'Big Daddy Lawler' Memorial Crappie tournament hosted at Miller's Ferry

The first annual Big Daddy Lawler Memorial Crappie Tournament at Miller’s Ferry Marina drew only seven anglers on May 6, but those who launched at 6 a.m. made the most of a day that began with rain and ended in sunshine.  

Organizers said the light turnout was likely due to a forecast filled with showers and thunderstorms. As one line from the interview put it, “Friday was a rainy day as was Saturday morning of the tournament. But as the morning progressed, the weather became beautiful.” 

Hourly weigh-ins began at 9 a.m. Chris Blount and Shane Jones tied in the first hour, each weighing a 1.6-pound crappie. At 10 a.m., Joe Allen Dunn took the lead with a 1.52-pound fish, followed at 11 a.m. by his son, Hayden Dunn, who brought in a 1.36 pounder. The afternoon belonged to Travis Hudson, who swept the noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. hours with catches of 1.5, 1.8 and 1.5 pounds. His 1.8-pound fish was the biggest of the day and secured him the overall win. 

Despite the small field, the crowd was strong. Many of the late James Big Daddy Lawler’s friends and family turned out to remember the outdoorsman who had encouraged the marina’s owners in the early stages of their project. “We had his family here today, his brother and sister and their families,” Joe Nelson said. “They were here eating lunch with us today. It was good to see them.” Big Daddy Lawler, known online as BDL, was a well-known outdoors advocate in Wilcox County and across the Black Belt, passed away suddenly about two years ago. 

BDL’s brother Tommy and his sister Alyce both had lunch at the marina during the tournament. Tommy said, “Big Daddy would be honored and humbled that they have this tournament in his honor.” Alyce said, “He would have said no don’t do it, but he would have been excited and honored.” Both of them and both co-owners said they regret the BDL was not able to see the marina completed and not able to enjoy the tournament. 

Nelson and co-owner Roger Wallace have been open only about three months, but the idea for the marina has been years in the making. Both men hunted in the area for decades and often talked about how the site needed a gathering place. “We’ve always talked about, hey, this place will be great. A good restaurant, good food, a place for the people to gather,” Nelson said. “And we’ve always wanted to do it. And finally got the opportunity.” 

They began by building a seawall, then the main structure, and have expanded steadily since. Wallace said the business has grown from a small community store into a busy spot with a deck, hamburgers and fried catfish. “The community has supported us to the nth degree,” he said. “Even today with the crappie tournament, we said let’s fry some fish and see how that turns out. And it’s just done wonderful.” 

Long-term plans include rental cabins, a full cafe and grill on the water. They also plan to have for rent, pontoon boats, kayaks and jet skis. Wallace said the goal is to create a true weekend destination. “You come here with our cabins. You spend a long weekend. You have lunch or dinner here at our place,” he said. 

The marina will host a local bass tournament in two weeks, followed in mid-June by a classic car show with live music. Nelson and Wallace said they plan to hold the Big Daddy Lawler Memorial Crappie Tournament again next spring. 

Both men have made the area their permanent home after years of hunting and fishing around Miller’s Ferry. Wallace moved from Pensacola more than 20 years ago, and Nelson recently bought property just across the river. “We hunt and fish around here our whole grown up lives,” Nelson said. “We want to give back to the folks that’s helped us.” 

As Wallace put it, Miller’s Ferry is “where life is easy,” and the two owners hope their side venture continues to grow into something much bigger.