Episode 66: Capt. Tommy Locke - Passion for the Poon

A cool thirty three some years ago I fished the sacred water of
Homosassa, Florida with Tommy Locke. There, I met a young man I’d
soon realize was one of the young, passionate guides of those
flats. Initially he was just a name, as I was to him, but we fished
hard together and I really dug being in Tommy's presence. We chased
the poon in Homo for a few years then I went to the Keys, where I
felt I’d see more fish, and have a better chance of upping my game.
The poon house is a small house, where everyone knows each other or
knows of the others. Well, Tommy became one of the great guides of
Homosassa and Charlotte Harbor, before moving to the Florida Keys.
He was hungry for new water and challenges. He started fishing the
three big tarpon tournaments including the Gold Cup. But what he
found was his deepening love for conservation! The poon would never
go away, but he started working closely with Captains for Clean
water and Bonefish Tarpon Trust, where in 2019 he was awarded with
the Flats Stewardship Award for his passion, enduring commitment,
and tireless service in protecting and conserving our flats
fishery. It has been a privilege and an honor to stand on the bow
of Tommy Locke’s boat and an even greater one to stand next to him
as a friend.... We hope you enjoy the fishing story behind this
great man!