Marine Veteran Crafts Fishing Rods for Gold Star Families

Matt Moore, who runs Hellbender Outfitters and is a Navy veteran, dedicates his time to creating custom fishing rods for Gold Star families and fellow veterans in East Tennessee. In discussing his own experiences, Moore reveals how connecting with nature played a significant role in his healing process after military service. He believes that providing robust fishing rods not only helps individuals engage with the great outdoors but also carries stories that support spiritual well-being and honor the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Young Angler Chooses Fishing Over Graduation

Jack Story, an 18-year-old angler from Georgia, made a bold choice by opting to compete in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League All-American at Lake Murray instead of attending his high school graduation. Looking back now, it seems he doesn’t have any regrets about his decision. He reflects, “I don’t think I lost much sleep over it.”

In a recent conversation, Story mentioned how he had initially qualified for the event through a regional tournament. Although he didn’t expect to reach the national level, once he realized the tournament coincided with graduation, the decision was pretty straightforward.

“I was out fishing, and they were supportive,” he recalls. However, not everyone was pleased with his choice. His school officials did their best to show understanding, though they wished he could have participated in the ceremony.

Some individuals even tried to sway his decision. “One of my teachers suggested I should graduate,” he noted, but for Story, that wasn’t really an option.

Ultimately, he emerged victorious at the championship, winning $100,000 and securing a spot in the REDCREST 2027 and the Toyota Series Championship—a pretty solid consolation for missing graduation.

Yet, even weeks later, he describes the experience as surreal. “I think it was a huge relief since I felt so stressed during the tournament, but I still don’t feel like I achieved something tangible. Looking back, it’s hard to believe it really happened,” he said.

In addition to financial gain, Story also gained some family bragging rights. His father had previously participated in the U.S. Nationals, finishing in 34th place, and beating that record was on Story’s mind. He chuckles, “I thought it would be pretty easy since it was on a lake.”

However, that was just part of his goal. He also aspired to outdo a couple of local anglers—and instead, ended up winning the entire tournament.

His father consistently advised him, “If you’re going to do something, really give it your all. That also goes for fishing.”

Reflecting on his priorities, Story shared, “If I was going to skip school and fish, I was at least going to take it seriously.” His father’s message resonated: focus on your goals when you’re out there.

But the journey to victory at Lake Murray wasn’t entirely smooth. On the last day, the competition came down to a mere 10 ounces, adding to Story’s stress, especially since he had already incurred penalties related to his livewell and oxygen tank. “I really worried that we could lose on penalties,” he said, admitting he would have preferred losing weight instead.

Following a legendary precedent, Story became the youngest champion of the event, breaking a long-standing record held by a prominent name in bass fishing, Jacob Wheeler. He recalls, “Honestly, I wish I’d found out about it after the tournament was over instead of during. Learning it while competing added to the stress.”

Since clinching the title, Story has found himself in the spotlight, participating in more interviews and podcasts. Yet, he mainly finds himself fishing more than ever.

His immediate post-championship performance wasn’t up to par at a high school tournament, which unsettled him. “I really dislike losing when fishing, particularly when I’m with friends,” he said, expressing a desire for revenge. “I just want to fish and win again.”

As he looks ahead to college at Carson-Newman, Story intends to continue fishing, and he’s considering entering the Tackle Warehouse Invitational if all goes well.

On a broader note, he encourages young enthusiasts to stay persistent, emphasizing the necessity for parents to recognize the potential for scholarships in fishing, an opportunity that often goes unnoticed.

“Most folks don’t realize that you can earn scholarships in the fishing world,” he remarked. “If you commit yourself, it can be easier than many think. You just need to know the right path.” Ultimately, he feels fishing provides a constructive outlet, helping him stay away from trouble.

Even after his substantial win at such a young age, he’s eager to give back, stressing the importance of introducing the younger generation to fishing. “I really want every kid to have the chance to fish,” Story concluded.