Photo: Paul Dabill
8th INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM
Table of Contents
Board of Directors, National Advisory Council, Honorary Trustees, Symposium Committee
Welcome............................................................................................
Symposium Sponsors...............................................................................................
What’s Happening at the Symposium
Quick Reference: the Symposium at the Symposium at a Glance........................................................................
Circle of Honor Inductions.................................................................
Panel Discussions
Property Map...................................................................................
The newly protected bonefish pre-spawning aggregation site discovered by BTT in Biscayne National Park. Photo: Ian Wilson
Board of Directors Officers
Carl Navarre, Chairman of the Board Islamorada, Florida
Evan Carruthers, Vice Chairman of the Board Maple Plain, Minnesota
Jim McDuffie, President and CEO Miami, Florida
John Davidson, Treasurer Atlanta, Georgia
John D. Johns, Secretary Birmingham, Alabama
Emeritus
Tom Davidson, Founding Chairman Emeritus Key Largo, Florida
Harold Brewer, Chairman Emeritus Key Largo, Florida
Russ Fisher, Founding Vice Chairman Emeritus Key Largo, Florida
Bill Horn, Vice Chairman Emeritus Marathon, Florida
Symposium Committee
John Abplanalp
Dan Berger
Jake Drees
Mike Fitzgerald
Jeff Harkavy
Larkin Jed
Christopher Jordan
Jot Owens
Tim O’Brien
Clarke Ohrstrom
Al Perkinson
Peter Markano
Robert Neher
T. Edward Nickens
Board Members
John Abplanalp
Stamford, Connecticut
Rich Andrews
Denver, Colorado
Stu Apte
Tavernier, Florida
Rodney Barreto
Coral Gables, Florida
Adolphus A. Busch IV
Ofallon, Missouri
Ali Gentry Flota
Richmond, Virginia
Dr. Tom Frazer
Tampa, Florida
Jeff Harkavy
Coral Springs, Florida
Dr. Jennifer Rehage
Miami, Florida
Vaughn Roberts
Nassau, Bahamas
Kris Rockwell
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Rick Ruoff
Willow Creek, Montana
Adelaide Skoglund
Key Largo, Florida
Noah Valenstein
Tallahassee, Florida
Doug Kilpatrick
Summerland, Florida
Jerry Klauer
New York, New York
Dr. Michael Larkin
St. Petersburg, Florida
Thorpe McKenzie Chattanooga, Tennessee
Ambrose Monell
New York, New York
Sandy Moret Islamorada, Florida
Tim O’Brien
Harlingen, Texas
Clarke Ohrstrom
The Plains, Virginia
Dr. Jennifer Rehage
Miami, Florida
Vaughn Roberts Nassau, Bahamas
Kris Rockwell
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Rick Ruoff
Willow Creek, Montana
Adelaide Skoglund
Key Largo, Florida
Noah Valenstein
Tallahassee, Florida
Kris Rockwell
Rick Ruoff
Heather Templeton
Noah Valenstein
Albert White
Krissy Wiborg
National Advisory Council
Dan Berger
Key West, Florida
Bob Branham
Plantation, Florida
Paul Dixon
East Hampton, New York
Chris Dorsey
Littleton, Colorado
Chico Fernandez
Miami, Florida
Mike Fitzgerald
Wexford, PA
Pat Ford
Miami, Florida
Christopher Jordan
McLean, Virginia
Bill Klyn Jackson, Wyoming
Clint Packo
Littleton, Colorado
Mitch Menendez
Portland, Oregon
Jon Olch
Park City, Utah
Chris Peterson
Titusville, Florida
Steve Reynolds
Memphis, Tennessee
Jay Robertson
Vero Beach, FL
Bill Stroh
Miami, Florida
Krissy Hewes Wiborg Miami, Florida
Welcome to Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s 8th International Science Symposium!
