The Bite

BY FRED GARTH

NEWS, NOTES & GEAR

Girls Can Fish!

Isn’t it amazing when fishing becomes a vehicle for helping people? Such is the case of young Caroline Lewis, a 10-year-old girl with her own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. A fisher-girl since she was just 3, Caroline excels at both freshwater and saltwater fishing and has logged some incredible catches — including bull reds, cobia, large sharks, mahi mahi, red snapper, largemouth bass and jack crevalle. Her passion for fishing led to her becoming a conservationist, something her dad, Tom, believes will eventually become her career.

During 2020, at the ripe old age of 9, Caroline caught her first cobia. In all of the excitement she yelled, “Girls can fish!” Instantly, that became her tagline. From there, Caroline had a logo designed along with a group page for friends and family to share her fishing expertise and catches. What was intended to be a small family-only way to share her passion for fishing quickly gained popularity. Now, Kids Can Fish has grown to more than 6,000 members. Soon, outside entities wanted to support her creation, so the Kids Can Fish Foundation (KCFF) was established as a charitable organization.

Some of KCFF’s most popular features are selecting a “Kid of the Day” and the “Kid of the Month,” which is voted on by group members. The winning child receives a gift pack that contains fishing gear, tackle, apparel and a gift for the parent for supporting their child. Kids Can Fish has become one of the largest online “brag boards” for families to share their fishing accomplishments while reinforcing the importance of conservation to these young anglers.

KCFF has branched out even further with fishing camps and clinics, with Caroline leading the charge in teaching other kids about fishing and conservation. Participants also receive fishing rod and reel combos, apparel and live instruction from volunteers.

Caroline also excels at throwing a cast net, which has led to sponsorships from Promar, Ahi USA, Fishbites, Batson Enterprises and Panther Martin — companies that are helping to fund kid’s fishing clinics. Another impressive and heartwarming accomplishment was a fundraiser for a boy named Nick in Wisconsin who loves to ice fish but was born paralyzed. A KCFF fundraiser brought in enough money to buy Nick an all-terrain wheelchair; now he can access fishing spots he couldn’t reach before.

With all of the lengthy discussions about how to get more kids involved in fishing, perhaps we only have to turn to the kids themselves and let them lead the way, as Caroline Lewis is doing.

Caroline Lewis shows off her mahi-mahi collection.

Meet the Skallywags

The term scallywag has generally been associated with troublemakers and outlaws. But there’s a new kind of “Skallywag” in town: a family-run business all about celebrating life at sea and ocean conservation. Siblings Richard White and Kerry White, alongside Kerry’s husband Raymond Moody, have created a series of flags that represent the honor that comes with battling giant fish.

With flags representing 11 species — from blue marlin to wahoo — Skallywags Flags can be flown to celebrate what fish you’ve caught. Best of all, the company is donating a portion of their profits to support marine conservation.

“We floated the idea by the one and only Guy Harvey,” said Richard White, “and he was keen to put his artwork stamp of approval on the project. The rest, we’re not afraid to say, is angling history.”

Skallywags fishing flags come packaged in recycled cardboard and reusable bags that are made from recycled bottles. The company chooses suppliers who treat their workers well, and are serious about taking steps toward the conservation of our oceans. Plus, the flags stand up to life at sea and won’t go dull in the sun; they are made from top-quality, lightweight, 100% woven polyester fabric that’s treated with a water-repellent finish and dyed using a specialty acrylic pigment dye system.

Each of the signature fishing battle flags features original artworks by Guy Harvey and is 12-by-18 inches with a Velcro finish. They cost $26. The entire species list includes blue marlin, roosterfish, dorado, cubera snapper, wahoo, swordfish, sailfish, white marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna and striped marlin.

There’s a special kind of honor in coming back to shore with all your Skallywags battle flags hoisted.

“We can’t wait to see you all flying Skallywags flags out in the deep blue. Your kids will thank you when they’re pulling in their own ocean giants one day,” Smith said.

Save the Reef

We all know that coral reefs are in peril around the globe, and the Florida Keys are no exception. The good news is that a diverse group of coral reef management and conservation leaders has banded together to respond to this environmental crisis and save Florida’s coral reefs. The Orlando-based Florida Coral Rescue Center (FCRC) is a state-of-the-art facility established for gene banking and caring for Florida corals rescued from reefs that have not yet been affected by the stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) that is sweeping across the Florida Reef Tract.

