About Us

the Larry hatchett fishing foundation

is a non-profit organization that takes foster home children deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico each year. The foundation was founded 33 years ago in memory of its namesake, Larry Hatchett. Larry not only loved to fish, but he also loved to teach others, especially children, to fish as well.

The LHFF attempts to lessen the unpleasant past experiences in these children's lives by offering a weekend of fun and fellowship. We aim to give those individuals hope for a better life by demonstrating that there are people in the world that care about them and their welfare, and that there are others that have lived similar life experiences to their own.

Each year this weekend includes a 2 night stay in a condo, a beachside welcome dinner, a 6 hour deep sea fishing trip with meals and snacks provided, and a closing dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday night where all participants dine on their catch from the day. Depending on funding, the participants also receive a t-shirt, fishing rod, and/or trophy as a way to bring part of their experience home with them. All of the aforementioned expenses are paid by generous donations to our foundation received throughout the year.

We provide between 110-120 kids the opportunity not only to learn how to fish, but also to form meaningful relationships with others in similar situations as their own. They also have the chance to learn about marine habitats and environmental awareness. Our ultimate mission is to positively impact the lives of as many children in the foster care system as possible, and we hope to one day take 1,000+ foster home children on the trip. All oof our time and funding is allocated to this annual event.

The 2024 trip will be Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 20th in Destin, FL and we are currently taking children fishing from foster homes in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Florida.

About Larry

The Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation was created 32 years ago in memory of Larry Hatchett, a beloved friend that passed away too soon.  It can certainly be said that Larry lived a full life in his 34 years.

Very early, Larry began collecting coins and stamps. Nothing lasted very long, so he moved to photography, using a utility room as a dark room to develop the prints. He moved on to collecting stones and rocks, gathering them from Pickwick Lake. He then bought a machine that rolled and polished them. From there, he began making jewelry.

Then came the snakes and iguanas. First was a boa constrictor, named Chester, which he kept in a little cage in his room. He ended up becoming the president of the Herpetology Society at The Pink Palace Museum.

Then came ham radio, learning morse code and contacting other operators all over the country. He sent his cards to them and then lined his walls with cards from them. The radio went "beep beep" all through the night!

He went to Europe with his dad and then to Guatemala for six months. In Europe he jumped from the Castle of Chillon in Switzerland into the lake; in Guatemala he wrote a paper on labor unions.

Next came the fishing, duck hunting, and deer hunting. He was extremely passionate about both fishing and hunting. Larry even wrote an article that was published in "Salt Water Sportsman" magazine, featured on the cover, entitled "Fishing for Tarpon from the Key West Bridge".

At MUS he received an award for the Debate Society; at graduation he received the drama award for his role in "The Man Who Came to Dinner." He also received a National Merit Scholarship award.

Then off to Berkeley College of Music in Boston for two years. He then transferred to University of Miami, following in the footsteps of his hero, Ernest Hemingway. He majored in journalism and he and his friend Keith Brown had a good time there. Larry took a scuba diving course so he could be qualified to go diving, and surely find the golden treasure. (He never did).

Following graduation he returned to Memphis and worked as a reporter on the Blytheville, Ark. newspaper. Most interesting thing there was meeting Bill Clinton.

He went to Alaska for two summers on a salmon fishing safari.

He took a race driving course so he could drive a real race car on a track in N.C., then came back to Memphis, where he hosted a Saturday morning radio show reporting on NASCAR races.

He always went to the Indy 500, his sister Susan accompanying him. Susan said, "I never saw Larry walk so fast! He wanted to hear them say, 'Ladies and Gentlemen...Start Your Engines!"

Larry was a joy to know. He loved life and fishing, so through this foundation, we honor his memory.

A Letter From Our President

Dear Family and Friends,

We are elated that The Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation is going into the 32nd year of providing foster children the opportunity to have a weekend of fishing and fellowship in Destin, Florida. Although things may still look a little different due to Covid-19 and social distancing, in the past approximately 120 children from 7 different foster homes throughout the South have been treated to a fun-filled weekend on the Gulf. Each child has had the opportunity to enjoy a 2 night stay in a condo, a beachside welcome dinner on Friday night, a 6 hour deep sea fishing trip on Saturday with meals and snacks provided, and a closing dinner and awards ceremony on Saturday night where the kids and chaperones dine on their catch from the day. This would not have been possible without the support from our generous donors. 

Each year we can see the profound impact that the trip and its volunteers have on the children’s lives. Giving these children the opportunity to spend time with others in similar situations helps them feel comfortable talking about their life experiences and to form lifelong bonds. Several foster parents have told us that they can see a difference in their children’s demeanor on their drive home. Knowing that the Foundation and its volunteers care about them and their future is often a new experience for these children, and it makes a lasting impact on their hopes and dreams. Our dream is to one day take 1,000+ children fishing, and each donation brings us one step closer to achieving this goal. Thank you in advance for your support as we change these children’s lives one trip at a time. 

Warmest Regards, 

Bob Wilder 

Bob Wilder, President 

Larry Hatchett Fishing Foundation