Brand Ambassadors

My name is Tony Benning and my fishing journey started when my dad and uncle took me fishing in our local creeks. From there my interest in fishing only grew. Went from creek fishing to pond fishing, to fishing from the banks on lakes. I have always had that knack to fish but just fun fishing around was running its course so I looked into furthering in fishing. Ultimately my little brother found MLF and their tournament trail and this where my competitive fishing started. I began as a co angler fishing MLF BFL Bulldog division in 2023. I had a pretty decent first year I finished in the top 15 for the season and qualified for the BFL regional on Lake Norman in North Carolina. At the tournament I was faced with my first adversity, catching a ton of fish but all falling short of being keeper fish. But I didn’t deter me or my passion to fish, I carried that same passion and energy into my 2024 season also fishing as a co angler. Took a lot from what I learned my first year and utilized it moving forward. Once again I finished in the top 15 for the season and qualified for the regional again then on top of that I took home two checks that season. Fished the regional on Santee Cooper in South Carolina. I didn’t have the finish I wanted but I weighed fish at this tournament so to me I was making progress. At the end of the season I decided to buy my own boat. I purchased a 2011 Skeeter FX21 with the intentions on learning more of the sport from the actual cockpit of the vessel. I felt like I was ready to start competing as a boater so for the 2025 season I became a boater. I didn’t have a stellar year but I had I positive and productive start to becoming a boater. I finished the 2025 season 50th in points which qualified me for the regional once again but as a boater this time. The regional was on Seminole Lake in Georgia. I fished my heart out didn’t have the finish I wanted but it gave me insights that I can find areas catch fish and bring keepers to the scale. I plan on continuing to fish the BFL and jumping into the Toyota Series as well. I see a positive trend with my fishing and always willing to learn.

I’m sponsored by BarracudaBaits, Keep It Reel Fishing and Campbell’s Towing Enterprise LLC

My name is Mitchell Cobb, I’m 42 years old and I was born and raised in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

I’ve loved fishing for as long as I can remember and still have memories from when I was a child when my father would take me.

My grandmother on my mother’s side lived in Southern Illinois, and she would take me frequently, as well.

Somewhere along the way I lost my spark for fishing, and that coincides with when I began drinking heavily. I’m now a recovering alcoholic, who quit drinking on August 6th of 2019. Since then, I’ve rekindled my love for the sport and now that’s almost all I do.

I’ve always favored bass fishing and probably always will. I love the chase of it and also the unknown. Since I got my first kayak a few years ago, it’s opened up my love for it even more.

I work on the Mississippi River as a fleet mate, so when I’m not on the water working, I’m on the water fishing!

I’ve been with my wife, Debbie (not actually married) for 15 years and I have 2 daughters (her daughters) and we have 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson through them, and I love every single one of them with all my heart.

Aside from fishing, my other passion is photography. I probably spend as much time taking pictures from my kayak as I do fish from it, lol. Whether it’s grandkids, pets, fish or nature, I’m constantly taking pictures of them.

Eddie "BigThangz" Kidd | Professional Angler & Division Chief

With over 18 years of high-level tournament competition, Eddie "BigThangz" Kidd—known on the water as "The Kali Kang"—brings a unique blend of elite athleticism and strategic discipline to the professional bass fishing circuit. A former professional football player for the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and the WLAF Frankfurt Galaxy, Eddie has successfully transitioned his competitive drive from the gridiron to the national stage of professional angling.

Currently serving as a Division Chief for the Department of Defense, Eddie balances a high-stakes professional career with a rigorous tournament schedule that includes the Bassmaster Elites, MLF/FLW, and WON Bass.

Tournament Excellence & International Success

A versatile angler with a primary strength in adapting to any body of water, Eddie specializes in Finesse (Drop Shot) and Flipping & Pitching.

His career highlights include:

International Recognition: 3rd Place (2014) and 7th Place (2015) at the Bassmaster Classic Korea.

National Rankings: Top 40 in the 2025 MLF Bulldog Division.

Championship Qualifications: Qualified for the 2025 Regional Championships at Lake Seminole and the Nationals Wildcard.

Regional Dominance: Multi-year TBF Semi-Finals qualifier across Washington and Texas.

Industry Influence & Partnerships

Eddie is a proud representative of some of the most respected brands in the industry. His current roster includes Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s, Nitro Boats, St. Croix Rods, Seviin Reels, Vicious Fishing, Solar Bat Sunglasses, Barracuda Baits, and Coda Lures.

Operating out of a Nitro Z20 towed by a RAM 2500 Heavy Duty, Eddie is not only a competitor but a dedicated mentor and student of the sport. He has shared the water with Hall of Famers like Mark Davis and Alton Jones Sr., and maintains close personal ties with icons such as Johnny Morris, Bill Dance, and Kevin VanDam.

Beyond the Water

Based in Manteca, California, and a fixture of the San Joaquin Delta and Clear Lake, Eddie is a devoted father of four. When he isn't competing or serving his country, he enjoys writing, collecting model sports cars, and rigorously testing new lure designs to stay ahead of the competition.

My first tournment was Bassmaster opens 2024 at Lake Eufaula, Ok. I met this guy name Eddie Kidd asking him one question turn into 8 hours of learning alot of things met cool anglers as well also I cought one bass I didn't care how big or the weight was it was my first fish during that tournment i was so happy about it. Eddie introduced me to Barracuda Baits Im so over joyed I get to know Jarid Hilchey very knowledge of alot cool things. I use these baits are amazing. Went to Lake Martins with Eddie Kidd 2024 I can't believe that I fish with a pro Randell Tharp second day I fished with Andrew Loberg. Went over to fish Okie trail on MLF BFL 2025 caught alot of bass. I want to say thank you to God without him Im nothing, Family, and Friends. Thanks to everyone who supports me in my fishing career.