It's all about the fish: BTT’s 14th Annual NYC Dinner

The 2025 BTT NYC Dinner & Awards brought together anglers and conservation supporters to raise funds and honor conservation heroes. Donations and auctions from the evening directly support the protection of flats habitats across Florida, The Bahamas, Belize, and Mexico, turning every contribution into real-world conservation impact.

The evening was hosted by Steve Liesman, who brought a unique perspective as both a journalist and a fly fishing enthusiast. His commentary added personal insights and a appreciation for the angling community, making the remarks both engaging and relatable for attendees.

The highlight of the night was the presentation of the Lefty Kreh Award for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation to Thorpe McKenzie by Paul Tutor Jones, a respected conservationist and long-time advocate for sustainable fishing practices.

The program combined heartfelt storytelling, inspiring speeches, and lively entertainment. Guests enjoyed both silent and live auctions, supporting BTT’s mission to conserve bonefish, tarpon, and permit habitats across Florida, the Bahamas, Belize, and Mexico.

A heartfelt tribute was presented by Eddie Nickens to his friend, the late Flip Pallot, honoring his lasting impact on the flats-fishing community, dedication to conservation, and the personal warmth he shared with all who knew him.

Beyond recognition and fundraising, the dinner served as a gathering of a community united by a shared passion for angling and stewardship of our natural resources. It was a night of reflection, celebration, and commitment, reminding everyone that protecting flats fisheries is both a privilege and a responsibility.

The following is a short video of the evening and a gallery of pictures I took during the evening.

Sergio

The award recognized Thorpe’s decades of dedication to preserving aquatic habitats and promoting responsible stewardship, reflecting a lifetime of work that has left a lasting mark on the conservation community

At the end of the program, attendees were treated to live music from the Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band, adding warmth and energy to the event.

Lefty Kreh Award: Honoring Thorpe McKenzie