WW Fall23web

we just really pursued it for enjoyment….as a
hobby at first. We decided to fish our first
competitive tournament at Ross Barnett four
years ago. For a few years, we would just
enter that one annually. Then, we got the wild
idea of chasing the state trail.”
We pause so his father, Dan, can explain
the lingo to me. Clubs have tournaments
every month on a different lake in Mississippi
and “chasing the trail” means following the
tournament route. The Jeffries began that on
the state level in 2020 and entered their first
national tournament in September of 2021.
They came in 10th out of 104 boats - a big
confidence booster which propelled them to
their second place win at the next national
tournament a month later.
I’m still not sure I had wrapped my mind
around the staggering success these men
experienced until Hayden off-handedly
mentions that in 2022 they won three
national tournaments and a total of $220,000.
Upon further investigation, I discovered that
this is akin to winning the Triple Crown in
horse-racing and, as far as the Jeffries know,
has never been done before.
Hayden, who is one course shy of
completing his business administration degree
and works as a full-time fishing guide at other
times of the year, usually heads to a tournament
location early in the week to scout
things out, practice, and find the big fish.
Dan and his wife Katie then join Hayden
closer to the weekend where Katie acts as
“team mom,” booking VRBO’s and making
sure everything is in order.
This family hobby-turned-career is the
product of decades of investment Dan and
Katie have made in the lives of their three
sons, of whom Hayden is the middle. Dan
shares, “When the boys were two, growing
up, I did everything I could to keep them
busy and outside. We hunted, fished, and
played every sport you can think of. In fact,
when all three boys were playing tournament
baseball, Katie and I often felt like we were
just passing each other in the night.”
Those sacrifices appear to have paid
huge dividends—and not just in wins and
prize money, although both men smile when
we discuss how successful their partnership
has been. By listening to them talk, it is
obvious Dan and Katie took their responsibility
as parents seriously and truly enjoy
the sons they have raised. ”Finding the time
to prioritize hobbies as a family, getting
outdoors together more, and directing our
childrens’ energy into productive avenues…..
these are things that I, as a young parent,
am glad to be reminded of,“ Katie continued.
As Hayden encourages,
“Just get out
there and try
something new.
Get
outside
and
enjoy.”
MISSISSIPPI Woods&Water 17