As part of a national network of coral holding or gene-banking facilities coordinated by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the FCRC is the largest facility of its kind in the U.S. and provides a safe, stable environment for coral colonies to receive world-class care from a team of coral experts. It will play a significant role in the future of Florida’s Coral Reef.

Under the guidance of the AZA, the group consists of resource management agencies like Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and NOAA Fisheries, zoological facilities such as SeaWorld, and funding organizations including the Disney Conservation Fund, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, World Wide Corals Inc. and the Edith and Curtis Munson Foundation. These partners provide the funding, resources and expertise to help ensure there is a future for Florida corals.

“AZA is proud of the incredible collaboration between our accredited zoo and aquarium members, like Disney and SeaWorld, their financial commitment, and their investment of time and talent to help save this natural treasure,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of AZA. “Being able to share our global network of animal care and welfare experts and our coral management expertise is inspiring. A monumental undertaking like this is another demonstration of why zoos and aquariums are so vital to conservation. The coordinated, multi-facility AZA-Florida Reef Tract Rescue Project and the Florida Coral Rescue Center show that, together, we can make a difference for Florida’s reefs for future generations to share.”

A Different Mating Game (continued from above)

Rescuing corals is only the first step. Ultimately, many corals will be needed for restoration efforts, requiring the rescued corals to reproduce and produce offspring. Since many of the rescue coral species have never been held in human care, aquarists have had a lot to learn about feeding, correct lighting and proper water flow. Apparently, they are doing a great job as the corals have begun to reproduce.

Corals can reproduce sexually and asexually. Sexual reproduction provides the most genetic diversity among offspring due to the mixing of egg and sperm genetic material from the parents. Sexually reproduced corals are unique individuals while offspring produced by asexual reproduction are identical to the parent. Over the past year, FCRC corals have taken a huge step forward on their own and have been reproducing asexually, producing “gemmae” offspring.

Gemmae are identical to their parents. While not the optimum candidate for restoration in larger numbers, these coral clones ensure the genetic contribution of their rescued parents will continue to be part of Florida’s coral reef. Reproduction is a positive sign that the corals in the care of the FCRC are getting all that they need, not just to survive but thrive.

To follow the work of the FCRC, visit WildlifeFlorida.org.

Clean Energy, Clean Apparel

Guy Harvey’s commitment to marine conservation extends all the way to his iconic apparel. The facility where Guy Harvey clothing is made is covered in solar panels, and the water is reclaimed and purified (see Guy Harvey Magazine Issue 36). Now, the latest innovation in apparel is called THREADCYCLED™ technology, making Guy Harvey one of the first apparel brands to adopt this new “zero waste” manufacturing process that repurposes 100 percent of the textile waste into upcycled yarn.

Starting in the fall of 2021, Guy Harvey will use this textile technology to turn scrap material from previously manufactured apparel into regenerated men’s high-quality, moisture-wicking T-shirts. More than 16 choices of short-sleeve tees, with or without a pocket, will be offered. Guy Harvey’s new THREADCYCLED™ line is made using a blend of 60% cotton generated from upcycled yarn and 40% recycled polyester sourced from recycled plastic bottles. These revolutionary new garments are priced in line with other Guy Harvey tees and contribute to Guy Harvey’s commitment to ocean conservation and sustainability while maintaining the highest level of performance and functionality.

THREADCYCLED™ is just one of the many ways Guy Harvey continues to elevate its cutting-edge sustainable manufacturing practices. The brand’s facilities and machines use carbon-neutral biofuels alongside solar energy for power, and that significantly reduces greenhouse emissions. The residual effect of this clean manufacturing process is the elimination of harmful dyes, chemicals and excessive water, leaving no trail of toxic waste. Additionally, in an effort to keep textiles out of the landfills, Guy Harvey strives to create high-quality and dependable products so they last for years to come.

