Guide Rendezvous gatherings aren’t just about information, they’re also about strengthening connections, uniting guides, and ensuring their voices help shape the future of our waters.
Fishing guides have always been at the heart of our mission. They live and work on the frontlines of Florida’s water challenges, and their voices carry incredible weight in shaping solutions. Our organization was founded by guides who refused to stay quiet in the face of these challenges, and today, that connection remains central to everything we do.
That’s why, every year, we bring together guides across Florida through our Guide Rendezvous circuit, gatherings designed to inform, connect, and empower guides to be leaders in the fight for clean water.
This year, we hosted events in Fort Myers, Islamorada in the Florida Keys, and Jensen Beach on the East Coast—three regions deeply impacted by water quality challenges, and three communities that have been at the forefront of protecting Florida’s waters.
Fort Myers: Staying Rooted in Our Founding Community
In Southwest Florida, guides gathered for updates on water quality issues, policy wins, and the road ahead. Just as importantly, it was about strengthening camaraderie and ensuring the guiding community remains an active force in shaping the future of our waters.
“These rendezvous are designed not just to inform, but to unite guides, spark collaboration, and make sure guides have a powerful voice in shaping the future of our waters.” —Capt. Daniel Andrews, CFCW Co-founder and CEO
Islamorada: Progress, but No Letting Up
In the Florida Keys, we dug into the ongoing challenges facing Florida Bay and Everglades restoration. Guides shared their experiences on the water, while speakers reminded us that progress is real but fragile, and we must keep momentum strong.
“Yes, there is progress…it is happening, it is working, but we cannot take our foot off the gas. The minute we don’t use our voice, that’s exactly what the politicians want us to do.” —Jessica Pinsky, CFCW Chief Policy & Impact Officer
Jensen Beach: A Call to Action
On the East Coast, Capt. Rufus Wakeman captured the urgency of the moment.
“It’s just time that we get angry and we get involved. We are a small but gigantic voice and a positive financial force for the state… It’s time—get engaged, get engaged more, more.”
His raw and passionate speech reminded everyone that guides bring more than local expertise to the fight, they bring economic and cultural influence that can’t be ignored.
A Growing Movement of Advocates
Each rendezvous showed the strength of our guiding community. These captains are not only watermen and women, they’re the frontline advocates whose voices carry weight in Tallahassee, in Washington, and across the nation.
The message was clear across all three events: stay engaged, stay vocal, and bring others into the fight.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Together, we’re building more than just awareness—we’re building a movement. One rooted in the water, driven by those who depend on it, and powered by a commitment to protect Florida’s waters for generations to come.
Guide Rendezvous gatherings aren’t just about information, they’re also about strengthening connections, uniting guides, and ensuring their voices help shape the future of our waters.
Fishing guides have always been at the heart of our mission. They live and work on the frontlines of Florida’s water challenges, and their voices carry incredible weight in shaping solutions. Our organization was founded by guides who refused to stay quiet in the face of these challenges, and today, that connection remains central to everything we do.
That’s why, every year, we bring together guides across Florida through our Guide Rendezvous circuit, gatherings designed to inform, connect, and empower guides to be leaders in the fight for clean water.
This year, we hosted events in Fort Myers, Islamorada in the Florida Keys, and Jensen Beach on the East Coast—three regions deeply impacted by water quality challenges, and three communities that have been at the forefront of protecting Florida’s waters.
Fort Myers: Staying Rooted in Our Founding Community
In Southwest Florida, guides gathered for updates on water quality issues, policy wins, and the road ahead. Just as importantly, it was about strengthening camaraderie and ensuring the guiding community remains an active force in shaping the future of our waters.
“These rendezvous are designed not just to inform, but to unite guides, spark collaboration, and make sure guides have a powerful voice in shaping the future of our waters.” —Capt. Daniel Andrews, CFCW Co-founder and CEO
Islamorada: Progress, but No Letting Up
In the Florida Keys, we dug into the ongoing challenges facing Florida Bay and Everglades restoration. Guides shared their experiences on the water, while speakers reminded us that progress is real but fragile, and we must keep momentum strong.
“Yes, there is progress…it is happening, it is working, but we cannot take our foot off the gas. The minute we don’t use our voice, that’s exactly what the politicians want us to do.” —Jessica Pinsky, CFCW Chief Policy & Impact Officer
Jensen Beach: A Call to Action
On the East Coast, Capt. Rufus Wakeman captured the urgency of the moment.
“It’s just time that we get angry and we get involved. We are a small but gigantic voice and a positive financial force for the state… It’s time—get engaged, get engaged more, more.”
His raw and passionate speech reminded everyone that guides bring more than local expertise to the fight, they bring economic and cultural influence that can’t be ignored.
A Growing Movement of Advocates
Each rendezvous showed the strength of our guiding community. These captains are not only watermen and women, they’re the frontline advocates whose voices carry weight in Tallahassee, in Washington, and across the nation.
The message was clear across all three events: stay engaged, stay vocal, and bring others into the fight.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Together, we’re building more than just awareness—we’re building a movement. One rooted in the water, driven by those who depend on it, and powered by a commitment to protect Florida’s waters for generations to come.