In Memory of a Fisherman's Friend

I first met Dean-O Hicks when I moved to Bonita Springs in 1998. He was running Master Bait and Tackle shop at the time and more than a few old timers said he was the man to see for anyone wanting to learn about fishing here in Southwest Florida. Being from the Midwest, I was well versed in fresh water angling techniques but had no idea what to do when it came to fishing in salt water.

All I can say about Dean is that he didn't know me from the next guy, but he never hesitated when I asked if he could help. Over the course of about a month he spent quite a few hours of his own time teaching me the ropes. He was patient, funny and kind. What struck me most about him, other than his wealth of knowledge, was his passion for the sport and his willingness to teach those interested in learning how to do it.

His passion continued to grow from when we first met. He moved on from his location in Bonita to open Reels, Inc., in San Carlos Park. He hosted a Saturday morning radio show, Reel Talk, organized numerous fishing tournaments and continued to teach those willing to learn. To say he became a local legend in the fishing community is an understatement.

Dean passed away in May after a courageous fight against cancer. Yesterday, the Lee County Commissioners passed a resolution renaming the Causeway West Reef to the Dean Hicks Reef in his honor. For his many fishing friends it is a fitting legacy. Now we'll all have a special place to go in his remembrance where we can follow his advice to "drop a line" and "catch the big fish".