Two years ago magic happened on the Delaware River for New Jersey's Michael Iaconelli. The professional fisherman who hails from Pittsgrove, NJ was competing in one of the biggest tournaments of his life. Through 4 days he battled the tides and fish to come out with a magical victory on his home waters.
Mike "Ike" wants to bring the magic back to the Delaware River again. This time it's with his personal charity, The Ike Foundation, in mind. The Ike Foundation was built to help kids get hooked on fishing. This year's plan is to hold a Celebrity Fishing Tournament which would raise awareness and funding for youth anglers in need.
Famous angler names like Kevin Van Dam, Randall Tharp, and Brandon Palaniuk will be launching their personal boats to compete. Other celebrities like outdoors funny-man Ed Bassmaster and Stanley Cup Champion Brian Bickell have committed to entering the tournament too. For $1500, paired local anglers can put themselves in a lottery to fish with a pro or celebrity. A $1000 boat entry gets you in the game aboard your own watercraft and up to 3 people fishing at the same time. First responders, college students, and military personnel get a discounted $750 boat entry.
BIG TIME prizes are on the line including:
1st place - 17 foot Basscat Margay boat, motor, & trailer ($30,000 value)
2nd place - An Exmark Mower ($12,000 value)
3-5th place - $500 Rapala Gift Cards, Flambeau Gift Packs and much more!
Along with the tournament the Ike Foundation is hosting a free Family Fun Fest from 11am-2pm with games, food, music, and giveaways. After the tournament, angling participants are invited to enjoy a Benefit Dinner with auctioned memorabilia and time to mingle with all of the pro anglers and celebrities. The auction and dinner will be held at the Children's Garden Museum in Camden from 4-7pm. Dinner tickets for the public are only $75 for adults and $25 for kids.
Mike Iaconelli surrounded by the reason for the Ike Foundation.
Once again, Ike is bringing the fishing magic back to the banks of the Delaware. All of the events will be happening on the Camden Waterfront on August 6th 2016. The Ike Foundation encourages everyone to come out to celebrate the outdoors and share it with the youth and future of our sport.
More information can be found at https://theikefoundation.org/
All questions can be directed to: theikefoundation@gmail.com
