A few weeks ago, I spent a lot of time wandering around the registration site of the Toyota Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament on Lake Hartwell and made a concerted effort to find interesting people to speak to. For my own knowledge, I simply wanted to learn more about what makes such a massive group of anglers take a pilgrimage from all throughout the country to a single event each and every year.
We were about to wrap things up and something in my gut kept drawing me towards two fishermen—Guy Hammaker and Jim Thornburg. They had the biggest smiles of anyone and were just eating up every single minute of fellowship and camaraderie. I couldn’t help but learn more about their story.
“This is my eighth Bonus Bucks Owners Tournament,” Hammaker said. “We’re both from Ohio and absolutely wouldn’t miss this for the world. We hopped in my 2023 Tacoma and drove nine long hours down here to experience it.”
As the evening cold front was rolling in, the western skies began to darken and the brisk wind caused him to raise the hood on his Toyota Fishing Team sun shirt. Most other folks were worried about the affect this rapid weather change would have on the next day’s fishing. Hammaker, however, was smiling as always.
“I’m’ just so thrilled every time I get to attend one of these,” he said. “You never know who you’re going to sit next to in the meeting, which big-time pros you’ll get to meet, or who you’ll meet in the weigh-in line. I have a few friends from previous tournaments with whom I’ve been in constant contact for years. All year long, we talk, we keep up with each other’s families; it’s just fantastic.”
The reason behind Hammaker’s smile is simple: Most everyone attends this event for the same reason. A bunch of outdoorsmen and women, enjoying a common interest and leaving the hectic world in the rearview of their Toyotas for a few days. The unity is palpable and you won’t find anyone with disagreements or a harsh word to say about one another.
We shouldn’t leave out the meals, though. Both Hammaker and Thornburg made it a point to brag about the wonderful suppers provided at the event.
“Have you had the apple cobbler yet?” Hammacker joked. “Man, it is phenomenal. Before that we had some great chicken, macaroni and cheese, potatoes, a fresh salad… between that and all the awesome gear we got at registration, you get treated like royalty here.”
I’ve always been told that people are naturally drawn to positive individuals. I believed it but I received a first-hand lesson while talking to Hammaker and Thornburg.
A nine-hour drive? No problem.
A brutal incoming cold front? No worries.
These two Ohioans were just happy to be there. With Hammaker’s sons growing up and beginning to fish with other people, the companionship of the Toyota Owners Bonus Bucks Tournament was just what the doctor ordered. After all, everyone needs a good fishing partner or two. And it’s evident Hammaker found one in his buddy, Jim.