In the fishing world, Ansil Saunders is known for guiding his client, Jerry Lavenstein, to the still-standing all-tackle world-record bonefish in Bimini in 1971. My friend John Frazier, who works for Simms Fishing Products, fished with Saunders on the 40th anniversary of that catch.
While Saunders showed him some amazing bonefishing during that trip, the most powerful moment, Frazier says, “was when he took his handmade skiff off plane, killed the engine and told us ‘This is the exact spot I brought Martin Luther King Jr. This place here inspired his final speech.’”
In 2021, Simms, Costa, and The American Museum of Fly Fishing sponsored the award-winning film, Mighty Waters, produced by Cold Collaborative. The film highlights the life and legacy of Bimini’s Ansil Saunders. Beyond being the world record holder, Saunders is a renowned boat builder, and civil rights activist, whose activism on Bimini led to his relationship with Dr. King.
“It’s remarkable that something so important all started in such an unassuming place,” Frazier said of the film. “It proves fishing connects people with so much more than just a pull. I also love the parallel with the fish Ansil is most passionate about – bonefish. Bonefish are far from the biggest fish in the ocean or even on the flats, for that matter. However, when you hook one, they have a lot to say.”
“Ansil Saunders is one man, who lives on a tiny island, yet his voice and contributions to civil rights can still be felt throughout our country today. He’s living proof that profoundly positive impacts can come from the smallest of places. Providing a lens for the world that brings the real benefits and importance of fishing into focus — that’s the mission we’ve embarked on. And that’s why Mighty Waters and Ansil’s story has been such an inspiration and has had such a massive impact on our brand.”
To celebrate Black History Month, Simms and Cold Collaborative have debuted the film online to share the inspirational story of Ansil Saunders with the entire fishing community.
OTW, Thank you for sharing this video. Civil rights, Bahamian independence, education access for Bahamian children. Dr. King’s direct and indirect impact was amazing and his influence continues. Thank you to Ansil Saunders for sharing his story. Well done Simms and Costa.
I wonder if MLK was fly fishing…..