Congratulations Capt. Cody Rubner on winning this year’s Costa x CFCW Steward of the Year Award!
Each year, we partner with Costa Sunglasses to recognize an individual whose commitment to conservation sets them apart, a person who uses their platform and persistence to stand on the frontlines in the fight for clean water. This year, at ICAST 2025, we were proud to present the Costa x CFCW Steward of the Year Award to Capt. Cody Rubner of Stuart, Florida.
Cody isn’t just a steward, he’s a sparkplug. A fishing guide by trade, advocate by nature, he’s made it his mission to not only guide clients through Florida’s waters, but to guide them through the challenges those treasured waters are facing.
A Steward Since Day One
Cody’s been involved with us since our earliest days. What started as a personal frustration with declining water quality turned into deep involvement in the movement for systemic change. He’s seen the damage firsthand: degraded seagrass flats, algae blooms, and a loss of the lush aquatic landscapes that once defined Florida’s ecosystems.
But Cody didn’t walk away. He stepped up.
Whether he’s speaking to lawmakers in Tallahassee or locally on the east coast of Florida, filming impactful social content, or educating anglers on his boat, Cody brings people into the conversation—passionately and humbly. He’s a builder of community and a bridge between the fishing world and the advocacy movement. He leads by example and empowers others to do the same.
A Voice That Carries
Cody’s quick to deflect credit. In his words, the award is less a personal accolade and more a recognition of the opportunities Captains For Clean Water has created for people like him to get involved. In true Rubner fashion, he joked in a social post following the award, “Quite frankly, the only item that should ever feature my name next to Flip Pallot’s would be if he sent me a restraining order.”
That humility is part of what makes him so impactful.
“Those who know me well know that I’d rather have stuff like this go to anyone else but myself. But it would be disrespectful to not acknowledge the opportunities Captains For Clean Water gives our industry to get involved.” Rubner went on. “There’s been serious progress in the fight for clean water due to years of relentless work from those smarter than myself. I’m just happy to help spread the good word.”
He’s right. We’ve come a long way, all thanks to years of relentless advocacy and grassroots action from people like him (and you). Because of that, now there’s momentum behind restoration efforts. But as Cody reminds us, there’s still a long way to go, and we have to keep the energy strong.
Recognizing More Leaders
This year’s award also recognized several other incredible nominees who are each making their own impact:
- Ashley Weber (@ashleyweberart), whose conservation-inspired art tells powerful stories of connection to Florida’s ecosystems.
- Bobby Lane (@bobbylanefisherman), a professional bass angler using his platform to elevate awareness for clean water and conservation priorities.
We’re super grateful to each of them for their leadership and dedication.
Thank You, Costa
This award wouldn’t be possible without our friends and longtime partners at Costa Sunglasses. For the past nine years, Costa has stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight for clean water—amplifying stewardship, telling important stories, and inspiring a new generation of advocates. Their support for this award reflects a shared commitment to protecting what matters most: our waters, our wildlife, and our way of life.
Congrats, Cody
Capt. Cody Rubner embodies what it means to be a steward: committed, humble, outspoken, and deeply connected to the waters he loves. His words and actions move this mission forward, and we’re proud to stand alongside him.
From all of us at Captains and Costa: Congratulations, Cody. Thank you.
Congratulations Capt. Cody Rubner on winning this year’s Costa x CFCW Steward of the Year Award!
Each year, we partner with Costa Sunglasses to recognize an individual whose commitment to conservation sets them apart, a person who uses their platform and persistence to stand on the frontlines in the fight for clean water. This year, at ICAST 2025, we were proud to present the Costa x CFCW Steward of the Year Award to Capt. Cody Rubner of Stuart, Florida.
Cody isn’t just a steward, he’s a sparkplug. A fishing guide by trade, advocate by nature, he’s made it his mission to not only guide clients through Florida’s waters, but to guide them through the challenges those treasured waters are facing.
A Steward Since Day One
Cody’s been involved with us since our earliest days. What started as a personal frustration with declining water quality turned into deep involvement in the movement for systemic change. He’s seen the damage firsthand: degraded seagrass flats, algae blooms, and a loss of the lush aquatic landscapes that once defined Florida’s ecosystems.
But Cody didn’t walk away. He stepped up.
Whether he’s speaking to lawmakers in Tallahassee or locally on the east coast of Florida, filming impactful social content, or educating anglers on his boat, Cody brings people into the conversation—passionately and humbly. He’s a builder of community and a bridge between the fishing world and the advocacy movement. He leads by example and empowers others to do the same.
A Voice That Carries
Cody’s quick to deflect credit. In his words, the award is less a personal accolade and more a recognition of the opportunities Captains For Clean Water has created for people like him to get involved. In true Rubner fashion, he joked in a social post following the award, “Quite frankly, the only item that should ever feature my name next to Flip Pallot’s would be if he sent me a restraining order.”
That humility is part of what makes him so impactful.
“Those who know me well know that I’d rather have stuff like this go to anyone else but myself. But it would be disrespectful to not acknowledge the opportunities Captains For Clean Water gives our industry to get involved.” Rubner went on. “There’s been serious progress in the fight for clean water due to years of relentless work from those smarter than myself. I’m just happy to help spread the good word.”
He’s right. We’ve come a long way, all thanks to years of relentless advocacy and grassroots action from people like him (and you). Because of that, now there’s momentum behind restoration efforts. But as Cody reminds us, there’s still a long way to go, and we have to keep the energy strong.
Recognizing More Leaders
This year’s award also recognized several other incredible nominees who are each making their own impact:
- Ashley Weber (@ashleyweberart), whose conservation-inspired art tells powerful stories of connection to Florida’s ecosystems.
- Bobby Lane (@bobbylanefisherman), a professional bass angler using his platform to elevate awareness for clean water and conservation priorities.
We’re super grateful to each of them for their leadership and dedication.
Thank You, Costa
This award wouldn’t be possible without our friends and longtime partners at Costa Sunglasses. For the past nine years, Costa has stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the fight for clean water—amplifying stewardship, telling important stories, and inspiring a new generation of advocates. Their support for this award reflects a shared commitment to protecting what matters most: our waters, our wildlife, and our way of life.
Congrats, Cody
Capt. Cody Rubner embodies what it means to be a steward: committed, humble, outspoken, and deeply connected to the waters he loves. His words and actions move this mission forward, and we’re proud to stand alongside him.
From all of us at Captains and Costa: Congratulations, Cody. Thank you.