Captain Paul HAWKINS

1950 - 2022

HAWKINS, Captain Paul C. 72, passed away on August 9, 2022. Paul was born in St Petersburg, Florida April 5, 1950. He had been fishing the waters of Tampa Bay since he was a boy and became a sought-after professional fly-fishing guide in the Tampa Bay area and Florida Keys for more than forty years. He learned many of his angling skills from local icon Carl Hansen and legendary Florida sportsman Earl Gresh. He adopted their ethic of passing on his knowledge to others. He was happy to teach and gave clinics and seminars for the Florida League of Anglers. Paul was active in the Fishing Conservation Association and taught proper sportsmanship and respect for wildlife while on the water. Frank Sargeant, Outdoor Editor Emeritus, The Tampa Tribune wrote: "I was privileged to chase everything from tarpon and snook to mangrove snapper and seatrout with Captain Paul over the years on Tampa Bay, and he never failed to find the fish and instruct me on exactly how to catch them. He was a dedicated captain, an outstanding angler and a great friend." Paul is survived by his wife, Mary Profetta Hawkins; their son Paul Jr., both of St Petersburg, Florida. Also surviving are younger brothers, Peter Hawkins of Marietta, Georgia and Tim Hawkins of Madeira Beach, Florida. A celebration of life gathering with friends and family will be announced at a later date.