UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Mark caught his first bonefish when he was nine years old, and has been pursuing all types of finned, feathered, and furred species ever since. He is a graduate from Elon University with degrees in Strategic Communications and Video Production and holds a Masters in Business Administration from Florida International University. While his early career began in a tent on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, he eventually progressed to a brief term at Capitol Hill Consulting Group, a lobbying firm on Capitol Hill. Looking for more, he transitioned to BTT in 2014 and has been guiding people to science backed conservation and advocacy ever since.
As the Director of Development, Mark oversees all fund development for the organization, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, memberships, and event-based fundraising.
Mark is thankful to have gotten an early start in fishing through his parents, and hopes to preserve the world’s most exciting game fish for his future children.
Fellowship of the Outdoors will be hosted by Mark on February 4th, 2026 at Orvis Fly Fishing (8300 Preston Road, Dallas, TX) at 3:30 PM. Donations to Bonefish Tarpon Trust at the event are highly encouraged. We are excited to see you there!
Fellowship of the Outdoors will be hosting Fellowship Hall (a time to enjoy fellowship with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts with a limited agenda) at Orvis Fly Fishing (8300 Preston Road, Dallas, TX) at 3:30 PM on Thursday, March 11th. We are excited to see you there!
Jim began working in the fly fishing industry at the age of 14. Over the years, he has worked as a guide, sales rep, travel coordinator, and as past National Sales Manager for Scientific Anglers. He spent his 20s guiding in Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon, and has fished worldwide in over 55 different countries. In 1999, Jim founded Yellow Dog, a company that today has grown to become the largest and most recognized entity in sporting travel and destination outfitting. As Yellow Dog’s CEO, Jim spends a lot of time scouting and researching destinations throughout the world.
Aside from his ongoing work with Yellow Dog, Jim is also the host of the Waypoints travel podcast, a published author (Fly Fishing Belize – 2014 and Waypoints – 2024), and the co-founder of Confluence Films, a film production company that created the fishing movies DRIFT (2008), RISE (2009), CONNECT (2011), WAYPOINTS (2013) and PROVIDENCE (2016)
In 2017, Jim was awarded the American Museum of Fly Fishing’s “Izaak Walton Award,” given out once a year to honor and celebrate individuals who live by the Compleat Angler philosophy. The award recognizes “a passion for the sport of fly fishing and involvement in the angling community that provides inspiration for others and promotes the legacy of leadership for future generations.” In 2018, Jim was the recipient of the annual “Lefty Kreh Industry Leadership Award,” presented to one individual each year by the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA).
Jim’s writings and photos appeared in numerous magazines and publications, and his photo work and galleries can be viewed online. Jim lives in Bozeman, Montana with his wife Hilary and children Carson, Finn, and Gus.
Jim will be hosting Fellowship of the Outdoors on April 2nd at 3:30 PM at Roots & Water (2200 Vantage Street, Dallas, TX). We are excited to see you there!
Jody Taylor is a professional horse trainer and owner of Star T Ranch in Godley, Texas. He has been around horses his entire life including great memories at countless rodeos, horse shows and building relationships with riders and their horses. His training techniques incorporate English or Western riding styles including various skills involved while riding and caring for horses. His passion for growing the amount of horse lovers throughout the country is prominent, and he is a member of United States Eventing Association, AreaV, North Texas Eventing Association, North Texas Hunter Jumper Club, American Cowboys Rodeo Association, THSRA and American Quarter Horse Association. Jody is also a CHA certified instructor (4th Level English & Western). Fellowship of the Outdoors will be hosted by Jody on May 14th at 4 PM at Star T Ranch (9101 County Road 1127, Godley, TX). We are excited to see you at the event!
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Brandon has spent more than twenty years working in the fly fishing industry. From guiding out in the Western United States to manufacturing fly fishing gear including his time as rod designer at Dallas' Temple Fork Outfitters to hosting adventure travel in exotic destinations around the world Brandon strives to share his passion for fly fishing and the outdoors with others. If he is not chasing exotic fish somewhere around the globe he can be found spending time with his wife and two boys or making plans for his next adventure. Fellowship of the Outdoors is being hosted by Brandon on on September 10th, 2026 at Tailwaters Fly Fishing (1933 East Levee Street, Dallas, TX) at 3:30 PM. We are excited to see you there!
Fellowship of the Outdoors will be hosting Fellowship Hall (a time to enjoy fellowship with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts with a limited agenda) at Tailwaters Fly Fishing (1933 East Levee Street, Dallas, TX) at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, October 14th. We are excited to see you there!