About the Club

Mission Statement

Provide angling education and a forum to our members for promoting family participation and friendly activities while respecting the need to conserve our angling resources. Encourage and assist members to promote sport fishing and expand the knowledge of others. Actively work with others to protect our angling resources in Florida and the Atlantic Coast.

Club Timeline

Swipe
1983
In 1983, John Conlon and Steve McElveen saw a need to start a fishing club in the Central Florida area. Both felt a need as they fished the coastal areas and found that many other anglers were from the Central Florida area. However, unlike many of the ports, Central Florida did not have a fishing club. So through their insight and the efforts of Charlie Eby, Ray Stanton, Jim Neff, and Bill Mathews, Central Florida Offshore Anglers was created.

In 1983, John Conlon and Steve McElveen saw a need to start a fishing club in the Central Florida area. Both felt a need as they fished the coastal areas and found that many other anglers were from the Central Florida area. However, unlike many of the ports, Central Florida did not have a fishing club. So through their insight and the efforts of Charlie Eby, Ray Stanton, Jim Neff, and Bill Mathews, Central Florida Offshore Anglers was created.

1984
After Several months of weekly meetings, visiting other clubs, selecting a Board of Directors, and drafting by-laws they were able to finally launch the organization on Monday, February 13, 1984 as a non-profit corporation.

After Several months of weekly meetings, visiting other clubs, selecting a Board of Directors, and drafting by-laws they were able to finally launch the organization on Monday, February 13, 1984 as a non-profit corporation.

1998
Since that date changes to the by-laws have occurred in an effort to further promote saltwater angling for all ages and experience levels. Some of the most notable were the beginnings of an inshore program in 1998.

Since that date changes to the by-laws have occurred in an effort to further promote saltwater angling for all ages and experience levels. Some of the most notable were the beginnings of an inshore program in 1998.

2002
With these changes to CFOA has still managed to keep the focus of the founding members to be dedicated to creating new friendships by fishing together, promoting conversation, planning fishing trips, and passing on angling knowledge. PeeWee and Senior's angling division in 2002.

With these changes to CFOA has still managed to keep the focus of the founding members to be dedicated to creating new friendships by fishing together, promoting conversation, planning fishing trips, and passing on angling knowledge. PeeWee and Senior's angling division in 2002.

2014
2014 promises to be another year with numerous activities planned including club trips around Florida, several intra-club social tournaments, and many sport fishing industry guest speakers and top anglers from Florida.

2014 promises to be another year with numerous activities planned including club trips around Florida, several intra-club social tournaments, and many sport fishing industry guest speakers and top anglers from Florida.

2025
The club has many diverse members, both boat owners and non-boat owners, proficient anglers and beginners alike from many different walks of life that share the common bond of angling and enjoying the camaraderie of great fishing experiences.

The club has many diverse members, both boat owners and non-boat owners, proficient anglers and beginners alike from many different walks of life that share the common bond of angling and enjoying the camaraderie of great fishing experiences.

Board Members

Orville Parrish
Orville Parrish
President
Orville is a Florida Native who grew up in Jacksonville fishing and diving from an early age, he fishes mostly offshore in Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, and Ft. Pierce.  He enjoys tournament king fishing, especially SKA events.  Became president of CFOA to try to get more families involved in the sport and the club.  His goal is to grow the club to the past levels of 200+ members enabling the club to have more functions and tournaments.
Michael Travis
Michael Travis
Secretary
Michael has lived and worked in the Central Florida area for the past 25+ years. He's enjoyed many great fishing trips with family and friends during this time. For the past few years, Michael has served as the Secretary for both the Club and Marine Foundation.
Trish Reid
Trish Reid
Conservation Director
I developed my passion for fishing growing up on the shores of Lake Erie with my parents who loved to fish and boat. My husband Bruce and I also fished the Chesapeake Bay for 30 years near our home in Severna Park, Maryland. Following retirement, we decided to move to Orlando area so we could continue our quest for fishing adventures in the ocean, Gulf, lagoons, rivers and lakes in our bay boat and kayaks. We are also enjoying passing on our love of fishing to our grandchildren. CFOA is a great family friendly fishing club. I enjoy meeting new fishing friends, listening to guest speakers to learn new techniques, going to club events and trips, and having a great time fishing with members who share the love of sportfishing.
Ken Schanze
Ken Schanze
Weigh Master
Born and raised in South Florida, Ken grew up fishing in the lakes and canals around the Miami area. While fishing and diving with his father in South Florida and the Florida Keys, he developed a passion for offshore fishing and diving. Having retired from the medical industry in 2016, Ken spends his time fishing in the Central Florida area and enjoys fishing offshore in the Port Canaveral and Homosassa areas.  Ken’s other interests and hobbies include music, surfing, skiing and playing golf and pickleball.
Terry Winn
Terry Winn
Marine Foundation President
Born and raised in Central Florida and have been fishing the saltwater areas of the State for over 60 years including the Middle Grounds, Keys, Tortugas and East Coast along with areas of Panama, Alaska, Long Island and Venice, Louisiana. Has a passion for all saltwater types of fishing, shrimping and crabbing. Currently serving on the Space Coast Artificial Reef Advisory Board (SCARAB). A retired Chief Fire Officer/Paramedic and holder of USCG master Captain’s license along with being involved in the Marine electronics industry. Has been featured in articles and TV for Florida Sportsman Magazine and has worked extensively with Dolphin and Red Snapper tagging programs.  A past President of Central Florida Saltwater Anglers and has had the Top Boat in both inshore and offshore Club Divisions numerous times in their annual interclub competition. Holds numerous club records for the CFOA as well as the Florida Sport Fishing Association for which he has also achieved Master Angler status.
Vice President
Vice President
Bill Walker
Bill grew up in Orange Beach, AL son of Charter Boat Captain Roland Walker. That meant that Bill was a deckhand through his early years. They targeted all fish species but red snapper was their primary catch. During the winter they commercial fished for snapper and built artificial reefs. An example is the family car a 1957 Chevy passed downed through Bill’s brother that became an artificial reef. Bill is retired from the Naval Reserves. His latest work has been as the visual engineer supporting the Navy’s navigation, ship handling, and seamanship simulators. He works part-time for General Dynamics as a Maritime Subject Matter Expert and test engineer. Bill previously served on the sponsorship committee.  His interests include fishing inshore and offshore, diving, and kayaking.

2026 Statement

CFSA is built on a shared passion for fishing, community, and stewardship of our waters. Over the years, our members have helped grow a club rooted in camaraderie, tradition, and respect for the outdoors. From early mornings on the water to gatherings and tournaments, CFSA continues to welcome new anglers, strengthen friendships, and promote responsible fishing practices that preserve our rivers and oceans for future generations.

Looking ahead, CFSA is focused on growth, mentorship, and involvement. We actively support youth and family-friendly fishing opportunities, conservation initiatives, and well-organized social and competitive events. Through volunteer-led committees covering social events, family fishing, tournaments, and conservation, members play a direct role in shaping the club’s future. Together, we aim to pass on our love for fishing while fostering education, conservation, and a strong sense of community.