Moe Baddourah
Former Columbia City Councilman Moe Baddourah has been open about how important his sons, Zeke and Eli, are to him.
From the name of his restaurant, Badd Boys, a name chosen by all three, to his recent ventures in the outdoors, Baddourah has continuously looked for ways to bond with his boys.
That latest journey has connected him with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. A couple of years ago, Baddourah was looking for fishing programs for his sons. According to Baddourah, Zeke is a natural outdoors man, while Eli prefers video games. During his search, Baddourah came across fishing instructor classes offered by SCDNR. He chose to attend a class, become certified, and now is able to teach classes himself.
“The whole idea is to get kids and adults in nature and teach them how to fish,” Baddourah said. “I felt like this is a good thing I can try to do as a volunteer to bring kids and their families outdoors and at the same time strengthen the bond between a daughter or son and a parent or grandparent.”
Clinics are scheduled by the individual instructor and can be anywhere in the state. Baddourah said he tries to set up one per month. He tries to conduct the class in a state park with a water feature, lake or pond, that is easy to get to and accessible to everyone.
Baddourah’s certification also allows him to be a certified fishing instructor in the upcoming Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic, which runs from Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24 at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds.
For Baddourah, fishing has always held a special place in his heart.
“When my dad was alive, I remember the first fish we caught together. I remember where we went,” Baddourah said. “As I get older I start to remember those things that make me who I am today. I want to share that with others.”
Baddourah said last year’s classic had lines of people waiting for their opportunity to participate. However, clinics have been a challenge.
“People don’t understand you need a lesson on how to fish,” Baddourah said. “It’s not necessarily a lesson. It’s more about tips on how to hook your hook, how to tie your hook to the line, how to handle the fish after you catch it, and what to do after you catch the fish. At the clinic, we teach you how to manage or catch a fish and what to do with it afterwards.
“The hardest thing is getting the word out and getting people to sign up for the clinic and motivate people to come out and enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes us parents and kids are used to doing the same stuff and the same routines. It’s hard to break those routines. It’s about getting the word out that there is a free clinic. Come enjoy, come learn, come have fun, come bond with your kid or family, or friends and have fun.”
Baddourah is in the process of creating a Facebook page for his individual clinics, potentially calling it Fishing with Moe. Through that page he would announce dates for future clinics.
Along with fishing, Baddourah has found archery as a way to bond with Zeke. While you won’t see Baddourah nocking an arrow anytime soon, he’s fine watching his son grow in the sport.
“He’s become a team leader,” Baddourah said. “He improved on his composure. He’s controlled his emotion and his swing. He’s more mature. That takes experience and hard work.”
Last year, Zeke advanced to the state tournament at the State Fairgrounds. He also made it to the National Invitational tournaments in Louisville, Kentucky and Myrtle Beach.
This year the state tournament will be held Thursday, March 28 at the State Fairgrounds. The national tournaments will be held later this year.
“He didn’t do well last year, but did qualify for both,” Baddourah said. “Those tournaments built experience. We hope he’ll be in the top five this year. He’s more focused and feels good about this year’s chances.”
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