Bass Pro Shops has agreed to acquire the iconic Cheeca Lodge, one of the most historic fishing and sporting resorts in the Florida Keys for an undisclosed price. The acquisition was made through the company’s nature-based resorts division.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“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,” the company said in a release announcing the acquisition. “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.”
The company said 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,” Bass Pro continued. “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 has 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,” added Johnny Morris. “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 Captain Sonny Eslinger on Buchanan Bank out of Bud N’ Mary’s Marina. 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.”
As recipient of the Audubon Medal, Morris 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.”
“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, CEO, The Everglades Foundation.
Cheeca Lodge will also reportedly unite with World Wide Sportsman Store and Marina, which overlooks Florida Bay with direct access to the Everglades and the Gulf Stream. The Islamorada Fish Company, Morada Bay and Pierre’s restaurants, located adjacent to the landmark Store & Marina, provide waterfront dining. Originally founded in 1967 by legendary anglers George Hommell, Jr. and Billy Pate, World Wide Sportsman quickly became a premier, world reknown saltwater specialist shop.
Images courtesy Bass Pro Shops, Cheeca Lodge, World Wide Sportsman Store & Marina
