2023 Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo

In my job, I am lucky to be the emcee/host of some of the most prestigious big game  fishing tournaments here on the Gulf Coast. These events feature millions of dollars in  prize money on the line and multi-million dollar yachts captained and crewed by some  of the best fishermen in the world. 

 It's an exclusive sport, for sure. The investment of time and money to fish these  tournaments is often a reflection of a very successful businessperson who rewards  themselves with being able to pursue their passion of big game fishing with family and  friends. Heck, even the fish targeted are exclusive! Only four fish in the entire Gulf will  win you money. Billfish, Tuna, Mahi-Mahi, and Wahoo. 

 But that same offshore community is also friendly, generous, and welcoming, even to  someone who grew up in the cornfields of Illinois! I love being a part of that  community and have made many great friends through the sport of 'Marlin Fishing.' 

Also, in my job, I feel very fortunate to be the Flora Bama Fishing Rodeo emcee. It is  everything that a big game fishing tournament is not, and it's that way for all the right  reasons. Much like its namesake, it's inclusive to everyone. It's about the community,  it's about fun, and it's about families, also like its namesake. 

        Anyone can buy a ticket and have a chance to win a prize in one of 40 categories!  Kids. Adults. Those with boats. Those who want to fish from a dock, a bank, or a jetty.  And the first-place prize for the blue crab that weighed less than a pound is the same  as for the twenty-five-pound first-place Red Snapper. 

 From the first year of the tournament to this year's tenth anniversary, the main focus  has always been on the kids. It always has been, and it always will be. For many kids,  it's their first time to fish in a tournament. It's the first time they have ever weighed in a  fish and heard their name called as "The new Leader in the Flora Bama Fishing  Rodeo!" as they celebrate with their parents, siblings, and friends. And those who  place in the top three spots in each category win some fantastic prizes! 

        The most coveted award at the rodeo is the 'Master Angler Award' given out to the  top Adult and top Junior Angler each year. This year's Master Junior Angler was a boy  named Lawson Haddock. Lawson has to deal with some physical challenges at his  young age, more than most of us will ever face in our lifetimes. But that didn't stop  him from placing first in the White Trout and the Stingray categories giving him the  most points among all junior anglers. 

 I've learned in nearly two decades of the fishing tournament business is that it's not  truly about winning half a million dollar check or even super cool kayaks for kids. Even  if, at that moment, it feels like that's exactly what it's all about. But it's not. The actual winning is the memories made. Money will be spent, and the  kayaks will eventually be gone too...but those memories, those are forever. 

 I'm sure Lawson and his parents will never forget him being honored as this year's top  junior angler. All of us on the event staff and the couple hundred people in the crowd  all cheered and gave him a standing ovation for his tremendous accomplishment. Yet  none of us appreciate how we take the ability to stand up for granted every day. 

 I hope the Haddock family always remembers the gift Lawson gave all of us that day.  We all were gifted a precious memory because Lawson included us in his special day.

The Flora Bama Fishing Rodeo is the 'Funnest Tournament' on the Gulf Coast  because it's for anyone. But more importantly, it's also for everyone out there like  Lawson.

- Jim Cox

Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo Emcee

Lawson Haddock - Top Junior Angler Pictured Here:

Check Out the 2023 Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo ReCap Video Here:

View Our Photo Galleries on our Flora-Bama Fishing Rodeo Facebook Page Here: