Chico Fernández has been fishing since he was six years old and has actively fly fished for almost 60 years. He has fished in most of the lower 48 states, Alaska, Central America, South America, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Bermuda, New Zealand, Canada, and Spain, among others.
He has broken several world records over the years, most notably the largest redfish taken with a fly rod, at 42 pounds 5 ounces (I.G.F.A. record on 12 pound test tippet), and he was the third person (1982) to land a white marlin on a fly rod.
After a few years in the corporate world, Chico quit in 1973 to become involved in the outdoors field full time. He writes articles and books, and does casting demonstrations, personal appearances, consulting, and promoting. He talks personally with many boaters, fly fishermen, and other anglers each year.
Chico has written hundreds of articles, which have appeared in most major outdoor publications in the U.S. and abroad, as well as three books on fishing. His video, "Chico and the Kids," which teaches kids how to fly fish, won the Outdoor Writers' Association of America's Award in 1980. He has appeared on fishing programs on ESPN, and currently has five videos on the market (in English, Spanish, and Japanese) on fly fishing, fishing with kids, and casting tackle.
Chico has consulted for many national and international firms on fishing and fly fishing tackle, skiffs, and canoe designs. He is a charter member of the Board of Governors, Emeritus status, and lifetime member of the Federation of Fly Fishers; Director at Large of the Florida Council Board; advisor to The Snook Foundation; lifetime member of the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust [BTT]; and the IGFA representative for Miami. He also serves on the editorial board of MidCurrent.
