Outdoor Writer Steve Gibson

Well-known outdoors writer and conservationist Steve Gibson passed away at his home in Sarasota, Florida, last week. He was 72.

Gibson wrote for many outdoors magazines including Florida Sportsman, Gulf Coast Angler, Fly Fishing in Salt Waters, Saltwater Fly Fishing, The Fisherman, Cabela’s Outdoor Magazine, Paddle World Magazine, Blood Knot Magazine and Florida Fishing Weekly.

He also served as host of Fishing Paradise on Sarasota's SNN6 Radio and was host of Suncoast Outdoors on a local radio station. Steve was also retired Outdoor Editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He was author of a blog, Gibby's Fishing Blog at www.gibbysfishingblog.blogspot.com.

In addition, Gibson hosted a two-day seminar series at Robarts Arena in Sarasota, called "Go Fish! Fishing Extravaganza."

He was co-tournament director of the Sarasota Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association's Fall Fly Fishing Challenge and on the Board of Directors of the Florida Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers.

An avid angler, Gibson won many tournaments including the Fly Fishing Division of the Sarasota Sports Fishing Anglers All-Release Tarpon Tournament, the Fly Fishing Division of the Sarasota Sports Fishing Anglers Spring Classic, Sarasota CCA All-Release Photo Challenge (snook division and spotted seatrout division), Sarasota CCA Fall Fly Fishing Classic (snook division, trout division), Fly Fishing Division of the Venice/Englewood CCA No Motor Tournament and he took first place in the Orvis Dealers Fly Fishing School Tournament in Islamorada with a 14-pound bonefish.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue (nateshonoranimalrescue.org) 4951 Lorraine Rd, Bradenton, FL 34211 or Tidewell Hospice (https://tidewellfoundation.org/donate) 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34238.