Traveling Angler Program

A recent poll of BTT's membership revealed that our members want to be involved in research, conservation, and education. This is great news because there is no way BTT-associated scientists can complete all that is needed without help. Angler participation is essential to BTT-supported research.Thus, the Traveling Angler Program, which has three levels of participation - Do-It-Yourself, Group Travel, and Core Angling. The research projects most in need of angler assistance are bonefish genetics, bonefish tagging, bonefish growth rates, tarpon genetics and tarpon tagging. As research efforts change, the Traveling Angler program will change as well. If you enjoy exotic fishing trips periodically and you might do battle with any of our three flats benefactors, take part in the Traveling Angler Program at one of these levels.

Level I: Do-it-yourself

Obtain tissue samples of bonefish or tarpon. For bonefish, this means taking a small clip of about a 1/4-inch triangle of fin tissue; with tarpon, use a rough sponge to scrape some skin off the jaw. This will help us determine which of the three known bonefish species are present and the extent that bonefish and tarpon populations around the region are related. We’ll send you a fin clip kit and/or tarpon kit with all that’s needed and the instructions – it’s simple and easy. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to get your kit.

Another option whenever you’re fishing Florida waters: Tag bonefish or tarpon with external ‘spaghetti’ tags. Just get in touch via email for this or any of the three levels and we’ll send corresponding materials and information.

Level II: Group Travel

Here’s a great way for friends to fish together and support research at the same time. Here is how it works: a group of five or more anglers book a trip to a participating lodge (see list below); each angler pays the normal price for the trip plus a little extra to cover the travel and research costs of a scientist; the lodge provides food, lodging, and boat time to the scientist for free. Once you get a group together contact us ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and we'll put you in touch with the lodge as part of the Traveling Angler program.

You can participate in the research or simply enjoy the trip with the knowledge you’re helping BTT’s research efforts. The accompanying scientist will give presentations about bonefish or tarpon during the trip.

Lodges That Have Participated:

Abaco Lodge (Abaco, Bahamas)

Andros South (Bahamas)

Belize River Lodge (Belize)

Casa Blanca (Yucatan, Mexico)

El Pescador (Ambergris Caye, Belize)

North Riding Point (Grand Bahama, Bahamas)

Pelican Bay (Grand Bahama, Bahamas)

Turneffe Flats (Belize)

Lodges Willing to Participate:

Bair's Lodge (South Andros, Bahamas)

Pesca Maya (Ascension Bay, Mexico)

Paradise Lodge (Mexico)

Tarponville (Costa Rica)

Level III: All Inclusive

This will appeal to those interested in a completely different fishing vacation experience. In partnership with Core Angling, you’re taken to where scientists are already conducting intensive research on bonefish and other flats species. You fish and interact with scientists to help address some of the most pertinent questions related to catch-and-release angling.

All of Core Angling’s trips are currently being held on Eleuthera, The Bahamas, in conjunction with the Cape Eleuthera Institute – a major hub for bonefish research. During the 2-day, 3-night all-inclusive Core Angling fishing trip, you’ll participate in studies on catch-and-release survival, predator-prey interactions and seasonal movement patterns.

Benefits

If you’re not already a member, participating in Levels II and III provides a BTT membership – a gift that will be a reminder of the conservation legacy to which you’re contributing.