When Wilson and Matlack sold the company to Ed Bronstien in 1991, Michael Rybovich, with help from his father, Emil Rybovich, created Ryco Marine, which operates today in Riviera Beach on the shores of Lake Worth. Rybovich owners were always good salesmen for the Rybovich boats because they found them as nearly perfect fishing machines.

John Rybovich Jr., who died on June 19, 1993, had a hand in organizing a number of major fishing tournaments. He served on the board of the Cat Cay Tuna Toumment and the International Light Tackle Toumament Association.

But he always held that the Invitational Masters Angling Tournament stood as his greatest achievement. And he called the Tournament of Champions (1962-1972) the best idea he ever had. It was designed to raise money for conservation.

"On a personal level, while I doubt that I ever impacted anyone's thinking," Rybovich said, "I did sow the seeds of conservation before World War II. More than anything, I'm proud of that."