As all great legends have several variations on their beginning and the birth of the Bonefish Tony Group is no different. What is known is that Emmett Ryan., Beverly Landstreet and Michael Rich all were fishing on Andros independently and together at various times around 10 years ago. At some point Bev and Michael met fishing in Watch Hill RI and decided to put a group together of like-minded fly enthusiasts to go to Andros for a long weekend in the Spring to fish for Bonefish and Tarpon and jump start their fishing season. In the early years the group hovered at between 6-8 fishermen including such characters as Emmett, Frank Simon (founder of Great Eastern Mussels) and Des Fitzgerald (Founder of the Ducktrap smoked fish catalogue) and various other reprobates from different parts of our lives and the world. These early group members are responsible for our tradition of importing many pounds of stone crabs and smoked fish of every type to treat ourselves at cocktail hour every night. Over the years we added the min of two bottles of wine per person entry fee and these

traditions have taken root and are now part of our core experience. Eventually it occurred to Bev and Michael that, as our group was expanding annually, we were close to being able to take over the entire lodge and so one year, we did. The rest is history.,...

The trip is an annual event with many group members never missing a trip. Bunker Snyder has flown in every year from England and was the first to introduce the concept of bringing a girlfriend. In 2004, our group included an additional 2 women, one 14 year old son and the son of Bunker's girlfriend who took his mom's place this year. We have had contributions from Germany, Scotland, Ireland and England.. Folks regularly show up from Seattle, San Fran. Chicago, Nashville, Montana, Atlanta and New York. Ages range from 14- 82. We have had Mother/Son, Father/Son .Brothers, Cousins and Friends (No father/Daughters yet but I may be the first! ). Every year there are one or two new faces and usually once onboard, forever onboard. As well, the club has changed over the years from several rooms and a dining hall to last year when Rupert Leadon combined the AIBC and the Cargill Creek Club into one unit with a pool, masseuses ( an idea generated by our group )and several bars. Our group has become ingrained in the local culture, participating annually in many local rituals with and without the natives. We continue to search for a more appealing venue to pursue the wily bonefish and tarpon but so far none have even come close to offering the

level of hospitality/cost ratio, quality guides and fishing and most importantly, put up with us willingly .

So that is how we got here and, God willing, where we will be for the next 10 years as it was so wonderful seeing how exciting this kind of fishing and camaraderie can be for all generations that I hope we have started something that will pass through the coming generations. It has already begun.

www.androsbonefishing.com

https://youtu.be/efEoRZ13bW0?si=8AadNRiq7gGke9BB

If you have joined our group at any occasion and have a story or photos to share please send to Tony@bonefishtony.com