Bonefish & Tarpon Trust will host its 13th Annual Florida Keys Dinner & Circle of Honor Inductions on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida. One of BTT’s signature events, the evening brings together fishing guides, BTT partners, and the angling community to celebrate our conservation leaders and support BTT’s efforts to restore the Florida Keys’ iconic flats fishery.
BTT will honor veteran South Florida fishing guide Captain Carl Ball and the late Captain Jose Wejebe, who will be enshrined in the BTT Circle of Honor in recognition of their lasting impact on flats fisheries conservation.
Captain Ball will receive the Flats Stewardship Award and BTT will posthumously recognize Captain Wejebe with the Curt Gowdy Memorial Media Award.
The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and a brief program highlighting BTT’s work and accomplishments in the Florida Keys. Event proceeds will benefit the BTT George Hommell Florida Keys Habitat Fund, which supports local conservation efforts.
Space for this special event is limited, so register today.
Captain Ball has played a leading role in tagging and tracking bonefish, tarpon, and permit for BTT, contributing critical data through dart tags, acoustic tags, and DNA sampling. To date, Ball has dart-tagged 180 permit—the most of any guide—and 321 bonefish, ranking third overall. His efforts, along with those of his clients, have significantly advanced scientific understanding of flats species and supported improved fisheries management. A vocal advocate for healthy habitat and water quality, Ball speaks candidly about the loss of seagrass and declining fish populations, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and restore the Everglades and South Florida’s coastal ecosystems.
Captain Wejebe left an indelible mark on the world of sport-fishing and outdoor media as the creator and host of Spanish Fly. Debuting on ESPN2 in 1995, the program followed Wejebe’s fishing adventures across the globe, reaching millions of viewers and transcending traditional angling audiences. His passion inspired countless viewers to embrace the outdoors while fostering a lasting appreciation for marine conservation. Beyond his professional achievements, Wejebe was committed to giving back through charitable organizations including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Wounded Warriors, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Following his tragic death in 2012, his daughter Krissy, along with friends and colleagues, established the Jose Wejebe Memorial Foundation to honor his legacy of conservation, education, and making fishing dreams come true.
6 PM on Thursday, April 16, 2026
Cheeca Lodge & Spa
81801 Overseas Hwy, Islamorada, FL 33036
For accommodations at Cheeca Lodge & Spa for the night of April 16, 2026, please book directly through the following booking link or by calling 1-844-489-9664, selecting option 1 for new reservations, and providing the group code 9719 when speaking with our central reservation team. The cutoff date to book at Cheeca Lodge & Spa is Tuesday, March 17th.
If you are looking to reserve additional room nights, we recommend calling the resort directly.
For accommodations at Hadley House, one mile away from the event venue, please follow this link or call (877) 881-8951 and reference Bonefish and Tarpon Trust. The cutoff date to book at Hadley House is Wednesday, April 1st.
