Fly Fishermen Do It Better: Carter Andrews Helps Land Another Big One

Carter Andrews—Captain, TV personality (Carter Andrews’ Obsession), global fishing guru, and husband to the gracious and beautiful Heidi Kenyon Andrews (full story on her impressive family conservation foundation coming in a future issue)—generously hosted an oversold fête for fly fishing enthusiasts and industry notables, including legends like Rob Fordyce, Andy Mill, Hillary Hutcheson, Paul Bruun, Jake Jordan, Chico Fernandez, Larry Dahlberg and Oliver White. People traveled from across the country to honor Lefty Kreh, a man whose life epitomized every canon of the fly-fishing sport.

Captain Cody Rubner (UMaine / Marine Biology ’17) of High Roller Fly Fishing in Stuart was the primary event planner, securing sponsorships and managing to land this major benefit in Vero Beach for the very first time.

Fly fishing occupies a unique niche thanks to its foundational belief in conservation—a deep respect for the environment, the fish, and the artistry involved. From delicately handcrafted flies to artisan-level gear, the act itself is a long, patient, graceful ballet. Encounters steeped in nature are unhurried and zenlike—typically involving admiration, appreciation, and a moment of soul bonding before the fish is released. If you love something, let it go.

The Lefty Kreh event kicked off Friday with attendees catching and tagging jack crevalle on the Indian River for a study of current numbers and migration patterns. That night, guests gathered at the Majestic Cinema for a special film, softly narrated by fellow current legend and guide to the rich and famous, Flip Pallot, reflecting on Lefty's life journey in the sport.

The following day, freshly inspired, guests flocked to Carter and Heidi’s beautiful country estate, where tents, displays, lectures, demonstrations, and live podcast recordings filled the grounds. The atmosphere was uniquely warm and welcoming—just like the fly fishing community itself.

The Saturday event ended with silent and live auctions and a $250-per-person dinner generously supplied by YETI. Their top outdoor chefs had arrived from La Jolla in a land brigade, pausing only to pick up a smoker in Austin, Texas—roughly the size of a Navy submarine.

100% of proceeds generated from Lefty Kreh’s Tie Fest benefited The Jack Project—a five-year research and advocacy initiative led by the American Saltwater Guides Association (ASGA) in collaboration with Florida International University, Mississippi State University, and the Lower Keys Guides Association. Focused on acoustic tagging and DNA research in South Carolina, the Treasure Coast and Florida Keys, Louisiana, and Texas, the project’s goal is to establish precautionary management measures to ensure a thriving fishery for years to come.

In parceling out the multitude of positive influences impacting our waterways and fish populations, the fly fishing and saltwater guide communities are undeniably essential to the future of clean water and species continuity. Even on a personal level, these sportsmen operate with a sense of responsibility that inspires everyone.

One standout vendor shared their “Got One” app—a tool designed to record catch size, species, and location, creating a real-time logbook for anglers. Even more impressively, the data is available for use by marine science institutions from Woods Hole to the Lower Keys. In a classic fly-fishing twist, the creators declined advertising or sponsorship and instead funded the project privately—as a gift back to nature.

That kind of ethos defines the community and showcases their respectful commitment to the natural world. You want to applaud them (but it might scare the fish).

On Sunday morning, some attendees returned to the Indian River for a local tournament hosted by Vero’s own White’s Tackle on Cardinal Drive—a longtime gem in the Ocean Drive district. If you haven’t visited since its days as a dry cleaner, treat yourself. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or just want to look the part, White’s has everything you need to dive in—or ease into your new hobby in convincing outdoor couture.

Where this benefit lands next year is anyone’s guess, but it will be hard to top Vero’s perfect setting—even the weather was flawlessly behaved.

Let it be a balm to the soul in challenging times to imagine a world where everyone carries the quiet values of a fly fisherman—kindness, patience, and stewardship.

Long live Lefty’s legacy!