OCEANSIDE, Calif. (June 21, 2022) - Frequent competitors on the Hobie Bass Open Series (B.O.S.) Anchored by Power-Pole often talk about the intangibles being as important – or even more important – than their actual bass scores come the end of each tourney. In event after event, you’ll hear anglers from up and down the leaderboard talk about the thrill of fishing against the highest quality competition, the allure of traveling to bucket-list bass destinations, good times enjoyed on the water, and the camaraderie shared by the Hobie B.O.S. community in general.
Certainly, in the end, the official results boil down to angler performance, but few would argue that’s where the payoffs end. Take Jim and Jaxton Orr, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, for example. The father and son team have been competing together on the Hobie B.O.S. trail four years now with 13 top-ten finishes between them - including a fourth-place position for Jim and seventh-place finish for Jaxton at the Lake St. Clair, MI, event in 2019. Both will tell you without much prompting, that no financial reward could top the friendships they’ve made and bonds they’ve forged participating in as many Hobie B.O.S. events as they can manage each year.
“It has been an amazing ride,” says Jim, 49, a project manager for a heavy equipment company who first learned of the Hobie B.O.S. trail when Jaxton asked for rides to junior competitions. “We’ve been traveling to Hobie events ever since. This series has literally changed our lives. So many competitors have invested time, friendship and goodwill in the both of us. We love how everyone pulls for each other on this trail while remaining highly competitive. The relationships we’ve forged at these events have made this community like an extended family to us – and it’s strengthened what was already a terrific bond between me and my son. There’s not many 20-somethings who just want to hang out with Dad on the water these days, so I’m feeling mighty lucky.”
To be sure, Jaxton, 19, a member of the Carson-Newman University Fishing Team, and his dad were fishing partners long before the Hobie B.O.S. trail became an option. “I can’t recall a time when we didn’t fish together,” says Jaxton, who remembers fondly heading out with Jim on a regular basis by
Jaxton and his dad fish from Hobie PA14 360 platforms, and they agree that choice gives them an edge wherever they compete. “That boat is a total game changer,” says Jim. “It provides complete control over your positioning even in a windy environment, and those kick-up fins let you get shallow and glide through the weeds or over submerged logs and rocks that give other kayakers fits.”
As you might expect, both father and son are grateful for all the help and friendship they’ve received on the tour. Jim singles out tournament director A.J. McWhorter as being a friend, mentor and the driving force behind the exceptional Hobie B.O.S. experience. “Any question or concern you’ve got, that guy’s right there with an answer or resolution,” says Jim.
For his part, McWhorter has enjoyed his interactions with the Orrs over the years. “Getting to watch Jaxton grow as an angler and person has been a treat for all of us associated with putting on this series,” he says. “Just as fun, though, is watching Jim grow as an angler, too. Starting out he was really just focused on being the guardian for Jaxton's youth events, but over the years Jim has proven he’s not only capable of beating Jaxton sometimes, but also any angler in the field.
“It's been rewarding for those hosting the Hobie B.O.S. events over the years to see a youth angler and his dad grow with the series and have the highest level of success with unlimited potential moving forward,” concludes McWhorter. “Not to take away from others, but it’s so unique when a 14- or 15-year-old is asking to compete in the adult division and runs with it as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Jaxton has won events in the Youth Division and on the College Tour. It's only a matter of time before he finally earns a championship in our Bass Open Series. Jim's support of Jaxton through this path has been incredible to see. For Jaxton to have that both on and off the water and the road, is a special asset in this journey.”
age six. “Those early years were just fantastic. I still remember catching my first bass while reeling in a bluegill at a local pond. What a thrill!”
Early on, of course, Jim was the teacher, but he says Jaxton caught on pretty fast and these days does a lot of the teaching himself. “We have a little system going where Jaxton marks up maps and makes notes of the best launch sites when we’re heading to a tournament,” reveals the senior Orr. “I think that helps put me in the right place and best frame of mind before we even get started. We usually push out from different launches to cover more water. We compare notes throughout the day, but we definitely have different fishing styles. Jaxton is a far more aggressive angler than I am.”
In terms of fishing strengths, Jim notes that when Jaxton commits to something he’s going to get it done. As those who have fished with him over the years will attest, his preparation is outstanding, he covers a lot of water, and he’s quick to switch off a pattern that’s not producing as expected. “That last point is one area where he’s really helped me become a better fisherman,” states Jim. “I'm very regimented but Jaxton takes me outside of the box. I love throwing spinnerbaits, for example, but I never threw a jig until three years ago. He finally got me to try one and now it’s a regular part of my arsenal.”
For his part, Jaxton admits he’s still learning from friends and competitors, on his own, and from his father. “My dad helps me keep things in perspective. I used to get frustrated if I was struggling on the water or wasn’t placing high enough in tournaments. He’s taught me that patience is a vital part of a balanced approach that can’t be rushed. I’m driven to win but I’m learning that you have to pay your dues first. I tend to power fish and work fast over weed, ” he continues, “but Dad has taught me that sometimes it’s okay to slow down a little and stay within my strengths while waiting for the bite to pick up, and to have faith in my abilities. It’s hard to do well at this level if you don’t believe in yourself every day you launch your kayak.”
Jaxton appreciates the help from his dad and the Hobie community but points out that to succeed at anything in life, it also helps to have overall family support. “To that end,” he says, “I’d also like to thank my mom, Karen Caley, sister, Kella Orr, and grandparents and cousins, too. They’ve all lifted me up in one way or another. I’d also like to say I’m grateful to the Lord, Jesus Christ, for allowing me to lead such a wonderful life.”
Jim and Jaxton hope to fish a couple more Hobie B.O.S. events this summer, including the Susquehanna River (July 30-31), Wolf and Fox Rivers (Aug. 20-21), and Lake Dardanelle (Sept. 17-18). No doubt this dynamic duo will continue to make their presence known on the leader board in years to come. The only question left to answer at this point is which one will be first to post a win?
Next up on the Hobie® B.O.S. Series Anchored By Power-Pole® schedule is The Lake Winnipesaukee Event, June 25-26. There are still a few spots open for this New England stop but don’t wait to sign up as they are going fast.