Four years ago, for his birthday, Sam Baker wanted to do something different than a traditional party so he challenged his buddies to catch a slam in one day (a trout, a red fish, and a flounder). Afterwards, whatever they caught was served up in a celebratory fish fry with friends and family. What was supposed to be a few friends competing and claiming bragging rights has now grown into an annual event with proceeds benefiting The Boy Scouts of America, North Florida Council.

For the past three years, Sam has hosted a Boys Scouts Merit Badge Blitz Day occurring simultaneously with the Bigg Sam Slam Fishing Tournament. The Merit Badge Blitz Day is a daily event where over 100 Scouts arrive at Camp Echockotee to attend classes throughout the day working on badges for First Aide, Emergency Preparedness, Golf, and of course, Fishing! While the Scouts are busy checking off badge requirements, anglers from all over North Florida and South Georgia are off competing in a unique inshore in-slot tournament working hard to catch the coveted Bigg Sam Slam! Anglers record catches using the iAngler App. Being an inshore, in-slot tournament using an app is pretty special but what really makes it one-of-a-kind is that at the end of the fishing tournament anglers return to the camp, greeted by the Boys Scouts who then cheer them on as the Tournament Awards are presented.

This Blitz/Tournament event inspired Sam to create the Sol Margin Fishing and Conservation Foundation. This is a non-profit that aims to educate the community and fellow anglers about habitat and wildlife conservation, as well as safe angling techniques. Being a 501(c)(3) organization allows Mr. Baker the opportunity to apply for government grants and partner with other like-minded organizations. For example, Fish Florida has donated rods and reels to be given to any Scout that attends the Fishing Merit Badge class, free of charge. Additionally, the foundation works with GTM Research Reserve to build new oyster reefs that will help preserve the estuaries in the Intercostal Waterway. Through these types of partnerships, Sol Margin Fishing Conservation Foundation hopes to continue to spread Sam’s love of fishing to new anglers while working on conservation efforts to preserve the environment for generations to come.

If you share Sam’s love of fishing, consider applying to become a SMFCF Ambassador. Additionally, details about the Bigg Sam Slam Tournament and Merit Badge Blitz Day can all be found on the organization’s website: www.solmarginfishing.org