The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) members are beaming with pride as three of the recent Anchor Awards, presented by the Ministry of Agriculture & Marine Resources, were won by fellow members. These results demonstrate the strength of the BFFIA and proves how formidable the organisation is in the fishing industry in The Bahamas. While serving as the heartbeat of the fly fishing industry, the BFFIA is also focused on the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources. Because of these values, association members are more than fly fishing guides – they are advocates for the protection of marine habitats, and they are often the first to see infractions and atrocities against the environment.
Prescott Smith of Stafford Creek, Andros, President of the BFFIA, won the Ministry’s Blue Pioneer Award. This award honours a true trailblazer in the marine industry – someone who has demonstrated unwavering commitment to preserving the health and sustainability of our oceans. Mr. Smith was also first runner up for the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Shawn Leadon of Cargill Creek, Andros, who is a Board Member and Western Region Leader of the BFFIA, claimed the Flats Fisher of the Year Award. This high commendation goes to a fisher who has shown exceptional expertise in flats fishing, contributing to the heritage of Bahamian flats fishing and emphasizing conservation and respect for delicate ecosystems.
Omeko Glinton of Grand Bahama, who is a Board Member and Northern Region Leader of the BFFIA, earned the Sports Fisher of the Year Award. An exceptional sports fisherman who demonstrates skill, sportsmanship and a passion for responsible fishing practices, Glinton’s work brings pride and recognition to Bahamian waters through sport fishing.
Showndre Davis, who hails from Bimini, is a BFFIA Member and Advocate, and winner of the Prime Minister’s Youth Award. The Ministry chose to recognise the achievements of young fishers, aged 25 and under, who have shown outstanding dedication and promise in the fishing industry. This award encourages the next generation to embrace the values of sustainable and responsible fishing.
For the BFFIA, winning several of the top honours at the 2024 inaugural Anchor Awards is a nod of approval for the hard work, passion and dedication of all association members, who take to the waters daily. As they fish, and guide anglers from all around the world in this thrilling sport, they serve as unofficial ambassadors of the country and more importantly, as advocates for the preservation of the country’s precious natural resources.
Upholding the principle that “guiding is for Bahamians”, the BFFIA supports the Government’s Legislation in this regard preserving the professional and cultural integrity of the industry. As environmental advocates, BFFIA members work closely with Government agencies, other NGOs, and the community to ensure that delicate marine ecosystems are protected and preserved, as their livelihoods depend on it.
BFFIA President Prescott Smith has been blazing a trail in environmental advocacy for decades. He made global fishing history in 2022 when he became the first Bahamian to receive the Gladding Memorial Award from the Caribbean and Gulf Fisheries Institute during its conference in Destin, Florida. In addition to his leadership of the BFFIA, Smith is also President of the Bahamas Sportfishing Conservation Association (BSCA), and one of the founding members of the Bahamas Natural Resources Foundation.
Fellow Androsian Shawn Leadon and his sister own the Andros Island Bonefish Lodge – the largest lodge of its kind in The Bahamas. Their parents Rupert and Shirley Leadon founded the lodge with a vision being fulfilled today – to see the passion for fly fishing continue for generations. He also owns Andros Outdoor Adventures, which has a focus on engaging the entire family in fantastic adventures throughout the largest island in the country.
Omeko Glinton is a bonefish guide that began his career at the Deep Water Cay Club in Grand Bahama. He is proprietor of Meko Experience of Grand Bahama and he is known internationally for his fishing ‘flys’. He has been featured in magazines such as Fly Fishing in Salt Waters. More recently, the Pandion Creative production and film “Meko” premiered in Grand Bahama, showcasing Omeko’s journey as a guide and his family’s inspiring survival story during Hurricane Dorian.
Showndre Davis represents the future of the industry. He may hail from one of the tiniest and northernmost islands in the Bahamian archipelago, but his heart for fly fishing and his commitment has earned him top commendation, and makes him a role model for other young people interested in entering the fishing industry.
Conserving marine environments is vital for these fishermen and the country. Flats fishing is a $180 million dollar industry in The Bahamas. Climate change threatens the industry, as one hurricane or tropical storm has the potential to cause devastation to vast areas filled with delicate marine ecosystems. Thanks to new Legislation, guiding is reserved for Bahamians. A one-year apprenticeship program with an experienced guide or lodge is the recommended mechanism for new guides. Certification courses are offered by the Bahamas Agriculture & Marine Science Institute BAMSI) and the Ministry of Tourism.
The Bahamas is known as one of the top destinations globally for saltwater flats fishing. A recent study by the Secretariat for Global Change and the Future Ocean found that as climate change drives increased habitat degradation, key recreational target species may experience declines. Comprehensive climate vulnerability assessments were conducted on bonefish, tarpon and permit in The Bahamas and Belize. All three species were found to exhibit ‘very high’ vulnerability to climate change based on life history traits and reliance on nearshore habitats that are exposed to rapid temperature increases and storm damage.
The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association remains committed to environmental advocacy in order to protect these marine areas, which are really sanctuaries to its members, who, through the sport of fly fishing, are engaged in catch-and-release practices. The Anchor Awards offers validation for the hard work these fishers engage in daily, while encouraging others to stand tall and know that their efforts are being recognised.
