Now that the 2023 BKFT season has kicked off, it’s time to add to the exclusive Golden Banana Club.

We would’ve never known about this unless his good friend and travel partner Chris Hannegan told us all about it.

Congratulations to Eric Manko for his amazing resilience and determination in the face of a disastrous morning fishing! Despite a malfunctioning fish finder, losing his phone temporarily, and even losing a fishing rod (which he later discovered he had dragged a half mile in the water), Eric managed to finish 8th in the tournament and even cashed a check! Way to go, Eric! Your never-give-up attitude is truly inspiring. #fishing #determination #resilience #persistence"

What the heck is this banana award all about? Keep reading for more explanation😂

We wanted to let you know about the tradition on our BKFT fishing podcast. We decided in 2022 to start awarding a 'Gold Banana Award' to the angler who has the worst luck on the water each week. It's all in good fun, and the award is meant to be silly and light-hearted. We want everyone to know that the winners are in on the joke, and we hope it brings a smile to everyone's face. So if you have a bad day on the water, just remember that you could be the next recipient of the Golden Banana Award! Stay tuned for more updates and keep on fishing!"