Karl Wickstrom Memoriam

[silverking]

In Memoriam (from CCA Florida)

Compasses on recreational fishing boats are spinning this week. Magnetic North is hard to discern, as are just about any heading on the ‘rose.’ The recreational fishing community and all Floridians lost a good friend, Karl Wickstrom, early this week. He was an angler’s North, South, East and West.

Karl left a wonderful legacy for recreational anglers, and anyone who appreciates Florida’s vast marine resources. He was a pioneer, a leader and a critical voice for just about every fishery issue which surfaced over the last five decades. That’s a long time, and there were challenges, but Karl’s dedication and passion were at work daily, throughout his life. He never shied away from the fight, and had the scars to prove it. He was, as few are, a difference maker.

CCA Florida co-founder and past CCA Florida Chairman, Curtis Bostick, had this to say about his long-time friend, “Karl’s support over the years has enabled Florida Conservation Association, now Coastal Conservation Association Florida, to accomplish some amazing things. From Karl we got financial support, printed opinions, lengthy telephone conversations, fishing advice and a great friendship.”

Anglers everywhere should appreciate Karl’s many accomplishments and impacts. Karl’s life-long love affair with Florida began to manifest itself when he founded Florida Sportsman Magazine in 1969. Karl was an active contributor to the publication his entire life, authoring his award-winning “Openers” column for every edition. It was a must-read.

Over the years, no one worked more closely on fisheries management issues with Karl than CCA’s Ted Forsgren. Ted said he still considers Karl “one of the top conservationists and advocates for fisheries and recreational fishing in the world.” Ted added, “His energy and enthusiasm for fisheries conservation has kept fisheries issues in the forefront for many years. He gave an incredible amount of energy to CCA Florida, and myself, and is owed a big debt of gratitude that can never really be repaid.”

Working with Ted and many others, Karl helped attain gamefish status for redfish in Florida, among his many accomplishments, which continues to be one of the state’s key recreational fisheries. His signature achievement, by far, was his successful effort to ban destructive gill nets in Florida waters, which culminated in the passing of a constitutional amendment in 1994. To this day, one cannot mention nor think of the net ban without attaching Karl’s name along with it. Karl helped unleash and lead an army of CCA volunteers, and others, to gather signatures and take other necessary steps to get the amendment on the ballot. In recent years, Karl brought his passion to bear when he turned his attention to Florida’s water quality problems. His tireless efforts, no doubt, will some day pay off.

“Karl will go down in the history books as one of the best fighters and advocates for marine fisheries conservation and saltwater recreational fishing.”
-Ted Forsgren, CCA Florida

“Anna and I cherish the active and financial support Karl gave FCA and CCA over the years and will greatly miss him and his input,” added another former CCA Florida co-founder and former Chairman, Alex Jernigan.

Pioneering. Tenacious. Visionary. Advocate. Champion.
These words have all been used to describe Karl. All true, and accurate, they were well-earned.

Join us in honoring Karl's legacy.

[silverking]

I had the honor and privilege of knowing and working with Karl for many years. He was indeed a visionary and a true champion for the recreational anglers of Florida.

His legacy will live on, but this giant of a man will be greatly missed.

RIP, my friend. The tide is rising and the redfish are always tailing.

[Juan]

Sorry to hear this. I didn't know him well but met him (and his sons) once back when dealing with Florida Sportsman. He certainly dedicated his life to recreational fishing . I remember him buying that freighter and creating the Wickstrom artificial reef. He'll be remembered long after that wreck is gone. RIP