[dropcap]P[/dropcap]robably the coolest aspect of this fundraiser was listening to arguably the greatest Florida Keys guide ever to live, tell stories about what it was like back then and sadly what it is like now. Nobody gets more respect than Steve Huff and to hear him tell the packed room of extremely well traveled and accomplished anglers how he had lost a part of his heart in experiencing the decline of the keys fishery really hit home for me.
Captain Steve Huff imparting wisdom (photo by Brendan McCarthy)
He has fished those waters as much as and more successfully than anyone ever, and so his comments are extremely valuable. Furthered by the excellent presentations by Dr. Gerald Ault and Aarron Adams, the information conveyed was both distressing and hopeful. Keys’ bonefish are in trouble, and there is one group doing something about, The Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. The heartfelt discussion that transpired in that little midtown club hit home for most everyone in the room and translated to many dollars raised for the cause. I could crassly estimate the amount raised, but let’s just say we, as a group, bought a lot of research, tags, transponders and most of all, hope… hope that we can continue to connect the dots and learn more about these relatively unstudied species.
BTT is indeed connecting the dots. Throughout the evening Sandy Moret, Tim Borski, Paul Dixon, Ted Jurassic, and Bob Rich brought to life so many great stories of beauty and adventure on the famous flats of the Florida Keys and Florida Bay. Please take the opportunity to find out more about what the BTT is doing to help ensure that the glorious species are given the dignity and future they deserve, so that our grandchildren can again experience their magic. Read more about BTT’s Florida Keys initiative.
Monte Burke’s article for Garden & Gun outlined the evening’s highlight’s in his usual eloquent style and is definitely worth reading.
Packed house for a great cause (photo by Brendan McCarthy)
