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.