Zac Yarbrough Photo
What does Keep Fish Wet mean to me?
It is a tremendous honor for me to be asked by Keep Fish Wet to become part of such a distinguished and accomplished team of ambassadors, volunteers and corporate sponsors. I have been advocating for professional ethics and proper revive and release techniques for more than three decades. For me, “Keepemwet” is a life philosophy and is directly related to how we treat and respect not only our natural resources, but how we treat and respect other human beings as well. Ethical angling practices, professional responsibility and leadership go hand in hand. As fishermen and women, we are all responsible for protecting the resource we love and rely on so much. Being a professional and a leader in my industry, I feel I must set the highest ethical standards and example for others at all times, with no exceptions. As humans, we all have the ability to learn and evolve by keeping our minds open to new knowledge and scientific discovery. I am committed to the keepemwet mission of leading and educating others on the best way to enjoy all the joys fishing has to offer, while having the smallest negative impact on our fisheries. Please give the fish we catch and release, every opportunity to survive and spawn so that we can pass our blessings on to the next generation.
Leonard Bryant Photography
Anthony “Tony” DiGiulian is President of Saltwater Professional Consulting. Tony started his career in 1979, aboard his Aunt and Uncle’s charter boat, out of Shinnecock Inlet, Long Island, N.Y. Working for over 38 years in the sport fishing industry as a professional Captain, deck hand, conservationist and consultant, he has led anglers to over 10,000 billfish captures worldwide, including several ultra-light world records and tournament victories.
A published author on various subjects related to sport fishing, Tony is a recognized expert on all types of saltwater fishing. His articles have been published in Sport Fishing Magazine, Marlin Magazine, Tournament Digest, IGFA International Angler, Billfish Magazine, fishtrack.com, In The Bite Magazine and Coastal Angler Magazine. He has been interviewed for numerous articles on fishing related topics by all the major fishing publications. You can view his many how to videos on You-Tube, IGFA.org and Fishtrack.com.
Tony has worked for some of the top sport fishing operations in the world and learned his craft from some of the most famous captains in history. The list includes legendary Captains: Skip Smith, Eddie Herbert, Rick Defeo, Daniel Timmons and Australian Laurie Wright. In 2006, Tony co-founded along with the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the “IGFA School of Sportfishing”. In 2018 this program will be entering its twelfth year of existence. He also volunteers for all IGFA children’s programs and especially enjoys helping special needs children to experience the joys of fishing and being outdoors. Tony is a board member of “Fish To Make A Difference”, an organization that works with the Joe DiMaggio Children’s hospital to take children and their families, suffering with various health issues and life threatening diseases out on the water fishing.
In 2009 Tony started a project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he guided his clients to the first rod and reel sword fish captures in Red Sea history. He is also responsible for the creation of The Red Sea Game Fishing Club and the Red Sea Game Fish Association. In addition Tony was the lead consultant and project manager in the creation of the first multi boat charter fishing operation in Saudi Arabia. In April of 2010, Tony was a guest professor at the prestigious King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, where he taught a three day course on fishing and the potentials of sport fishing as an industry on the Red Sea coast. In 2011 Tony was a guest speaker at the 2011 Asia Marine Conference at the 2011 South Korean International Boat Show, where he presented on the economics of the sport fishing and recreational angling industry. In 2012 he travelled to Egypt to begin a project in El Gouna, at the Abu Tig Marina with the end goal of bringing the sport fishing industry to Egypt’s resort coast on the Red Sea. In October of 2013, Tony was hired by the St. Lucia Game Fishing Association and the Southern Caribbean Billfish Circuit to begin a long term, multi-faceted project to promote that region as a top game fishing destination. Tony also created, produces and runs, the Sea Spray Abaco Challenge fishing tournament at the Sea Spray Resort in Elbow Cay, Abaco Bahamas.
Mr. DiGiulian has always been committed to the sport fishing industry, but above all, has a deep desire to help preserve our marine environment and to protect the rights of the sport fishing public. Tony has been advocating for professional ethics, responsible use and proper fish handling and reviving techniques for three decades. Tony is an active member of The Billfish Foundation and a member of their Captains advisory board. In February of 2010, Tony was awarded the title of “Billfish Foundation Conservation Ambassador”, and is now representing TBF in an official capacity. Tony is an original member of the South East Swordfish Club, committee member of The Big Game Room at the Miami International Boat Show and committee member of the Jeb Bush Classic, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Sailfish Tournament. Recently he has become the radio voice of the Yamaha/Contender Miami International Sportfish Tournament as that event’s on air scorekeeper. He is a regular speaker at many fishing seminars and specializes in public speaking and organizing and conducting seminars for various organizations, including the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). His goal is to help boating and fishing enthusiast of all levels obtain the skills, information and technology necessary to maximize their overall saltwater experience.