My love for fishing began at just 18 months old, catching smallmouth bass with my dad. That first spark ignited a lifetime of adventure, from local day trips to my first long-range fishing trip aboard the Searcher at age 13. That 5-day trip to Guadalupe Island was unforgettable. I saw the largest fish I’d ever laid eyes on—a 225 lb black sea bass—and never felt so cold as I watched great white sharks devour large tuna just as they were brought in. It was an awe-inspiring introduction to the power and mystery of the ocean.

Some of my most cherished memories are tied to fishing and travel: kayak fishing with my daughter Erin, sockeye salmon fishing on the Kenai with my son Sean, trout fishing outside Yosemite with Clare and David, or romantic escapes with my wife Katie to all-inclusive resorts in Cabo and Akumal. Whether it’s swimming with whale sharks, a Viking River cruise through the Danube, or reconnecting poolside, these moments reveal the essence of what I call Sea Spirits—the deep, almost spiritual connections we make with the water, with loved ones, and with ourselves.

Sea Spirit Adventures was born from my belief that travel and fishing are more than just hobbies—they’re transformative experiences that connect us to the world and to each other. It’s about embracing the call of the water, seeking adventure, and discovering the spirit within us that thrives in the unknown.

Join me on my journey as I share tips, stories, and insights to help you create unforgettable memories on your own adventures. Together, let’s explore what it means to embrace the Sea Spirit within us all.