He began guiding in Homosassa, then
moved down to the Florida Keys for three
years prior to moving to Boca Grande.
Love for fishing and respect for the
environment are priorities for the Locke
family. Tommy's wife, Kelly, and their four
children Sydney, Wesley, Wyatt and Marshall
all love the sport as well.
“Growing up out here I’ve fished with many
guides and friends,” said daughter Wesley.
“When I took a shine to fly fishing and turned
to my dad for guidance, it was like realizing I
was living with Superman. Over the past
several years I’ve enjoyed 5 a.m. wakeup calls,
learning the craft and falling in love with the
sport my dad did when he was my age. It has
been an incredible experience learning from
my hero.”
Tommy is a devoted spokesman for
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT) and several
other local organizations, working with
marine biologists and activists to preserve the
fishery and to ensure the health of the
habitat.
Bonefish Tarpon & Trust is an organization
based in Coral Gables with a mission to
conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and
permit fisheries and habitats through
research, stewardship, education and
advocacy. Members of the organization
honored Tommy with the 2019 Flats
Stewardship Award for his continued support
of BTT’s work to enhance tarpon
conservation through scientific research,
habitat improvement and clean water
advocacy at the annual Boca Grande
fundraiser event. The event was a sellout.
"I was extremely honored and humbled ...
there are so many people who have done
many great things to help our environment,"
Tommy said. "I've always been a big
environmentalist, and I’ve tried to pass that
along to everyone I fish with.”
Bonefish Tarpon & Trust was founded by six
concerned anglers who worked together to
protect and enhance critical flats habitats,
reverse the decline of flats species and use
research findings to influence policy, educate
the fishing community and improve resource
management for long-term stewardship.
May/June 2019 GASPARILLA ISLAND 35