S1 Ep 16: Ott DeFoe
Fully Armed Podcast: A Conversation with Ott DeFoe on Fishing, Faith, and Family
In this memorable episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, host Chris Hennessee connects with Ott DeFoe, the 2019 Bassmaster Classic Champion and a fellow East Tennessean. Set against a picturesque fishing outing, Chris and Ott discuss Ott's fishing career, faith journey, and the challenges and blessings that come with both. Their conversation dives deep into the spirituality of fishing and how God’s guidance has impacted Ott’s personal and professional life.
A Morning on the Water with a Champion
Chris starts by recounting his time fishing with Ott, marveling at Ott’s expertise as he pulls in smallmouth bass one after another. Ott’s extensive experience shines through as he shares stories of fishing since childhood and his journey to becoming a professional angler. Raised in a small Tennessee town, Ott has always felt close to the water. Now, with his family settled in the Knoxville area, he remains deeply rooted in his community and heritage.
Ott’s journey began humbly with memories of catching carp as a young boy, a defining moment that sparked a lifelong passion. Since then, he’s transformed this childhood hobby into a distinguished career in competitive fishing, earning acclaim on the national stage. His love for fishing, however, goes beyond the competition; it’s a calling that he believes is intertwined with his faith.
Balancing Faith and Professional Ambitions
Faith is a central theme in Ott’s life and career. During the episode, Ott recalls the pivotal moment when he felt God’s presence during a tournament in Alabama. Struggling to find fish, he sensed an inexplicable pull to cast on the “wrong” side of the boat. To his surprise, he caught fish almost immediately, a moment that he describes as God’s subtle guidance. This experience reinforced his belief in the importance of faith and patience, even in competitive settings.
Ott explains that his faith journey wasn’t instant but a lifelong process shaped by many “pruning” experiences—difficulties that ultimately helped him grow. He draws a parallel between faith and fishing, noting that both require perseverance, trust, and the humility to accept outcomes beyond our control.
The Making of a Bassmaster Classic Champion
Ott’s career reached a defining point in 2019 when he won the Bassmaster Classic, the “Super Bowl” of fishing, in his hometown. Ott’s success in the Classic felt like a fulfillment of a childhood dream, made even more special as he could share it with his family. Ott speaks emotionally about the moment his daughter joined him on stage, calling it a true “God moment” that he will cherish forever.
Ott also shares that his path to victory was not without obstacles. He recalls feeling challenged by a disappointing second day of the tournament, which led him to surrender the outcome to God. With renewed faith, he approached the final day with peace, leading to a remarkable comeback and the ultimate win.
A New Chapter: Ott’s Faith-Based Show, “JOJ”
Beyond his success in fishing, Ott, along with his wife, Jenny, launched a show called “JOJ,” short for Jesus, Ott, and Jenny. The show allows the couple to discuss Bible verses and share insights from their faith journey, aiming to reach viewers who might feel disconnected from traditional religious channels. The show started with them recounting their life story and evolved into a devotional series.
Launching JOJ wasn’t without its challenges. Ott admits that stepping into the public eye to discuss his faith was daunting, particularly in an industry where sponsorships are critical. However, he and Jenny felt led by the Holy Spirit to pursue this calling, embracing the possibility of both positive and negative responses. For Ott, JOJ is about bearing fruit for Christ and trusting God with the results.
Scripture as a Guide: John 15:16
One scripture that has guided Ott’s journey is John 15:16, which he proudly displays on his fishing jersey: “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit.” This verse reminds Ott that God has a purpose for his life that goes beyond personal ambition. It encourages him to use his platform to influence others positively, to “bear fruit” in both his professional and spiritual life.
Lessons in Prayer and Patience
Chris and Ott share insights on the nature of prayer, discussing how it’s less about changing God’s mind and more about aligning oneself with His will. Ott reflects on times he prayed for specific outcomes in tournaments and sponsorships, only to later realize God’s answer was different—but ultimately better. They agree that true prayer is about trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t align with immediate desires.
Ott’s experiences in fishing, from missing out on a coveted sponsorship to choosing a different career path, have shown him that God’s “unanswered” prayers often lead to unexpected blessings. His journey illustrates how setbacks can be part of a greater purpose, refining faith and building resilience.
Conclusion: Fishing with Purpose
Through his conversation with Chris, Ott DeFoe reveals the depth of his faith and its impact on his life as an angler. For Ott, fishing is more than a sport—it’s a calling, a way to connect with God, and an opportunity to witness to others. His journey from a small-town fisherman to a Bassmaster champion exemplifies the power of faith, perseverance, and the courage to follow God’s calling, even when it leads into uncharted waters.
Ott’s story inspires listeners to find purpose in their passions, trust in God’s timing, and remain open to the opportunities that faith can bring. As Ott continues to fish and share his faith, he serves as a testament to the rewards of pursuing one’s calling with humility, dedication, and a heart open to God’s guidance.
