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Passing the Torch:
A New Generation of Costa Anglers

Discover 13-year-old angler Liam Giberson’s journey with Costa Sunglasses. From his first fishing trips
to the debut of the Schoolie frame, Liam represents the next generation of passionate watermen.

At just 13 years old, Liam Giberson is already charting a path as one of the next great anglers.

Raised in the flats of South Florida, Liam splits his time between spin and fly fishing for Snook, Redfish, and Tarpon, and mountain streams in North Carolina chasing Trout with his family. For him, fishing isn’t just a pastime—it’s a family tradition, a test of skill, and a way of life.
- “I started fishing when I was three,” Liam recalls. “At first, I was more into playing with the baitfish and eating snacks, but my dad and his friends—like Captain Benny Blanco—kept me around the water. That’s when it stuck.”

Fishing with Costa: From the Bait Well to the Brand

Liam’s journey with Costa Sunglasses began not in a boardroom, but on the water. Growing up around fishing tournaments and conservation events like trash cleanups and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust symposiums, Liam got to know the Costa crew early on. Friendly rivalries at the Herman Lucerne Memorial Backcountry Championship turned into genuine connections.

“Costa reached out about making the first pair of youth sunglasses, and I was excited to be involved,” Liam says. “It’s cool to be part of something made for kids like me who are serious about fishing.” “I started fishing when I was three,” Liam recalls. “At first, I was more into playing with the baitfish and eating snacks, but my dad and his friends—like Captain Benny Blanco—kept me around the water. That’s when it stuck.”

Why the Schoolie Fits

The Schoolie frame—built with injected bio-resin, Hydrolite™ nose pads, and temple tips—is designed from the ground up for younger anglers. With an 8-base wrap for full coverage, it protects against glare and flying hooks, while staying comfortable for long days on the water.

Liam’s favorite part? “The light striped pattern, kind of like a tiger shark, looks really cool. And the arms fit by my ears perfectly—they don’t hurt, even after a long day.”
For Liam, Costa glasses are more than a style statement—they’re a rule. “You can’t fish without glasses on. My family has pulled hooks out of hands and backs. I don’t want to know what happens if one goes in an eye.”

Big Wins, Bigger Fish

Already, Liam’s resume on the water rivals seasoned anglers. He recently caught his first Permit—on a jig, no less—and proudly points out that it was bigger than any Permit his dad has landed. He laughs, “Probably bigger than any Costa guy has caught down here too.”
But not all victories came without grit. At age eight, Liam hooked a 36-inch winter Snook with his dad and Captain Benny. The fight was so intense—and the morning so cold—that his muscles cramped and he cried through the catch. “At least I can honestly say I caught a fish so big it made me cry,” he jokes.

Passion Beyond the Catch

What makes Liam stand out isn’t just the fish he lands, but how he approaches the sport. He ties flies, pours his own jigs, and loves planning new ways to outsmart his next target. “It’s even better if you catch a fish on something you made yourself,” he says.

He’s also deeply committed to conservation. “I’m proud to be around anglers and companies that protect our water and resources. Every year more kids are getting involved, and that’s just as fun as competing.”

Quick Hits with Liam

Favorite Fishing Snack: Beef Jerky
Go-to Lure: Paddle Tail Shad soft plastic
Biggest Catch: 44.5” Redfish with Captain Justin Price
Dream Destination: Louisiana marsh flats
Fishing Heroes: His dad and Captain Benny Blanco
Boat Name: Snook Seeker

Carrying the Torch

For Liam, fishing is equal parts family tradition, personal challenge, and community. With the Costa Schoolie designed to match his pace, he represents a new generation of anglers—those who value function, durability, and protecting the waters they love.

“I like getting new fishing accomplishments—new species, new places, new lures,” he says. “And it’s even better when you’re out there with gear that keeps you ready for anything.”