If you have worked with BTT in the Florida Keys in the past year, you have likely worked with Jess in her role as technical assistant for The Florida Keys Initiative. Recently, Jess has taken the helm of BTT’s Conservation Captain Program. We interviewed Jess for this National Women’s Fly Fishing Day about the many hats she wears as a community organizer, researcher, conservationist, and accomplished fly angler.
How long have you lived in the Florida Keys?
I’ve lived in the Keys for almost 10 years. I grew up in Central Florida and moved to Key West for an internship in 2015. It was only supposed to last 10 weeks, but I loved living here so much that 10 weeks turned into 10 years!
Who taught you to fly fish?
My husband Nick is a fishing guide and has been teaching me since before I knew what a double haul was. He’s had to watch a lot of happy fish swimming away while my line was tangled up in the wrong direction. Getting casting lessons from Nathaniel Linville at The Angling Company was a huge help. And I’m still learning! It’s one of the things I love most about fly fishing – there is always something to improve or a new challenge to overcome. Every trip with a fishing guide or another angler is an opportunity to learn more, and I’m really grateful for all the incredible teachers I have had.
What’s special about fly fishing in the Keys?
I look around and think to myself at least once a day, I can’t believe I get to live (and fish) in this beautiful place. The supportive community of anglers, passionate and conservation-minded fishing guides, along with the challenge this fishery brings really makes the Keys special.
How long have you worked for BTT? What research projects have you been involved with?
I’ve been with BTT for a little over a year. I’ve assisted with research on bonefish spawning and genetics, the spinning fish reporting network, the Permit Food Web Study, and permit tagging. All of my work has been a collaboration with fishing guides. From designing the study to data collection, having the help of local fishing guides makes all the difference.
What is it like working with scientists and guides on research and conservation?
Fishing guides are our eyes and ears on the water. They are the first ones to notice when something is changing because they spend 365 days out there engaging with the fishery firsthand. Scientists then collect and organize that data to help create solutions to the challenges facing the fishery. Both fishing guides and scientists have independent knowledge and tools that, when joined together, create impactful change for the fisheries they depend on.