Your participation in this triennial event highlights our shared commitment to conserving and restoring the flats fishery and the ecosystem that supports it. Over these two days, leaders and experts from across the flats fishing community—including marine scientists, resource managers, industry professionals, partner organizations, veteran guides, and top anglers—will come together to share insights, build partnerships, and support vital efforts to improve water quality, conserve and restore critical habitats, and advance responsible fishery management.
BTT’s 8th International Science Symposium focuses on critical fishery issues from the perspective of landscape conservation—an approach that tackles water quality issues and habitat loss at the largest and most meaningful scales possible, connecting lands and waters across county, state, and even international boundaries. Such a holistic approach is necessary to ensure the effective conservation of habitats that sustain healthy bonefish, tarpon, and permit populations.
The program features science presentations and panels by BTT, collaborating scientists, resource managers, and stakeholders on important research and conservation topics, including the growing and urgent need for habitat conservation and restoration, the dramatic rise in shark-angler interactions on the flats, and the ways in which science and collaboration with the angling community are informing improved management for bonefish, tarpon, and permit in the United States, The Bahamas, Belize, and Mexico, and the wider region.
We also invite you to attend the fishing clinics featuring renowned guides and anglers, who will share their winning strategies for success
on the flats. And don’t miss the popular panels on bonefish, tarpon, and permit that bring together anglers and scientists for insightful discussions about the present and the future of the flats fishery.
The fishing and boating industries play an essential role in conservation and provide vital support to BTT’s mission. We’re proud to count many of the leading brands among our closest partners and Symposium sponsors. Industry representatives will be on hand throughout the twoday event to discuss their latest products and innovations, and share stories of their corporate commitment to conservation.
As in the past, BTT’s International Science Symposium is a celebration of our angling community. This year’s event features an awards banquet honoring our Circle of Honor inductees—BTT Founding Member Jeff Harkavy, acclaimed artist Tim Borski, and Chris and Wendi Peterson, the owners of Hell’s Bay Boatworks—for their many contributions to the conservation of our shared flats fishery. The special evening will also feature a tribute to the late Flip Pallot, a member of BTT’s Circle of Honor. The Symposium concludes on Saturday evening with a cocktail reception where history, insight, and unforgettable stories will converge at the Legends Panel. Join host T. Edward Nickens, Garden & Gun contributing editor, for a lively discussion with luminaries of the flats fishing world: Chico Fernandez, Steve Huff, Andy Mill, and Sandy Moret.
We hope the next two days leave you informed, inspired, and energized— and that you return to the flats with renewed dedication to protecting and conserving our fisheries. On behalf of the BTT Board and staff, thank you for your continued interest and support of our mission.
Carl Navarre | Chairman of the Board
Jim McDuffie | President and CEO
to
BTT is working with Florida Keys fishing guides
study changes in the food web that is critical to permit and other flats species. Photo: Pat Ford
SYMPOSIUM SPONSORS
WHATS HAPPENING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6
2:00pm – 6:00pm Early Registration
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
All Day REGISTRATION
8:30am – 12:00pm Science Session: Science-Based Conservation
8:45am – 9:30am Bonefish Panel including Brandon Cyr, Drex Rolle, Carl Ball, Dr. Ross Boucek, and Richard Black
9:30am – 10:00am Backcountry Clinic with Steve and Dustin Huff
1:00pm – 1:30pm Light Tackle Fishing Clinic with Chico Fernandez
1:45pm – 5:00pm Science Session: Collaborative Science and Conservation
5:00pm – 6:00pm Guide & Scientist Collaborative Social
6:00pm – 9:00pm BTT Circle of Honor Awards Dinner with Jeff Harkavy, Tim Borski, Chris and Wendi Peterson Tribute to Flip Pallot
