After a long year apart, angling legends, industry leaders, and BTT members and friends reunited at the Cheeca Lodge & Spa in Islamorada, Florida, on April 22 to induct Captain Bob Branham and the late Captain Bill Curtis into the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Circle of Honor. Capt. Braham was introduced by lifelong friend, author Carl Hiaasen, and Capt. Tim Klein. Chico Fernandez and BTT Advisory Council member Pat Ford shared remarks about his friend and mentor, Capt. Curtis. The event benefitted the BTT George Hommell Florida Keys Habitat Fund.
Trevor Gowdy, son of the late BTT Founding Member Curt Gowdy, shared the following remarks.
I have fished with these pioneers the majority of my life; no two deserve this honor more than Captain Bill Curtis and Captain Bob Branham. We lost the Dean of flats fishing when Bill passed, but luckily for all of us, Bob Branham emerged on the scene decades ago and pushed the envelope of our beloved sport to a new and unprecedented level. Tireless, teacher, friend and a " gentleman's guide," Bob remolded the words "professional guide" into a whole other dimension. He earned every single fish he caught with all of his clients/friends. I am lucky to have fished with him for so long, honored actually, as he constantly raised all of our abilities and knowledge to dizzying heights.
I always said Bill Curtis will come back as a bonefish and Bob will come back someday as that powerful tarpon. My heartfelt congratulations to, Bob, on this great honor, and thank you for so many decades of your personal flies (I took a few!), tips and lessons. You are the best by far at what you do and you have the respect of so many anglers in this expansive world.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust
2937 SW 27th Avenue Suite 203
Miami, FL 33133
