Feb, 2015: I welcomed the opportunity to escape Pittsburgh’s sub-zero temperatures to attend the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) board meeting and the Second Annual George Hommell, Jr. Florida Keys Habitat Fundraiser in Islamorada. My mother, Susie Fitzgerald, is a founding member of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. It’s a wonderful organization; making flats fishing better for all of us who enjoy pursuing bonefish, tarpon and permit.

It’s with honor that I took her place on the board a number of years ago. It’s exciting to see the dramatic growth of the research and accomplishments of this very unique organization. They are dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of global bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and their environments through stewardship, research, education and advocacy. Translation: “More Fish!”

BTT is a group of concerned anglers and guides who want to preserve their way of life. Scientists are working to answer questions about these popular and elusive gamefish. Bonefish & Tarpon Trust is this and more. It was formed in 1998 by a group of anglers, guides, and scientists in the Florida Keys who wanted to learn more about bonefish and tarpon in order to enhance their dwindling populations. Since then it has grown to include concerned anglers from over 20 countries, researchers from throughout the world. Guides committed to working with BTT in order to educate anglers and gather data while on the water are also involved. Our continued success can only be guaranteed by your generous support and that of your fellow anglers. Please help us in our mission by joining, and urging your friends, guides, captains, and fishing clubs to join.

Visit the BTT website to learn more and to contribute: bonefishtarpontrust.org

By: Mike Fitzgerald, Jr., President