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
8:30am – 12:00pm Science Session: Tarpon Conservation
11:00pm –12:00pm Habitat Restoration Panel including Matt Kenworthy, Dennis Garbutt, Ralna Lewis, Jorge Cerón, Rashema Ingraham, Michael Steinberg, and Kellie Ralston
1:00pm – 4:00pm Science Session: Landscape Conservation Applications
1:30pm – 2:15pm Tarpon Panel including Rob Fordyce, Andy Mill, Dustin Huff, Evan Carruthers, and Greg Dini
2:30pm – 3:00pm Tarpon Clinic and Fish Fighting Seminar with Andy Mill
4:00pm – 4:45pm Permit Panel including Omar Arceo, Wil Flack, Jon Olch, Nick Labadie, and Will Benson
5:30pm – 6:15pm Legends Panel including Andy Mill, Chico Fernandez, Steve Huff, Sandy Moret. Moderated by T. Edward Nickens
6:15pm – 7:00pm Closing Cocktail Reception & Florida Boat Sweepstakes Drawing
photo: Marc Montocchio
CLINICS Interactive Clinics
Learn from world-class anglers and guides in hands-on workshops designed for all skill levels.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Backcountry Clinic
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 I 9:30am – 10:00am
Taught by Steve Huff and Dustin Huff
Location: INTRACOASTAL
Info: Level up your backcountry fishing game with this comprehensive clinic led by legend Steve Huff and his son Dustin, a renowned Florida fishing guide.
Light Tackle Fishing Clinic
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 I 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Taught by Chico Fernandez
Location: INTRACOASTAL
Info: Learn strategies and tips for light tackle fishing from angling legend and author Chico Fernandez.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Tarpon Clinic and Fish Fighting Seminar
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 I 2:30pm – 3:00pm
Taught by Andy Mill
Location: ATLANTIC 3 & 4
Info: Become a better tarpon angler with this popular clinic taught by legend Andy Mill, who won five Gold Cup Tarpon Tournaments and Triple Crown victories in the Gold Cup, Don Hawley, and Golden Fly.
Science Sessions
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Science-Based Conservation
FRIDAY MORNING: 8:30am – 10:15pm | Location: ATLANTIC 3 & 4 10:30am – 12:00pm | Location: INTRACOASTAL
In addition to standard assessment tools, modern fisheries management requires inclusion of environmental, spatial, and habitat data, as well as stakeholder engagement and alternative assessment methods, in the form of actionable science. Actionable Science is defined as “data, analyses, projections, or tools that can support decisions in natural resource management; it includes not only information, but also guidance on the appropriate use of that information.” (Beier et al 2016). However, the actionable science must be conceived and conducted in a framework of an integrated approach. Presentations in this session will share examples of actionable science with direct applications to information gaps related to management needs.
Presenters will include: - Dr. Aaron Adams, Dr. Andy Danylchuk, Dr. Leopoldo Palomo, Dr. Addiel Perez, Jessica Robichaud, Kaitlyn Via, Andrew Natter, Nina Sanchez, JoEllen Wilson, Dr. Jose Trujillo, Justin Lewis, Dr. Ross Boucek
Scan to read the Science Presentation Abstracts online
Collaborative Science and Conservation
FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Presentations 1:45pm – 5:00pm | Guide Panel 3:15 – 5:00pm Location: INTRACOASTAL Modern science and conservation require public input and support in formulating research and conservation strategies. This is especially the case given that stresses to natural systems are increasing rapidly, outpacing the ability of management agencies to address them. Coproduction is a process that engages all stakeholders in a collaborative process to collectively address conservation challenges. Coproduction is defined as “collaboration among managers, scientists, and other stakeholders, who, after identifying specific decisions to be informed by science, jointly define the scope and context of the problem, research questions, methods, and outputs, make scientific inferences, and develop strategies for the appropriate use of science.” (Beier et al. 2016). This session will be a mix of presentations, panel, and discussion among researchers, fishing guide associations, stakeholders, and resource managers.
