The 4th annual Boca Grande Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Banquet was held on Saturday, February 23rd, and was a great success. We send a special thanks to Boca Grande Outfitters (especially manager Jason Lynn) for their many auction item donations and help organizing the event, and to The Gasparilla Inn for once again being fantastic hosts.
- From L to R, Michael Lintz and Cole Fairbanks both of True Flies, JoEllen King (juvenile tarpon resarcher) and Dr. Aaron Adams of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust accept a donation from True Flies apparel company.
This year’s event was attended by over 100 friends of tarpon, who helped raise over $20,000 to fund the juvenile tarpon habitat restoration program in Charlotte Harbor. Event attendees had a great time swapping their favorite tarpon fishing stories, and were treated to a presentation by BTT’s Director Aaron Adams who spoke about the history of the tarpon fishery in Charlotte Harbor, and the importance for today’s tarpon anglers to pass on a healthy fishery to future generations of anglers. After a summary of the results of the adult tarpon satellite tagging project that was funded by the first three banquets and fundraising efforts, a need for more attention to juvenile tarpon habitats was outlined. With so much juvenile tarpon habitat eliminated or degraded, there is a need to protect and restore coastal habitats that support juvenile tarpon. After all, juvenile tarpon are the future of the fishery.
Two highlights marked the evening. First, a presentation of the BTT Hero Award to Rick Hirsch, BTT board member and the lead organizer of the Boca Grande banquet for all four years. Rick was the originator of the event and continues to be the driving force. Second, the presentation of a check for $7,500 from True Flies, a donation to support the juvenile tarpon program. This was the second year that True Flies donated $7,500 in support of the juvenile tarpon work, and their donation has spurred others to join the cause.
