Our 2005 Annual Banquet speaker was Chico Fernandez.

    Chico Fernandez did what most of us wished we could. He quit the corporate world and became a world famous fly fisherman. He has fished all over the world and has published articles and photographs in all the major sporting magazines. Chico is also a highly respected instructor and his casting prowess and knot tying ability is legendary. He is also an accomplished and innovative fly tyer. His "Bendback" and "Bonefish Special" have fooled many a fish.

    Chico began fishing for bonefish in 1956.His brand new book Fly-Fishing for Bonefish is destined to become a "must read" for anyone thinking of pursuing the "ghost of the flats". Chico is currently working on a new book on Redfish. He currently holds the IGFA 121b tippet record at 42 Ib 5 oz taken at Oregon Inlet, N.C. in 1981.

Tom Gunter, VDGIF biologist, was awarded the 2005 Taylor Turner Conservation award at our 2005 Annual Banquet.

Here are a few photos from the pre-dinner discussion and the Annual Banquet itself...

Click on a thumbnail for a larger view.