BONEFISH AND TARPON TRUST SYMPOSIUM 2017
The 6th annual Bonefish and Tarpon Trust Symposium took place a few days ago in Weston Florida.
The symposium is a gathering of people who like to fish and an opportunity for the BTT to explain their research and current projects, while inviting the industry to do the same. It is a relaxed, fun environment and an excellent time to hobnob with like minded people and professionals in the field of fly fishing. It was our first visit to the symposium and we were impressed with the amount of information available and the low cost of admission. We sat in on the permit panel of 12 notable anglers and guides considered to be experts in the field. There were talks about fishing for bonefish, current bonefish research, relevant legislation and of course lots of tarpon talk.
There was a long list of notable anglers, industry professionals, guides and manufactures in a relaxed social setting and accessible to all attendees. Andy Mill was hanging out telling some of the great stories he is known for just before he did his talk in the auditorium. Andy Mill is a legend both on and off the skiff and it was a real treat to spend some time with him.
Drew Chicone was tying flies and had a preview of his new three part book called Top Saltwater Flies. Three books in the series, one for permit, one for bonefish and one for tarpon. We got to check them out and were impressed by the quality of the publication and thoughtfulness. It’s actually a ring bound book that can lay flat or sit on a stand while tying….definitely designed by a true fly tyer. Strong work Drew!
Enrico Puglisi has still got it. He was tying flies and impressing attendees as he has for decades, aside from his salt and pepper hair becoming a little more salt than pepper, he is as creative and talented as ever.
Tom Rosenbauer & Shawn Combs of Orvis were there with demo models of the new Helios 3 for everyone to try out. This was a big hit as so many anglers wanted to try the most accurate rod on the planet (their words, not ours). They presented their research and development process for the new rod during the first day and packed in the day one participants.
We highly recommend getting involved next year.
