Geyer Legacy
A lifetime measured not only by the fish he caught, but by the lives he touched. Through conservation, mentorship, sportsmanship, and service, Gerard "Jerry" Geyer leaves a legacy that will continue long after the last cast.
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When you’re young, you don’t always recognize how much you need guidance. If you grow up without family members to show you the way, you often learn by trial and error, figuring things out as you go. It’s only later in life that you truly understand the value of having someone to look up to and respect. A quality mentor offers more than advice, they offer perspective, encouragement, wisdom, and sometimes simply a good example of how to live. They fill a void you likely never realized was there. As we get older, we often appreciate those who guided us more than we ever could have as kids. Jerry Geyer has been this person to me in many ways, I’m honored to have him in my life. When I saw that Sandy Adams, a dear friend of his, recently nominated him for the IGFA, I just had to share it. Jim Griffiths, Nautical Mile Magazine
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Tarpon Angler • Conservationist • Mentor • Sportsman
Fishing Accomplishments (as of 2025)
• 1,061 Individual Documented Tarpon Releases
• 1,011 Boat Releases (guests and anglers fishing aboard his boat)
• 150+ Guests Assisted in releasing their first tarpon
• 4,000+ Tarpon “Jumped”
• 811 Tarpon Tagged
• Recognized by the Cooperative Game Fish Tagging
Program at the 500-Tag Level (1999)
• First Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club Release: 1992
Awards & Recognition
• Captain of the Year – 20 Times
• Award now renamed the Jerry Geyer Captain of the Year Award
• Award recognizes the captain whose boat records the most
different anglers releasing tarpon during a season
• Angler of the Year – 8 Times
• Declined the award twice to allow other anglers to be recognized
• Club Record
• 132 Tarpon Releases in a Single Season
• Previous record: 75 (also held by Jerry)
• Sportsman of the Year – 1993
• Life Membership – 2005
Tagging Program
Over 1,000 of his tarpon releases have been formally documented
and verified through the Tarpon Hunters Club of Cape Coral, with
each catch witnessed and recorded according to established club standards.
Conservation
• All tarpon caught under a strict catch-and-release philosophy
• Longtime advocate of circle hooks and fish survival practices
• Tagged 811 tarpon to support scientific research
• Promoted ethical angling and conservation throughout his fishing career
Leadership & Mentorship
• Served continuously on the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters
Club Board of Directors since 1993
Positions held:
• President
• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Sergeant-at-Arms
• Director
• Conducted:
• Individual mentoring sessions
• Club educational presentations
• Public fishing seminars
• Guided and encouraged countless anglers throughout his career
Community Service
• Participated in and supported annual fishing outings for POPS,
an organization serving special-needs teens and adults
• Shared fishing opportunities and instruction with participants for many years
Public Service
• Vietnam-era military service
• Retired Battalion Chief, New York City Fire Department
• Served as a Captain in Midtown Manhattan
• Relief Captain for FDNY Rescue Units, primarily Rescue 1
• Retired following a career-ending injury in 1989
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To: International Game Fish Association Awards Committee:
It is my honor to nominate Gerard "Jerry" Geyer, a lifelong angler, conservation advocate, mentor, and one of the most accomplished tarpon fishermen ever known. My husband and I first met Jerry through the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club. It quickly became apparent that he was one of the most respected members of the organization. Through club events, fishing outings, and social gatherings, we came to know Jerry and his wife, Susan, as valued friends.
In 2022, our home in North Fort Myers was devastated by Hurricane lan. Without hesitation, Jerry and Susan opened their home to us. What we expected to be a short stay became six months. Their generosity, kindness, and friendship during one of the most difficult times in our lives is something we will never forget and always be grateful for. During our six-month stay, we experienced firsthand the integrity, humility, kindness, and generosity that define his character.
Jerry's documented accomplishments are detailed within this packet. Throughout his life, he has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to ethical angling, conservation, education, and service to others.
I respectfully submit this nomination packet and ask the International Game Fish Association to review Jerry's accomplishments and consider recognizing and honoring him.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Adams
Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Member
North Fort Myers, Florida
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NOMINATION FOR THE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISH ASSOCIATION
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Gerard “Jerry” Geyer
Retired Battalion Chief, New York City Fire Department
Submitted in recognition of a lifetime devoted to fishing, conservation, mentorship,
sportsmanship, and service to others.
Recognized for achieving more than 1,000 documented tarpon releases, each witnessed and
verified through the Cape Coral Tarpon Hunters Club, while inspiring generations of anglers
through leadership, conservation, and a lifelong commitment to the sport.
Nomination submitted by Sandy Adams on behalf of family, friends, fellow anglers,
and supporters of Jerry Geyer's legacy.
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Nautical Mile Magazine
