Tony Peña started fishing the muddy backwaters of San Diego Bay, California with a handline when he was five years old. It was a great opportunity to learn about tides and the natural world first-hand while developing a sense of persistence and wanderlust that continues to serve him well as he pursues his dream of finding the ultimate unspoiled fishing paradise. A low budget, 37-hour train ride to Mazatlan, Mexico resulted in his first billfish catch in 1969 which only whetted his appetite. As a graduate assistant in geography at San Diego State University in the early 70’s, Tony read copies of fishing magazines while administering exams to undergraduates, thinking of ways to fish the exotic locales described in their pages.
As a freelance writer and photographer, Tony has traveled to over 18 countries including Thailand, Marshall Islands, Palau, Fiji, Panama, Costa Rica and Venezuela and has set 18 IGFA world records in the process. As a fishing guide he has led other anglers to 17 IGFA records as well. Tony recognized early in his career that photography is an important asset to an outdoor writer and he was awarded “Best Photo Series” by the Outdoor Writers Association of California for 1998, 2001 and 2003. A strong advocate of wildlife conservation, Tony is a member of United Anglers of California as well as promoting the benefits of catch and release throughout his travels.
