1930-1960
Many of the Islamorada Fishing Guides Association (IFGA) founding Captains were in the Islamorada area, guiding before the IFGA was formed. They guided when they could find a client and worked various jobs in-between. For example, Dick Williams, Harry Pinder and George Brothers harvested lobster and sold them at 12-14 cents per pound. He also had George Hicks build his first guide skiff - 16 foot with 10HP Johnson in 1947. Jimmie Albright and Frankie Albright, and Bill and Bonnie Smith often towed their skiffs behind a larger boat to get to their fishing destinations. Many ran private boats between guide trips. It is true; many lived on grits and grunts in those days.
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They are the great ones! The Captains that helped make Islamorada the fishing capital of the world. You've heard the names. Cecil Keith, Jimmie Albright, Bill Smith, Dick Williams, Rollie and Hollie Hollenbeck, George Hommell, Reggie Roberts, Bill and Dixie Knowles, Henry Albury, Buck Starck, Lee Vandersaar, Jake Mueller, George and Harry Pinder, Leo Johnson, Cliff Ambrose, Buddy Grace, Ellis Schires, Evert Carey, and Jack Brothers with their wonderful brides beside them every step of the way.
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