***In-Person Speaker***

Jim "Chiefy" Mathie is author of two underwater hunting publications, "Catching the BUG" and "Catching the Spear-it".  This presentation is about giving you some valuable tips on how to locally harvest spiny lobsters and fish, including lionfish. As a recreational diver, these tips are part of a three-step program for catching spiny lobsters and the ABCs of spearfishing. Easy and enjoyable, this presentation will increase your underwater hunting skills.

Jim retired in 2007 after serving 30 years with Deerfield Beach Fire Rescue. He advanced through the ranks from 1977 as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Rescue Supervisor, Fire Inspector, Training/EMS Lieutenant, Battalion Chief and retired as a Division Chief. His responsibilities as a Division Chief included Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Management.  For over 25 years Jim was also an adjunct faculty member at Broward Community College in the Emergency Medical Services Department. He holds an Associate of Science Degree from Broward Community College in Fire Science, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Nova Southeastern University in Public Administration and has completed numerous courses toward a Master of Science Degree at Florida International University in Adult Education. He received the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Broward County 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jim’s venture after retirement allowed him to fulfill a life-long passion of diving. Author of two books, Catching the BUG: The Comprehensive Guide to Catching the Spiny Lobster and Catching the Spear-it! The ABC’s of Spearfishing, Jim combined his years as an educator, underwater hunter and storyteller to create these easy-to-read publications.

Jim established CHIEFY, LLC in 2011 and his website can be viewed at www.chiefy.net or visit his Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/jim.mathie  or  https://www.facebook.com/chiefyllc, Instagram and YouTube Channel at Chiefycrew.

Jim also writes a column, Catching the Ocean View at the New Pelican Newspaper, and a contributor in The Weekly Fisherman radio show on WINZ 940AM.