John Michael Baker was born on April 8, 1998 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He grew up on the water in Fort Lauderdale, the Keys, and the Bahamas. His first trip to Bimini was at 3 months and when he was only 3 years old, the first fishing tournament he fished in was off of the dock at Cat Cay Yacht Club. John bought his first boat at the age of 13 with savings from a gumball machine he maintained in his parent’s restaurant.

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John lost his life in a tragic boating accident in 2015 at the young age of 17.

John had such a passion for anything that related to the ocean; from fishing tournaments, spearfishing with friends, slaying lobsters, to wakeboarding, and even shredding the waves right off the Jetties in Fort Lauderdale. John fished many tournaments in his young life. He was an ocean child since the beginning, he was an amazing son, a brother like no other, and a dear friend to all with an infectious smile!!!

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Johnny’s family and his many friends, including Lawrence Brandan Kelly, wanted to make sure Johnny’s name was never forgotten. Because of Johnny’s connection to the water, the idea of a fishing tournament came about. Together, Johnny’s family, friends, and the community along with Johnny’s guiding spirit, created this simple, beautiful tribute.