Bass Pro Shops, through its nature-based resorts division, has agreed to acquire the legendary Cheeca Lodge, one of the most historic and beloved fishing and sporting resorts in the Florida Keys for an undisclosed sale price.
Long recognized as a gathering place for anglers, adventurers and families seeking the timeless spirit of the Keys, Cheeca Lodge has welcomed generations of visitors drawn to Islamorada's world-famous waters, natural beauty, and laid-back hospitality. Bass Pro Shops and its founder, passionate angler and noted conservationist, Johnny Morris, are excited to enhance the resort while preserving its authentic character and heritage of connecting guests to the natural beauty of the Florida Keys.
This philosophy will guide the future of Cheeca Lodge.
Cheeca Lodge reinforces Bass Pro Shops' ongoing commitment to hospitality through world-class nature-based properties. Referred to as America's Premier Wilderness Resort, Bass Pro's flagship Big Cedar Lodge in the Missouri Ozarks hosts 7.5 million guests annually. In keeping with the founder's commitment to conservation, over half of the resort's 24,000 acres have been donated and forever preserved as part of the not-for-profit Johnny Morris Conservation Foundation.
"I have been very blessed to have spent my entire life around the great sport of fishing. Growing up as far from the ocean as you can get in the Missouri Ozark Mountains, fly-fishing beautiful streams for perch and smallmouth bass. I will never forget dreaming about and then getting to catch my first tarpon on a fly. I was 16 years old fishing with my best buddy, my Dad and Capt. Sonny Eslinger on Buchanan Bank out of Bud N' Mary's Marina," Johnny said. "From that special day forward, like many others, I have come to have enormous respect for the history of Islamorada, and the generations of anglers and families who have made memories here or who are blessed to call the Keys home. We're humbled and honored to have the opportunity to help protect it and carry that story forward," Morris continued.
As recipient of the prestigious Audubon Medal, Johnny is especially excited that Cheeca Lodge, in addition to its world-class fishing, can be further celebrated as an expanded adventure outpost to connect visitors to the amazing natural treasures of the Everglades and Florida Keys.
Cheeca Lodge, founded in 1946, and World Wide Sportsman Store & Marina, founded in 1967, are now joined together to create a true seaside adventure paradise in the heart of the Florida Keys.
Cheeca Lodge features both lodges and cottages with many offering direct oceanfront views. Guests are immersed in an impressive collection of amenities including three enormous tropical swimming pools, a world-class full-service spa, a 9-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed par-3 golf course, a 525-foot historic fishing pier, state-of-the-art fitness and meeting facilities, tennis and pickleball courts and upscale waterfront dining that serves as a dream location for weddings and special events.
World Wide Sportsman Store & Marina, overlooking Florida Bay with direct access to the Everglades and the deep blue waters of the Gulf Stream, serves as a launch point for anglers from around the globe. The Islamorada Fish Company, Morada Bay and Pierre's restaurants located adjacent to the landmark Store & Marina provide extraordinary waterfront dining experiences.
Originally founded in 1967 by legendary anglers George Hommell Jr. and Billy Pate, World Wide Sportsman quickly became one of the most premier saltwater specialist shops in the world. Widely regarded as a pioneer of flats fishing and conservation in the Florida Keys, Hommell helped shape Islamorada into "The Sportfishing Capital of the World." George and Billy aligned with Johnny and Bass Pro Shops almost 30 years ago now, creating a legacy that continues to inspire anglers and outdoor enthusiasts today.
The Florida Keys and Cheeca Lodge have long held a revered place in the history of American sportfishing, attracting well-known legendary anglers and pioneers such as:
- Ernest Hemingway, legendary author, pioneering angler and longtime resident of the Florida Keys.
- Zane Grey, best-selling author and pioneering angler who established and served as the first President of the nearby storied Long Key Fishing Club.
- President Harry Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was said to be the very first guest to check into Olney Inn, which later evolved into the iconic Cheeca Lodge.
- President George H.W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States became closely tied to Cheeca Lodge through his passion for fishing and his role in hosting the prestigious Presidential Bonefish Tournaments.
- Ted Williams, legendary Hall of Fame baseball player, was also a very accomplished fly-fisherman and frequent guest at Cheeca Lodge.
- Jack Nicklaus, the renowned golfer known as "The Golden Bear" spent many happy days on fishing expeditions based out of Cheeca. He also designed the resort's 9-hole par-3 golf course.
- Curt Gowdy, host of The American Sportsman, frequently visited Cheeca Lodge, showcasing fishing in Islamorada alongside many celebrity guests.
The company is committed to promoting the Sportfishing Capital of the World and its captains, marinas, resorts, restaurants and other destinations through Bass Pro Shops' significant national and international customer base while continuing to be steadfast supporters of fisheries conservation.
Conservation leaders and tourism officials anticipate long-term benefits for the community through continuing conservation stewardship and the promotion and preservation of one of the region’s most iconic resorts.
“Johnny and Bass Pro Shops have always understood the importance of protecting the Everglades and celebrating our fishing heritage, making them outstanding partners for the future of the Keys,” said Eric Eikenberg, Chief Executive Officer of The Everglades Foundation
“We were very excited to learn that Johnny and Bass Pro Shops will be expanding their involvement in the Keys. They have been true leaders in conservation, standing alongside us with habitat work, restoring fisheries, educating future generations, and ensuring the outdoor traditions remain strong for years to come. They support communities that make the fishing culture so special,”said Nick Wiley, Executive Director of the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
“We're excited to welcome Bass Pro Shops as stewards of this iconic Florida Keys landmark. We extend our deepest appreciation for their generous support of BTT, which has made an important difference in the recovery of our bonefish and the ongoing conservation of tarpon and permit,” said Jim McDuffie, President and CEO of Bonefish & Tarpon Trust.