BEN HORTMAN
USA BIG GAME FISHING TEAM | FLORIDA
My love for fishing was born in the Appalachian Mountains, where my dad and I spent countless days chasing trout together. Twice a year, we’d head to my grandmother’s house on Saint Simons Island, where the brackish, nutrient-rich waters of the Georgia coast always promised adventure. One of my earliest and most unforgettable memories came when I was 10 years old—fighting alongside my dad for six grueling hours to land an 80-pound tarpon.
Since relocating to South Florida, my passion for fishing has only grown stronger. From unforgettable excursions in the Bahamas to chasing the Gulfstream’s endless possibilities, every trip has been a new chapter of excitement. While my résumé may be short on tournaments, it’s overflowing with a lifelong love for the sport and the thrill of the catch.
Now, as I step into my very first tournament, I’m eager to bring together both my passion and my competitive spirit. For me, it’s not just about the prize—it’s about the pursuit, the challenge, and the story waiting to be written.