Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 287 Tight Lines Bulletin - Winter/Spring 2014 more member news Legendary Honor for Bouncer Capt. Bouncer Smith (l) with IGFA President Rob Kramer photo credit: Debra Todd Photography Last November Fishing Club member Capt. Ron Hamlin of Stuart re- ceived The Billfish Foun- dation’s (TBF) Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award, its most presti- gious honor. Hamlin was recognized not only for being famous because of his expertise at the helm, guiding anglers from all over the world to fantastic catches of sailfish, marlin and tuna, but also for the significant contribution he has made advancing billfish conservation. His fishing expertise won him awards year after year, including TBF’s Top Captain Award. After years of landing fish during the early part of his career, he became a staunch catch and release advocate. He was among the first to recognize the conservation benefits of using non-offset circle hooks when fishing with natural baits for billfish. Hamlin supported the adoption of these hooks and worked extensively to teach other captains how to rig and use the baited hooks. “Hamlin’s experience and success with the use of circle hooks helped many of us see the light. His efforts and strong advocacy helped prove that we could catch just as many sailfish on circle hooks, as opposed to j-hooks, reducing the likelihood of post release mortality. The Silver Sailfish Derby was quick to embrace their use in large part because of what Ronnie was doing in Central America,” said WPBFC scientific advisor and former sailfish biologist John Jolley. Congratulations Ron…it is an honor well deserved! Hamlin Receives TBF Conservation Award Capt. Ron Hamlin receives the Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award from TBF President Ellen Peel Davis Signs Up Most New Members in 2013 Congratulations to club member Cheyenne Davis of North Palm Beach who sponsored the most new members last year. She earned a complimentary membership renewal and a gift certificate to Fishing Headquarters in Jupiter for her efforts. Club members are reminded that any member who sponsors three or more new mem- bers, of equal or greater value, in the calendar year, will receive a free one year membership renewal for themselves when they come due. Longtime WPBFC member Capt. Bouncer Smith of Miami was recently honored by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) with their Legendary Captain award. Bouncer and four other notable anglers were recognized during the annu- al IGFA Legendary Captains and Crew Awards ceremo- ny in February. Recipients receive the Tommy Gifford Award, named for one of the greatest saltwater charter skippers and big game fishing innovators of all time. The honor is bestowed upon extraor- dinary captains and crew members who have contributed to sport fishing by invention, significant catches, or have set an outstanding example of their trade. Bouncer began his fishing career on Miami’s Pier 5 charter dock in 1966 working on the Sea Gull Junior with Capt. Tom Salvano. “The famous Capt. Billy Ridgeway came on board later and taught both Tom and I how to fish, because as we quickly found out, we didn’t really know anything about charter fishing,” said Bouncer with a big chuckle. Over the years Bouncer has obviously learned a thing or two about fishing. He has led dozens of anglers to world record catches and has stood in the winner’s circle of many billfish tournaments. Perhaps Bouncers biggest contribution to the sport has been his willingness to share his knowledge with other anglers and industry representatives. He is without question one of the best ambassadors saltwater fishing has ever known. “Receiving this award is one of the biggest honors of my life,” said Bouncer. WPBFC members can congratulate Bouncer in person when he visits the Fishing Club on April 23rd to give a swordfishing seminar. Congratulations Bouncer, we are proud of you!