A rodeo cowboy’s 4,000-mile journey to the MLF co-angler ranks

Brown's chance encounter with a friend reignited a childhood love for fishing that had been dormant for over 30 years.

Ted Brown of Ontario, Oregon, is no stranger to competition. A rodeo athlete with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, Brown’s spent decades building the grit and determination needed to succeed in a highly demanding sport.

But after years of traveling the country on the rodeo circuit, he found himself yearning for a new challenge – one that would reignite his competitive spirit. That challenge came in the form of tournament bass fishing as a Strike King co-angler.

Brown’s journey into the world of competitive bass fishing started with a simple phone call. After a decades-long hiatus from fishing, a chance steelhead outing with a friend rekindled his passion. 

“A buddy called me up to see if I wanted to go fishing, and although I hadn’t fished for over 30 years, when I hooked that steelhead, it was like an adrenaline rush I hadn’t felt in a long time,” Brown recalled. 

He joined friends on a few more crappie and bass excursions over the next several months, and it wasn’t long before Brown’s rediscovered love for fishing turned into more than just a hobby. Inspired by childhood memories of fishing with his dad in Missouri and armed with a desire to learn, he dove headfirst into the world of bass fishing. 

After discovering an MLF video on social media that sparked his curiosity about tournament fishing (and after getting the go-ahead from his wife), he signed up as a co-angler for his first tournament in the Phoenix Bass Fishing League.

Brown said the experience was life-changing. He felt the tournament on Sam Rayburn Reservoir would mimic some of his fishing experiences as a child and drove the nearly 3,000 miles from Oregon to Texas to compete on Jan. 4.

“I was greener than a March hare,” he laughed, recounting his first conversation with BFL Tournament Director Shannon Storms. But the warm welcome from MLF staff and his fellow anglers quickly eased his nerves.

“The best part was getting to learn from seasoned anglers,” he said. “I was paired with Wesley Baxley, who finished in second place at the event. He was incredibly professional and shared so much advice. He’d point out little things, like which colors might work better, and walked me through the steps of the weigh-in process, and that made all the difference.”

Brown’s determination paid off. His hard work and old-school tactics – many of which he learned from his dad decades ago – helped him secure a three-fish limit, including a 3-pounder he caught on a vibrating jig, to finish in 22nd place and take home a check. 

Walking up to the weigh-in trailer with fish in his bag, Brown felt overwhelmed with emotion. 

“It hit me that I was really doing this – competing in a tournament and holding my own against many anglers that have spent their life fishing,” he said.

For Brown, the most remarkable thing about his story is how accessible it was for him to get involved. As a co-angler, he didn’t need to invest in a high-end boat or have years of experience. 

“I want people to know that anyone can get out there and do this,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re new to tournament fishing or don’t have all the fancy gear. All you need is the desire to learn something new and the willingness to take that first step.

“I was nervous because I didn’t want to fail, but I wasn’t scared to go down there and try. I think the only way we fail, as people, is if we don’t take that step. We all get caught up in our own lives, and sometimes we need to step out of our comfort zone to try something new. I did, and boy – I love it so much. I even bought a new boat while I was on my way down there so I can start competing in local tournaments back home.”

Brown is gearing up for four more MLF tournaments as a co-angler in 2025 – a Toyota Series event and three more BFLs – in Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri and Oklahoma. He sees each tournament as an opportunity to learn, grow and inspire others to chase their dreams – whether that’s in fishing or in life.

“I’m nearly 54 years old, and this is a whole new chapter for me and a whole new love for a sport that I’ve unlocked,” he said. “If this story encourages even one person to step out of their comfort zone and try something new, then it’s all worth it.”

The rodeo arena may be fading behind him, but Brown’s competitive spirit burns brighter than ever. As he puts it, “This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see what’s below the surface.” 

For complete details and updated information, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.