Presenters will include: Dr. Ross Boucek, Dr. Aaron Adams, Dr. Jennifer Rehage, Dr. Ben Jones, and Dr. Addiel U. Perez.
Panelists will include: - Capt Andrew Tipler, Capt Jared Cyr, Capt Richard Black, Capt Parker Blalock, Laurence Hall, Capt John Bazo, Capt Jonathon Hamilton, Capt Jot Owens, Capt Dennis Garbutt, Capt Eworth Garbutt, Capt Showndre David
Scan to read the Science Presentation Abstracts online
Photo: Pat Ford
Science Sessions
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Tarpon Conservation
SATURDAY MORNING: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: INTRACOASTAL
Location: INTRACOASTAL
The Atlantic tarpon, revered as the Silver King, is among the most sought-after gamefish across the Western and Eastern Atlantic. Tarpon face numerous threats, including habitat loss, declining water quality, poor catch-and-release practices, and overfishing. Recognizing the need for management strategies that encompass the full scope of a tarpon’s life cycle and their annual migrations as adults, Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and its partners have made large strides in understanding tarpon connectivity and developing targeted science-based management solutions. This session brings together leading scientists and legendary tarpon guides to address region-specific challenges and share innovative conservation solutions, all aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of tarpon and contributing to the next Atlantic tarpon IUCN assessment.
Presenters will include: Dr. Lucas Griffin, Dr. Michelle Sluis, JoEllen Wilson, Dr. Steven Lombardo, Capt. Will Benson, Lucía Vargas-Araya, Dr. Johel Chavez-Campos, Damian Martinez-Fernandez, Zenaida Navarro-Martinez, Guilherme Gondolo, and Dr. Mike Larkin
Scan to read the Science Presentation Abstracts online
Landscape Conservation Applications
SATURDAY AFTERNOON: 1:00pm – 2:15pm | Location: ATLANTIC 3 & 4 2:30pm – 4:00pm | Location: INTRACOASTAL
The challenges of modern fisheries management and conservation require a paradigm shift toward a multidisciplinary, integrated approach that incorporates stakeholders, scientists, and resource managers. The new paradigm must break down the silo structure that has dominated natural resource management. This session will focus on the application of actionable knowledge to guide a landscape conservation approach for fisheries management. Actionable Knowledge is defined as: “the creative intersection between what we know and putting what we know into everyday practice” (Blood, 2006), and refers to “information that can be directly applied to make informed decisions or take specific actions.” (Bossé and Barès, 2022). The presentations in this session will provide examples of a science-based landscape conservation approach for flats fisheries management.
Presenters will include: - Dr. Aaron Adams, Dr. Steven Cooke, Jason Olive, Dr. Miles Medina, Dr. Phil Stevens, Dr. Tim McClinton, Dr. Michael Steinberg, Alia Jones, Dr. Ryan James, Justin Lewis
Scan to read the Science Presentation Abstracts online
Photo: Pat Ford
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7
8:30 - 8:45am
Welcome & Introduction to the Science Symposium
Location: INTRACOASTAL
8:45 - 9:30am
Bonefish Panel
Location: INTRACOASTAL
9:30 - 10:00am
Backcountry Clinic
Location: INTRACOASTAL
QUICK REFERENCE
8:30 - 10:15am Science Conservation: Pa rt I
8:30am Building on success: where do we go from here?
