In Memoriam: Legendary Bonefish Guide Ansil Saunders

IGFA Tommy Gifford Award recipient Ansil Saunders was a legendary fishing guide. He was best known in angling circles as the man who guided his client Jerry Lavenstein to the world record bonefish on the flats of Bimini in 1971. He also guided historical figures such as the former president Richard Nixon, and of course, his most famous client of all, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The funny thing is Saunders didn’t even take Dr. King fishing. Rather, he took him to secluded, spiritual island places so that King could work on his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech and, later, his Sanitation Workers Speech.

Saunders was the guide of the current IGFA World Record for a 16-pound Atlantic bonefish that was caught by Jerry Lavenstein in 1971.

The IGFA and the global sportfishing community join together in mourning the passing of Ansil Saunders, a beloved figure whose legacy extends far beyond the waters of Bimini. Known as Bimini’s most revered bonefish guide, Ansil’s contributions to fishing, boat building, and social justice have left an indelible mark on both the sport and the world.

From the age of 15, Ansil began building bonefish skiffs, continuing a five-generation family tradition that originated in Scotland. His craftsmanship and skill on the water quickly earned him a reputation as an exceptional guide, culminating in 1971 when he guided Jerry Lavenstein to the IGFA All-Tackle World Record for bonefish—a 16-pounder that still stands today. Throughout his career, Ansil guided many notable individuals, including President Richard Nixon and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Saunders was the fifth generation in a long line of boatbuilders originating from Scotland. Using mahogany, oak, and native horseflesh wood, Saunders buildt his 16-foot handcrafted vessels to perfectly navigate through Bimini’s shallow bonefish-rich waters.

Dr. King’s visits to Bimini had a profound impact on Ansil, who took him to the tranquil Holy Grounds, where Dr. King wrote his Nobel Prize acceptance speech and later his poignant sanitation workers' speech just days before his assassination. This bond with Dr. King inspired Ansil to become an active participant in The Bahamas independence movement, eventually meeting England’s Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth II.

U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas, Nicole A. Avant presented a plaque to Ansil Saunders in recognition of his outstanding contributions in keeping Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy alive in The Bahamas.

Ansil’s influence extended far beyond his guiding and boat building. As a young man, he courageously challenged racial segregation at Bimini’s “Big Game Club,” demanding equality and ultimately opening the doors for black men and women.

In 2020, Ansil was named as a recipient of the prestigious IGFA Tommy Gifford Award in recognition of his angling achievements and extraordinary contributions to the sportfishing community. He was not only a masterful guide and boat builder but also a cherished friend, mentor, and advocate. His life’s work has profoundly impacted Bimini and the world, reminding us all of the power of perseverance, equality, and dedication to preserving our natural and social environments. Ansil Saunders’ passing is a profound loss for the angling and conservation communities. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. found a friend in Saunders. Just four days before his assassination, Dr. King was sitting in Ansil’s boat, sharing psalms and working on “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”—his final speech.

The IGFA wishes to express our heartfelt condolences and gratitude for having been witness to his extraordinary journey. Though Ansil is no longer with us, his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, ensuring that his dream of equality and respect for nature lives on.

2021 IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards

Ansil Saunders accepts his IGFA Tommy Gifford Award (time stamp 36:25)

Mighty Waters

A @coldcollaborative film, “Mighty Waters,” Ansil Saunders visits the spot he had taken Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.