In the book of Matthew, Jesus was walking along the
The parallel reference to bringing others to Christ and fishing are the catalyst for the Fishers of Men Tournament Trail. Founder Al Odom says fishing is just the platform for a much bigger mission by this organization.
"Our primary purpose is to share our faith," said Odom who’s from
He founded Fishers of Men in 1996 in hopes of leading some of his bass fishing buddies to a salvation.
"I saw a need there," said Odom. "I’d fish a tournament with them on Saturday, but on Sunday they’d be on to fish another tournament on another lake and I saw a void in their spiritual life."
Odom knew it was unlikely he was going to talk his hard casting buddies out of a Sunday morning bite to join him in hearing the pastor’s sermon, so he decided to take the Word to them on their own turf.
"This is important, these are my friends and I want to see them one day in Heaven with me," said Odom.
Odom organized a single event in 1996 on Lake Santee-Cooper in
"I thought if we could do this on a bigger scale, maybe we can reach more people," he said. "We began to branch out."
The new Christian based fishing tournaments were catching on all over the country. In 2000, Odom had to make a decision. He had a secure job as a coach and school teacher, but felt the Lord calling him to take on the position of running the fishing trail full time.
"I felt like that’s where He wanted me to be," Odom said. "I tell folks I life all that money as a public school teacher behind and followed my passion into the outdoor ministry."
Odom admits it was a true leap of faith to leave the security of a steady paycheck–but one where he’s been blessed repeatedly.
"It’s probably been the best decision I’ve ever made aside from trusting Christ as my savior and marrying my wife," said Odom.
The Fishers of Men Eastern Regional is being held this week on the