On a tranquil Tuesday evening along Park Avenue, an exceptional gathering took place, uniting some of the most prominent figures in fly fishing, marine science, conservation, and even the frozen food industry. This remarkable event, the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust’s 13th Annual NYC Dinner & Awards Ceremony, highlighted a shared passion — the ocean and its inhabitants.

As Captain Paul Dixon aptly noted, this gathering was fundamentally “all about the fish.” Held at the elegant venue 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan, the event drew over 300 enthusiastic guests. Captain Dixon, a dedicated guide primarily operating in Montauk, New York, where he targets striped bass, and in the Florida Keys, where he pursues tarpon, bonefish, and permit, found himself in a rather unfamiliar setting. Typically dressed in fishing attire — lightweight Simms shorts, a hoodie, and Costa sunglasses — he embraced the evening’s formality in a blazer and tie. “Not today,” he remarked with a chuckle, reflecting on the occasion.

The gala was a resounding success, raising an impressive $1.3 million for the Trust, an organization committed to the preservation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems and the conservation of three vital saltwater fish species: bonefish, tarpon, and permit.

This year’s honoree, Bob Rich Jr., a passionate angler, philanthropist, and author, was recognized for his significant contributions. As the chairman of Rich Products Corporation, a global food products powerhouse based in Buffalo, he proudly holds a spot on the Forbes billionaire list and is also celebrated in the Frozen Food Hall of Fame, alongside his father. On this memorable night, he was awarded the Lefty Kreh Award for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation, a tribute named in honor of the esteemed fly fisherman who passed away in 2018.

Supporters of Mr. Rich expressed their admiration for the recognition. “I adore him; it’s absolutely well-deserved,” said Captain Abbie Schuster, a fly fishing guide who traveled from Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. “He’s an inspiration for all of us, and he possesses a wonderful sense of humor.”