NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Bahamas Fly Fishing Industry Association (BFFIA) is working to establish an endowment fund that will honor the legacy of pioneering Bahamian fly fishing guides, preserving their contributions to the industry while promoting sustainability, conservation, and education to ensure its long-term viability.
According to fly fishing industry veteran Prescott Smith, President of the BFFIA, the endowment will recognize legendary guides such as Rupert Leadon, Ansil Saunders, Israel “Bonefish Folley,” Joseph “Bonefish Joe” Cleare David Pinder Sr., as well as others including Ralph Moxey, James Moxey, Harold Moxey, Wilfred King, and Eddie Bannister—individuals whose work has had a profound impact on the Bahamian fly fishing industry.
Other noted guides include, Rupert Leadon, Charles (Charlie) Smith, James Thompson (Bonefish Jimmy), William Brennen (Bill Brennen), Ivan Newmour, Errol Brennen, Rudy Bell, Bertram Thompson, Willis Thompson, Thomas Mackey, Arthur Russell, Samuel Raymond Mackey, David Pinder Sr., Allen Dames, Sam Rolle, Tracey Dames, Will Rolle, Foster (Iton) Clarke, Michael Rolle, Neville Clarke, Nelson Leadon, Sidney Bain (Conchy), Rudolph Mackey, Hubert Mackey, Simon Bain, Rupert Leadon Jr, Dennis Leadon, Wellington Mackey, Harold Mackey and Oswald Neymour.
Smith told Eyewitness News: “We want to establish an endowment in honor of the veteran guides. There are anglers across the country who may want to contribute. The fund will focus on scholarships, educational programs, conservation, and sustainability, but most importantly, it will highlight the pioneers who laid the foundation for the industry.”
Leadon emphasized: “We want to ensure that people understand that environmental work and conservation don’t only involve the birds, the bees, and the trees—they also involve people. We aim to enhance the sustainability of the fisheries sector through education and the preservation of its essence. With many young guides entering the industry, we want to ensure that this tradition remains viable for generations to come.”
Glinton added: “They say if you want to know where you’re going, you need to know where you come from. This is a great way to pay homage to those who paved the way for us, especially to those still alive today. It’s important to honor our forefathers and the legacies they’ve built.”
Glinton also shared his personal connection to the project, acknowledging the legacy of his grandfather, David Pinder Sr., a key figure in establishing the Deep Water Cay Club in the mid-1900s, who became one of the club’s most successful and long-standing guides.
“To be able to set something like this up in honor of my grandfather and other legendary guides is truly special,” said Glinton. “I’m excited about it. I’m also focused on the next generation, which is what BFFIA is all about.”
Smith reiterated the importance of the endowment, stating: “This is exactly why the endowment is so vital. It will ensure that the full history of each guide’s contribution is documented. We’ll leave no stone unturned. It’s not just about Andros. This is about the entire country. While Andros has seen some great moments, there are also incredible stories from islands like Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Exuma, and others.”
The endowment will support educational institutions such as BAMSI and the University of The Bahamas, which will be recipients of the fund.
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