8:45am Catch-and-release and the blue economy: Using multi-species science in the Seychelles to inform actionable conservation and management
9:00am Boat carrying capacity in recreational flats fishing: A spatial conservation approach
9:15am Socio-ecological characterization and trends of the flats fishery in Ascension and Espiritu San Bays, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexic o
9:30am Permit spatial ecology in relation to the newly established Western Dr y Rocks Marine Protected Area in the Florida Keys
9:45am Spatial dimensions and conservation status of juvenile permit and tarpon habitat in Belize
10:00am Regional genetics of permit
Location: ATLANTIC 3 & 4
10:30am - 12:00pm Science Conservation: Pa rt II Location: INTRACOASTAL
10:30am Mangrove restoration connecting science, education and policy in The Bahamas
10:45am Coral Creek restoration evaluation
11:00am Co-producing knowledge to reduce conflicts between sharks and fishers in the spor tfishing capital of the world, the Florida Keys
11:15am An Evaluation of Mangrove Restoration in The Northern Bahamas
11:30am Mapping undiscovered bonefish spawning aggregation sites in the Florida Keys. Full life cycle-modeling, co-production and management actions
11:45am Policy Applications
BREAK - 10:15am - 10:30am LUNCH (ticket required) - 12:00pm - 1:00pm Location: G-Bar Deck BREAKFAST (ticket required) - 8:00 - 9:00am Location: ATLANTIC 1 & 2
1:00pm - 1:30pm Light Tackle Fishing Clinic
1:45pm - 3:15pm Collaborative Science and Conservation
1:45pm Coproducing spatial management in the Florida Keys
2:00pm Fisher knowledge informs Indian River Lagoon management and restoration
2:15pm Making the most of angler knowledge in fisheries management
2:30pm A best catch approach to transform data-poor fisheries
2:45pm Addressing conflict resolution in coproduction in the Yucatán Peninsula
2nd part of the Collaborative Science and Conservation session BREAK - 3:00pm - 3:15pm
3:15pm - 5:00pm Guide Panel Location: INTRACOASTAL
3:30am - 5:30pm Guide Panel
3:30am - 5:30pm
QUICK REFERENCE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
8:00am - 9:00am - BREAKFAST (ticket required)
8:30am - 10:15am Tarpon Science: Part I
8:30am Science-based strategies for Atlantic tarpon conservation across ecosystems
9:00am Migration ecology and habitat use of atlantic tarpon along the Texas coast
9:15am Juvenile habitats: status, threats, conservation need s
9:30am Assessing historical shifts in the data limited Lower Keys tarpon fishery
9:45am A fishing guide's perspective on the Florida Keys tarpon fishery
10:00am Population genetics of tarpon in Costa Rica
BREAK - 10:15am - 10:30am
10:30am - 12:00pm Tarpon Science: Part II
Location: INTRACOASTAL
10:30am Community-based participatory data collection of tarpon catch rates in Barra del Colorado, Costa Rica
10:45am Community-based governance for tarpon conservation in Costa Rica’s Caribbean: lessons from Barra del Colorado and Parismina
11:00am Atlantic tarpon (megalops atlanticus ) in Cuba: Uses, challenges and opportunities
11:15am Gaps in ecological knowledge and emerging conservation strategies for Atlantic tarpon (megalops atlanticus ) in Northeastern Brazil
11:30am Exploring expected recovery times for Tarpon populations after population declines 11:45am Policy applications
1:30pm - 2:15pm Tarpon Panel
Location: INTRACOASTAL
Location: ATLANTIC 1 & 2
Location: INTRACOASTAL
11:00am - 12:00pm Habitat Restoration Panel
Location: ATLANTIC 3 & 4
LUNCH (ticket required) - 12:00pm - 1:00pm Location: G-BAR DECK
1:00pm - 2:15pm Landscape Conservation Applications: Pa rt I
Location: ATLANTIC 3 & 4
1:00pm Managing the landscape for the future of coastal fisheries
1:15pm Lessons from inland fisheries relevant to the protection and conservation of coastal marine flats fisheries
1:30pm The National Fish Habitat Action plan: A renewed plan for landscape-scale aquatic habitat conservation
1:45pm High-resolution identification of nutrient hot spots in large watersheds, using causal analysis methods
2:00pm Actionable knowledge to guide conservation and restoration of juvenile snook and tarpon habita t
BREAK - 2:15pm - 2:30pm
2:30pm - 4:00 pm Landscape Conservation Applications: Pa rt II
Location: INTRACOASTAL
