Fishing With Purpose and Giving Veterans a Reason to Live Another Day

At Ahoy!, we are proud to support boaters who share our love for life on the water. We are even more proud to support people who use that passion to make a real impact.

When Michael Johns first connected with us, he was already a customer and part of the Ahoy! crew, so he knew the ins and outs of what Ahoy! brings to the table. The conversation quickly became about more than sponsoring his participation in the Bassmaster Opens fishing competition.

Michael is a competitive bass fisherman, a veteran, and the founder of FX3 Inc., a nonprofit focused on preventing veteran suicide by introducing veterans to fishing and the outdoors at no cost to them.

As Michael prepares to compete in the Bassmaster Opens and travel across the country, he carries a message that is deeply personal to him and central to FX3. L.A.D., Live Another Day. Through fishing, community, and purpose, Michael and FX3 are working to change lives one cast at a time. And Ahoy! is proud to sponsor Michael on this voyage.

We spoke with Michael about his journey, the healing power of the water, life on the tournament circuit, and why partnering with Ahoy! felt like a natural fit.

Tell us a little about yourself and your background. Where did you grow up and how did fishing become such an important part of your life?

Michael: "I grew up fishing small rivers in southeast Georgia with my dad. I used to spend Saturdays and evenings with my dad fishing and enjoying our time on the water. Since his passing in 2024 it’s just memories, and being on the water is a way to not only honor my dad but reconnect with him."

What inspired you to start FX3, and was there a specific moment that pushed you to turn this idea into a nonprofit?

Michael: "I lost a really good army friend to suicide and just got tired of sitting and watching so many not find peace after service. Fishing saved my life in 2014 I lost my brother. My brother was my rock, and often when I was struggling, I could reach out, but after losing him, I lost that outlet. A friend reminded me how I loved to fish by taking me out on the water, and to this day was the best therapy session I’ve ever had." 

Fishing plays a major role in the work you do with veterans. Why do you believe time on the water can be so powerful for mental health and healing? 

Michael: "Have you ever seen someone on a boat with a frown on their face? The peace and quietness on the water is like nothing I can describe.  See you can be having a horrible day, week, month, or year. The moment you get on the water the only worry is where to go?  What are they biting?  Fishing allows a mental escape from whatever might be troubling you."

What made partnering with Ahoy! feel like the right fit for you, both as a boater and as someone leading a mission driven organization?

Michael: "I became an Ahoy! member I believe in 2023. I needed insurance and when choosing an insurance company to protect something that was the main mission of my nonprofit, it seemed like an easy choice. An insurance built by boaters for boaters."  

You often share the message L.A.D., Live Another Day. What does that message mean to you personally, and how do you share it with the veterans you work with? 

Michael: "Personally, that’s what I chose to do back in December of 2014 after losing my brother, I was ready to end my life. I remember sitting by my favorite lake thinking life was over as I knew it. Through fishing and a person reaching out, I chose to Live Another Day. Little did I know by choosing to L.A.D.I would be sitting here helping others make the same choice. I never knew I could be one person and start making an impact.  I share this message with everyone I meet and remind them not only to L.A.D. but You’re Not Alone!"

You are competing in the Bassmaster Open and traveling extensively throughout the season. What is lifelike on the road as a competitive angler, and what do most people not see behind the scenes? 

Michael: "A loaded question for sure, but what people don’t see is the time and effort it takes to mentally prepare for each event.  Behind the scenes is working to be a better angler, doing maintenance on equipment, and the travel can be brutal sleeping in strange places all over the US."

How do your tournament fishing and nonprofit work connect? Do you see them as two separate paths or as one shared mission?

Michael: "I used to view them as 2 separate jobs, however let me share a recent experience.  I’m coming off a brutal finish on the Kissimmee Chain of lakes and on day 2 I still walked on stage and shared my mission and spoke about veteran suicide. Between weigh in on Friday and Saturday morning almost 150 people had viewed FX3 Inc. on Facebook according to business metrics. Now that number might not seem like a lot, but that’s 150 more people now that know there’s options out there."

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about in the upcoming season, both in competition and in growing FX3’s impact? 

Michael: "I’m excited I get to compete against some of the best anglers in the fishing industry. I’m excited that every time I walk across the stage, I can share a message and hopefully get someone to choose to L.A.D."

If there is one message you would want readers, especially veterans, to take away from your story, what would it be? 

Michael: "No matter what life throws out at you, no matter how bad things seem you have options.  Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help. Through reaching out to Ahoy! the dream of competing and spreading my message has become a reality. L.A.D."

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Follow Michael & FX3

Stay connected with Michael Johns and FX3 Inc. as they continue their mission and tournament season: Instagram, Facebook and X.