By Jody Steele
Sportsman of the Year
The Rod and Gun Club awarded Tom Davidson, Sr. with the “Sportsman of the Year Award” this past week at the Rod & Gun Club’s wonderful Film Festival and dinner. Tom has been an active sportsman and leader in a number of organizations in the Florida Keys including the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust, the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary Advisory Board along with being a Founder and past Chairman of the Rod and Gun Club. Tom’s commitment as an outdoorsman in the Florida Keys for years is legendary and this award is well deserved.
2022 – Tom Davidson Sr receives the Rod & Gun Sportsman of the Year award. Pictured are Tom Jr., John, Tom Sr. and Jim Davidson.
A BBQ Lunch at the Range
Enjoy our perfect weather at the Range with an appreciation lunch provided by the Rod and Gun Club for members and their families on Saturday, April 9th at 10 a.m. Free instruction for new shooters of all ages with all safety gear and equipment supplied. All apparel and swag will be on sale.
Bonefish & Burgers
The Rod and Gun Club and the Ocean Reef Conservation Association are hosting a conservation update meeting with experts from the Bonefish and Tarpon Trust on Wednesday, April 13th at the Cultural Center at Noon. The latest developments in research and information will be shared and discussed. RSVP to reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. $30 per person with lunch included.
2022 Rod & Gun Swordfish Tournament, April 19-21
Choose any one-day to fish in the Tournament. It is your choice of lines in/lines out. Weigh in daily from 3:00-4:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place. Largest Swordfish weighed in over the three-day period wins.
No entry fee, simply download the registration form from the Rod & Gun website at www.rodandgun.org (go to Events Calendar tab for April 19-21) and return it to reefrodandgunclub@gmail.com. You can also pick one up at the MarineMax tackle shop. For any questions, contact Ken Reda at 305 342 0658 or ken.reda@marinemax.com.
Fish of the Month
The April “Fish of the Month” is the Tuna. All fish must be weighed at the MarineMax Tackle Shop. Hours for weigh-in are 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. You could win recognition and a $100 gift certificate for the Ship Store.
Share Your Sporting Pictures
Take out your phone to catch an award-winning picture for the Ocean Reef Press. Send to jodylsteele@gmail.com with all the information including names, location, date and any other important details.
2022 – Frank Masse & James Mullen landed this swordfish on “Shark Bait” and some boys from Reef Club Kids excited to see the fish.