2:30pm Vulnerability Index for juvenile sportfish habitats in Charlotte County, Florida
2:45pm Landscape and sport fish conservation connections from around the Caribbean and Mexico
3:00pm Flats food web study: Assessing permit and bonefish prey across our flats
2:00pm Flats food web study: Diet and food web reliance of seagrass flats for permit and bonefish across South Florida
3:15pm Identification and conservation of bonefish PSA and permit spawning locations
3:45pm Policy applications
2:30pm - 3:00pm Tarpon Clinic and Fish Fighting Seminar
Location: ATLANTIC 3 & 4
4:00pm - 4:45pm Permit Panel Location: INTRACOASTAL
4:45pm - 5:00pm Closing Session Location: INTRACOASTAL
5:30pm - 6:15pm Legends Panel
Location: G-BAR DECK
6:15pm - 7:00pm Closing Cocktails Location: G-BAR DECK
CIRCLE OF HONOR INDUCTIONS
Jeff Harkavy 2025 Lefty Kreh Award for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation
A tireless and vocal champion for fisheries conservation for decades, Jeff Harkavy played a pivotal role in the founding and development of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. As Vice Chair of Bonefish & Tarpon Unlimited, Harkavy teamed up with Tom Davidson, the Founding Chairman, to recruit the first 100 members of what would later become Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. The impressive roster included renowned guides, anglers, and scientists who shared a passion for conserving and restoring the flats fishery through research and education.
In the years since, he has also helped establish many of its programs, including BTT’s Science Symposium, a triennial gathering of stakeholders which he chaired on six occasions. Harkavy was also the Founding Chair of the BTT Circle of Honor Committee, which has
provided the flats fishing community with a platform to honor the sport’s legends and luminaries. Respected throughout the angling community, Harkavy serves on the BTT Board of Directors, the International Game Fish Association’s North America Council and Conservation Committee, and the Board of Directors of the Guy Harvey Foundation.
Tim Borski
2025 Curt Gowdy Memorial Media Award
A devoted angler since his Wisconsin childhood, Tim Borski moved to South Florida in the early 1980s, drawn by stories of the region’s bonefish. He settled in the Keys where he worked at Captain Randy Towe’s World Class Outfitters fly shop and learned to tie flies. He continued to paint, soon becoming known for his distinctive, impressionistic style that captured the beauty of flats fish. A Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Founding Member, Borski creates art that advances BTT’s mission by attracting an international following eager to join in celebrating and conserving shallow, saltwater habitats and the species they support. Also a talented fly-designer, Borski has developed innovative fly patterns that are fished by anglers
around the globe. He continues to support flats conservation by often donating his artwork to BTT events to help raise funds to support the organization’s conservation efforts in the Florida Keys and beyond.
Photo: Pat Ford
Photo: Mill House Podcast
Chris and Wendi Peterson 2025 Flats Stewardship Award
Chris and Wendi Peterson bought Hell’s Bay Boatworks in 2006 and have transformed the company into one of the world’s most successful, shallow-water boatbuilders. Hell’s Bay Boatworks is Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s first boat sponsor, providing a research vessel for scientists to conduct field studies throughout flats habitats. Hell’s Bay also lends its boats to television productions showcasing inshore fishing and the importance of conserving coastal ecosystems.
Chris joined the BTT Board of Directors in 2009, serving more than a decade. Hell’s Bay Boatworks also supports Captains for Clean Water, where Wendi serves on the board, International Game Fish Association, Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, and Everglades Trust. The Petersons are committed to shaping Florida’s water policy to
Flip Pallot, angling legend and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Circle of Honor inductee, passed away on August 26, 2025, at the age of 83. Television personality, author, boat designer, and outspoken conservationist—Pallot’s name is synonymous with the sport of saltwater fly-fishing.
