Safari Club International's 2011 prestigious C.J. McElroy Award goes to Raleigh Werking and Tropic Star Lodge.

left to right Mike Andrews, Raleigh Werking, Trish Werking, and Terri Andrews

2011 C.J. McElroy Award
Named for the SCI's founder and chairman emeritus, the C.J. McElroy Award honors a member of the world's hunting and fishing industry who has made great contributions to the sport of hunting or fishing, achieved excellence in worldwide hunting or fishing, displayed a dedication to the conservation of wildlife, and has a history of service to the global community and to Safari International's goals. Raleigh is the first fisherman to be nominated and receive this very prestigious award.

Raleigh Werking
Raleigh is considered to be one of the leading authorities on light-tackle fishing. He is frequently quoted in the media on everything from sailfish to salmon. He has broken 65 World Records recognized by International Game Fish Association and National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Over the years, Raleigh has been featured in many saltwater fishing magazines, including Marlin Magazine, Sport Fishing, Saltwater Sportsman, Pacific Coast Sportfishing, Field & Stream. Alaska Magazine and Outdoor Life. He has made guest appearances on numerous TV Shows including Larry Dahlberg's The Hunt For Big Fish, North American Fisherman, Sportman's Challenge with Doug Hannon, Fuzzy Zoeller's K-Mart Outdoors, Guy Harvey's Portraits From The Deep, Cabela's Outdoors, Big Water Adventures and Reel Adventures.

He is a dedicated conservationist practicing only catch & release ethics for all billfish species, and a leading advocate of using circle hooks to help reduce the mortality of all species. He is a member of SCI, IGFA and head of sales & marketing for Tropic Star Lodge.

He is the founding member of the prestigious Bonefish & Tarpon organization. In addition, he worked with Make-A-Wish Foundation and Tropic Star Lodge to make a wish come true for a young man, Jacob Snyder and his family. An experience to remember...