Stormwater Treatment Area for Everglades storage reservoir celebrates ribbon cutting

January 29, 2024January 29, 2024

When we started CFCW back in 2016, completion of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan—the solution to South Florida’s water crisis—still seemed like just a pipedream.

The political status-quo had been stalling progress for over a decade and a half, and most of the plans’s 68 projects had yet to see the light of day.

Since then, things have changed completely.

Now, with your help, the fight for clean water has turned into a movement, an unstoppable force, and the past’s disregard for water quality has been replaced by an absolute premium on clean, healthy waterways.

And yesterday, less than two weeks from our organization’s eight-year anniversary, we celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Stormwater Treatment Area component of the EAA Reservoir project, the “crown jewel” of Everglades restoration!

Learn more about this major milestone and how YOU helped make this moment happen at our blog below.

Chico Fernandez Fly Fishing School

January 23, 2024July 10, 2024

If you want to take your fly fishing skills to the next level, you’re in luck! Leading fly fishing expert, Chico Fernandez, will be hosting his annual Fly Fishing School at our Hell’s Bay Factory in Titusville.

The school starts on the evening of Friday March 22nd with a meet and greet cocktail hour and the school on March 23rd & 24th. This class will broaden your knowledge of fishing as well as giving you a competitive edge over the other fishermen. This fantastic experience will give beginner and experienced anglers alike a chance to sharpen their skills under the guidance of famed fly-fishing expert Chico Fernandez. With only 10 spots available sign up today and join Chico for his unbelievable fly fishing school. Bring your favorite fly rod. Follow the link to sign up for this unbelievable weekend long school today!

For more info: 321-383-8223 or al@hellsbayboatworks.com

School Includes: All instruction for two full days learning saltwater fly-casting techniques tackle and fly selection, knots, hook setting, and fish fighting techniques. For advanced techniques, learning the double haul will greatly improve your casting skills.

Continental Breakfast & Catered Lunch

The cost of the school does not include lodging and there is no fishing during the school, but we have excellent local guides in the area after the school.
Look for lodging near Cheney Hwy and I-95. There are many options available just minutes from the factory. Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn, Fairfield Inn and Suites

For more info: 321-383-8223 or al@hellsbayboatworks.com

Click Here to Sign Up

Haddrell’s Point Fishing Expo

January 5, 2024July 10, 2024

Join Premier Leaders in the fishing industry and some of the top boat manufacturers all in the same room! January 20th & 21st, 2024 Saturday 9AM-6PM Sunday 9AM-3PM Omar Shrine Temple 176 Patriots Point Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC

We will have a Hell’s Bay skiff on display along with Hell’s Bay Professionals, Capt. Benny Blanco host of Guiding Flow TV & C.A. Richardson host of Flats Class TV.

Captains For Clean Water announces winner of “The World’s Finest Skiff Raffle”

December 5, 2023December 5, 2023

Fort Myers-based nonprofit Captains For Clean Water (CFCW) hosted a drawing event for their annual raffle featuring a one-of-a-kind Hell’s Bay Boatworks skiff, packed with gear from YETI and Orvis.

John Peacock of Naples, Florida was announced the winner of the 2023 “World’s Finest Skiff Raffle” on Friday, Dec. 1 at Collaboratory in Downtown Fort Myers during the raffle drawing event.

The boat is a custom Hell’s Bay Professional 17.8 Skiff, the ultimate shallow water skiff made for silently and effortlessly poling the flats. It’s outfitted with a Mercury Racing 60R motor, a custom SeaDek floor kit, a Ram-Lin aluminum trailer, a Raymarine Axiom 9 GPS, and a Stiffy 22’ Guide Series Push Pole.

In collaboration with CFCW, YETI has provided a boatload of gear for the raffle including Trailhead Camp Chairs, several coolers, and variations of insulated drinkware engraved with the CFCW logo. Orvis has supplied a Helios 3D Fly Rod, a PRO Boat Bag, a Wide-Mouth Guide Net, and a Wheatley Signature Fly Box complete with a dozen assorted saltwater flies.

We’re proud to partner with Hell’s Bay Boatworks, YETI and Orvis for this year’s raffle. These brands are impactful stewards of our environment, they are leaders in clean-water advocacy and they’re truly committed to our mission.