Pallot began exploring the waters around Miami as a boy in the 1950s. During his high school and college years, his fishing adventures were often in the company of fellow pioneering anglers John Emery, Norman Duncan, and Chico Fernandez. After graduating from the University of Miami, Pallot became a linguist for the U.S. Army, which took him to the jungles of Panama, instilling a taste for adventure. His next career was in banking, but on weekends and
be sustainable for the future, with Chris serving on the St. Johns River Water Management District board since 2020. The District sets water distribution, supply, and conservation policies that affect more than five million people across 18 counties.
IN TRIBUTE TO FLIP PALLOT
evenings, he guided anglers on the flats. Eventually he left the corporate world to guide full-time.
After a dozen years, Hurricane Andrew disrupted Pallot’s second career, sweeping away his home and all of his equipment. It was then that he turned to outdoor television production, a decision that ultimately led to the creation of Walker’s Cay Chronicles, perhaps the most celebrated and critically acclaimed fishing program of all time; it ran for 15 seasons. All the while, Pallot was writing articles for prominent angling publications. He also produced All the Best: A Conversation with Flip & Lefty with his old friend Lefty Kreh, and hosted Ford’s Fishing Frontiers on the Outdoor Channel.
In 1998, Pallot co-founded Hell’s Bay Boatworks, helping to redefine the possibilities for technical poling skiffs. His incredible field experience made him a valued consultant to leading tackle brands, including Sage, G. Loomis, Simms, Tibor, and Costa.
The recipient of BTT’s 2023 Curt Gowdy Memorial Media Award, Pallot was a tireless ambassador for campaigns aimed at improving Florida’s water quality and fostering habitat restoration. He lent his voice to BTT’s 2024 Win Back Our Water campaign, speaking out against the harmful use of glyphosate in Florida’s waterways. “If you don’t know something, you can’t love it,” Pallot frequently said. “And if you don’t love something, you can’t protect it.”
Pallot’s many accolades include his induction in 2015 to the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame and his 2023 induction into the BTT Circle of Honor.
Photo: William Hereford
PANEL DISCUSSIONS
PANELS
Bonefish Panel
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 I 8:45am – 9:15am
Panelists: -Brandon Cyr -Richard Black
-Carl Ball -Dr. Ross Boucek
-Drex Rolle
Guide Panel
(part of The Collaborative Science and Conservation session)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 I 3:15pm – 5:00pm
Panelists: -Jot Owens -Richard Black
-Jared Cyr -Andrew Tippler
-Laurence Hall -John Bazo
-Jonathon Hamilton -Eworth Garbutt
-Dennis Garbutt -Showndre David -Parker Blalock
Awards Dinner
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 I 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Panelists: -Kaylee Fordyce -Rob Fordyce
Habitat Restoration Panel
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 I 11:00am – 12:00pm
Panelists: -Matt Kenworthy -Dennis Garbutt
-Ralna Lewis -Jorge Cerón
-Rashema Ingraham -Michael Steinberg
-Kellie Ralston
Tarpon Panel
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 I 1:30pm – 2:15pm
Panelists: -Rob Fordyce -Andy Mill
-Dustin Huff -Greg Dini
-Evan Carruthers
Permit Panel
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 I 4:00pm – 4:45pm
Panelists: -Omar Arceo -Wil Flack
-Jon Olch -Nick LaBadie
-Will Benson
Legends Panel
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 I 5:30pm – 6:15pm
Panelists: -Andy Mill -Chico Fernandez
-Steve Huff -Sandy Moret
-Eddie Nickens
CLINICS
Backcountry Clinic
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 I 9:30am – 10:00am
Taught by Steve Huff and Dustin Huff
Light Tackle Fishing Clinic
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 I 1:00pm – 1:30pm
Taught by Chico Fernandez
Tarpon Clinic and Fish Fighting Seminar
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 I 2:30pm – 3:00pm
Taught by Andy Mill
PROPERTY MAP
Photo: Paul Dabill
