Larry Fowler
Induction January 2008
Larry Fowler passed away on June 10th after a long bout with cancer. He was a giant in our sport, both behind the helm of his Heather Renee Hydra Sports, and in front of the participants of the Frantic Atlantic Tournaments he ran for many years in Little River, South Carolina.
The following comments are from Jack Holmes, former Director of the SKA:
Larry was a friend to so many of the competitors who fished SKA. He never asked for respect, he earned it. His tournaments were the benchmark for others to follow; he was a visionary, always ready to be innovative.
Two things set Larry apart his credibility and his loyalty. When Larry told you something you could take it to the bank. His loyalty to our sport was impeccable. Throughout the 90s Larry fished a Hydra Sports and they, in turn, supported his events. As boats got larger Larry stuck with the same brand even when the product needed tweaking. By staying loyal all those years, when FLW came along, Larry was finally rewarded, not only representing Hydra Sports but Chevy Trucks as well. He earned it and got it! He called me when it happened and told we what he was doing. I was truly happy for him and told him so. You see, his loyalty to the brand meant more to me than him moving to the FLW.
Larry had been ill for the past couple of years. Still, the first part of January I got a call from Jim Ladner, Larry's fishing buddy. He told me Larry really wanted to fish the Pro Tour this year with us and I said yes. Larry, Earl "Radar" Blake, and Ladner showed up in Key West for the Pro opener. It was rough and you could tell Larry was not well, but out they went and their grit and determination was that of true winners. It was the last event Larry fished.
Larry leaves a wife and young daughter. He adored both. He was also the owner of the HD Spokes Motorcycle bar in North Myrtle Beach, which he built after selling the Blue Marlin.
Larry will be enshrined into the SKA's Hall of Fame and the remainder of the Yamaha Professional Kingfish Tour will be dedicated to his honor.
We'll miss you Larry, Rest In Peace.