– Capt. Chris Wittman, Co-founder of CFCW

“The World’s Finest Skiff Raffle” is an initiative designed to raise awareness of south Florida’s water-quality issues and an opportunity to advocate for the long term science-based solution: Everglades restoration. In the past, it’s been successful in uniting the outdoor industry and passionate supporters to expedite critical restoration projects.

We’ve organized this raffle year after year, and that’s because it’s about more than just the boat. It’s about the outdoor industry aligning to be at the forefront of conservation efforts and protect our natural resources against systematic and political barriers. This initiative raises awareness and invites outdoorsmen and women from all over the country to join the fight for clean water.

– Capt. Daniel Andrews, Co-founder and Executive Director at CFCW

All proceeds from the raffle support CFCW’s mission to protect and restore Florida’s water resources for the use and enjoyment of all.

Captains For Clean Water is a Florida-based 501(c)3 grassroots nonprofit on a mission to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems for the use and enjoyment of all. Founded in 2016 by fishing guides, CFCW has united the outdoor industry, business community, and concerned citizens at the forefront of the fight for clean water — the lifeblood of Florida’s economy and $85.9 billion tourism industry.

Sugarloaf Showdown 2023

November 15, 2023November 15, 2023

The 10th Annual LKGA Sugarloaf Showdown Fishing Tournament, in support of the Florida Keys Guides Trust Foundation, will be held November 16-18, 2023.

Late registration, back pick up, mandatory rules meeting, and opening of the silent auction will be held on Thursday, November 16th.

Ocean Conservancy will once again partner with us and our banner sponsors including

Costa Del Mar, Hell’s Bay Boatworks, and Papa’s Pilar. www.lkga.org

Guide – Chad DuBose

November 9, 2023November 9, 2023

Guide – Quinton Destout

November 9, 2023November 9, 2023

Hell’s Bay Boatworks Owners Event

October 19, 2023November 15, 2023

Join us at the Plantation on Crystal River

This year we will be hosting our Owner’s Tournament during November 3rd, 4th, 5th, 2023 on Florida’s Nature Coast at the Plantation on Crystal River. The Plantation on Crystal River is located at 9301 West Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429.

Plantation on Crystal River is known for its great fishing while being surrounded by lush Florida nature and thriving wildlife, adding to an eco-friendly getaway that sets itself apart from any other.

This year’s individual registration ($175.00) includes 1 entry to the weekend events, 1 event shirt and 1 dinner ticket. You can purchase additional event shirts and dinner tickets.

We’ll kick off this exciting fun-filled two-day event on Friday the 3rd with a welcome gathering that includes refreshing cocktails and appetizers. Afterward, the captain’s meeting will be held to go over the tournament rules and any questions.

Friday 3rd- 4pm – 6pm Captain’s Meeting with drinks and appetizers
Saturday 4th- Fishing 7am – 3pm, Check-in then on your own to enjoy local hospitality
Sunday 5th Fishing 7am – 3pm, Check-in 6pm Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Click Here to Register

David Wirth will be creating the awards this year displaying his unique design and artistry.

The resort offers a boat ramp with trailer parking exclusively for its guests, and slips available at the resort for those wishing to keep their boat in the water. We have arranged a special rate with the Plantation on Crystal River on a block of rooms.

Click the link below or copy and paste into your browser below to book rooms at the Plantation.

https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/WI08Q5

Basic Itinerary for Weekend

Friday – Nov. 3rd, 2023
4:00pm – 6:00pm Welcome & Owners Event Registration
6:00pm – Cocktails, Appetizers & Captains Meeting

Saturday- Nov. 4th, 2023
6:00 – 7:00 am HB Tournament Team Check-in
7:00 am – Lines in
3:00 pm – Lines out
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Team Check-in and Scoring

5:30pm Plantation Boat Sunset River Cruise w/Beverages
On your own to enjoy local hospitality for Dinner

Sunday- Nov. 5th, 2023
6:00 – 7:00 am HB Tournament Team Check-in
7:00 am – Lines in
3:00 pm – Lines out
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Team Check-in and Scoring
6:00 pm Dinner and Awards Banquet

Author: Al Keller

Guide Brandon McGraw

Guide – Conner Bryant