“We are committed to sourcing the best practices when it comes to our apparel manufacturing to ensure we minimize the impact on our natural environment,” Dr. Guy Harvey explained. “The fashion industry contributes to upwards of 148 million tons of fashion waste each year, and we are proud to be on the forefront of positive change in the industry. With our new THREADCYCLED™ technology, we will be able to offer an upcycled alternative to traditional manufacturing practices with the same quality that our leisure and technical apparel is known for.”

“The Foundation was thrilled to help get the ‘lights turned on’ at the FCRC (or off, as the corals prefer). We’re hopeful this partnership of state agencies, companies and nonprofit organizations can serve as a model to tackle other significant environmental challenges as they arise.” — Andrew Walker, president and CEO of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida

“At the Center, we are caring for hundreds of corals, representing 19 species, that have little to no history in human care. This project is a unique challenge, and we’re having a profound impact on the future of Florida coral reefs.” — Aaron Gavin, a SeaWorld/FCRC Aquaris “One of the most rewarding parts about working on this project at the FCRC is being able to see the incredible amount of growth these corals have had since they have been here. When collected, each coral is mounted on a terracotta tile that serves as a stable base or anchor for the coral in the aquarium. The corals brought here in March 2020 are doing so well they need to be given larger tile bases.” — Sara Urbanski, SeaWorld, FCRC Aquaris

‘Meet Me Underwater’

A Photographic Celebration of Florida’s Aquatic Wonders, By Michael Patrick O’Neill

Award-winning photographer Michael Patrick O’Neill has written a retrospective of his past 30 years covering Florida’s spectacular coral reefs, wetlands, estuaries and deep ocean. Meet Me Underwater is dedicated to all Floridians and everyone who has a little Florida in them. Its wide range of subjects, along with breathtaking images, will capture the attention of anyone who picks up the book — fi shermen, divers or nature lovers who simply enjoy spending time outside.

An experienced visual storyteller, O’Neill and his team created the book with aerial, wide-angle and close-up photos that eff ortlessly lead the reader from one section to the next. Th e light and casual text frames the stunning images and provides valuable snippets of information, especially in the opening chapter titled “Blackwater,” which concentrates on planktonic creatures photographed late at night while drifting in the Gulf Stream off Palm Beach — an experience O’Neill compares to an astronaut in outer space.

Th is premium quality hardcover book is a visual treat and a valuable addition to any home ($29.95; Batfi shBooks.com/purchase).

Thank You

for Supporting the GHOF's K-12 Education Initiative

Please join the entire Guy Harvey organization in thanking the companies listed on page 17 for their support of the GHOF education initiative. The amazing growth and expansion to schools, students and teachers would not be possible without the generous donation of time, energy and resources of these individuals and organizations.

TOP TIER SPONSORS

MID TIER SPONSORS

SHOPPING GUIDE

Whether you are looking for a creative way to say thank you, a holiday gift or just want to treat yourself, visit GuyHarvey.com to shop a full range of Guy Harvey-branded apparel, artwork, souvenirs and more. Shopping is a win-win when every purchase you make benefits the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation.

Men’s Bill Flag Performance Hoodie with Gaiter

This super comfortable performance hoodie is perfect for any outdoor adventure on land or sea. It provides UPF protection, and the attached gaiter provides additional sun protection for your face. $50

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4 1. Guy Harvey Grand Slam Belt English leather belt with solid brass buckle and cotton webbing around the waist. Great for summer. Great for any time. Made in the USA. Sizes 28-46. Order at least one size up from pant size. $26.95

2. Guy Harvey Yellowfin Dog Collar Nylon dog collar is perfect for any dog out fishing, boating or just enjoying the outdoors. Plastic clip-style buckle for a secure fit with a metal buckle loop. Made in the USA. Sizes: Small, Medium, Large $17 3. Guy Harvey Blue Escape Dog Bed Your dog will love this beautiful pillow-top bed, and it will certainly brighten up any room. Printed with 100% bio-degradable water-based ink and made from ecofriendly rPet material. Water repellent inner and outer cover. Made in the Americas. Small/Med – 34” x 26”, $99 Large/XL – 42” x 34”, $109

4. Guy Harvey USA leash Nylon dog leash measures 1” wide and 6’ in length. Perfect for an active lifestyle and guaranteed to turn heads. Made in the USA. One size. $20