April 15, 2024- Mike Iaconelli and The Ike Foundation® are proud to announce that it’s 9th Annual Pro-Am Bass Tournament will take place on Saturday, June 1st on the Upper Chesapeake Bay. All proceeds from this event support The Ike Foundation®’s mission to get more kids fishing and outdoors. Please see the details below for more information.

• 150 boat maximum to be launched in flights
• Signup deadline is Thursday, May 30th.
• Entry fee is $325 per boat (includes $25 to 50/50 raffle)
• Two anglers per boat
• Launch is at 6:00 am from Anchor Marina, 36 Iroquois Dr., North East, MD 21901
• Top prize will be a Bass Cat Bobcat with Yamaha Outboard with cash and prizes for the top five winners.
• More information and registration can be found at https://theikefoundation.org/program/ikes-2024-pro-am-bass-tournament/

The Ike Foundation® Family Fun Fest

While anglers are competing on the Chesapeake, The Ike Foundation®, in partnership with Cecil County Tourism, will host a Free Family Fun Fest along the banks of North East Community Park. Past events have included children from the Boys and Girls Club and YMCA of North East, Maryland as well as those from the community. In addition to various games and activities, the kids learn basic fishing skills and catch a variety of species including perch, blue gill, bass and even catfish. Each child enjoys a free hot dog lunch and leaves with a fishing rod and reel, and a Flambeau tackle box . More details and registration for the Ike Foundation’s Free Family Fun Fest can be found at https://theikefoundation.org/forms-and-applications/free-family-fun-fest/

Ike’s 2024 Youth Tournament Trail

Ike’s Youth Fishing Tournament Trail is a competitive event series and an extension of The Ike Foundation®’s mission to get more kids fishing and in the outdoors. Youth, ages 8-18 (18 and a high school student) of all skill levels, are invited to sign up and compete in one or all three regional events. Anglers can fish from their own boat or can be paired with fully vetted volunteer anglers from local bass clubs. Prizes will be awarded to the top three youth anglers at each event.

• May 18, 2024-Lums Pond, Bear DE
• June 22, 2024-Union Lake, Millville, NJ
• September 7, 2024-Cooper River, Pennsauken, NJ

It is the hope of The Ike Foundation® that as participation grows, the tournaments will expand past the New Jersey/Delaware region. Youth anglers and boat captain volunteers can learn more about The Ike Foundation® Youth Fishing Tournament Trail and register at https://theikefoundation.org/programs/youth-tournament-trail/