Fishing Tournament & Fundraiser at Camp Autumn on Saturday, February 11, 2023. One-hundred and eighty-four anglers participated in the event along with twenty-eight sponsors. In total, $15,022 was raised for Camp Autumn’s scholarship program and $6,715 worth of in-kind donations were handed out as tournament prizes, kids’ giveaways and to help feed all participants.
In addition to the regular tournament categories for bass, crappie, and other panfish, this year’s tournament also included seven challenge holes and events. In the Kid’s Single Biggest Fish category, Henry Peters caught a 16.75″ largemouth bass and won a guided fishing trip with Shane Akin of Great Lakes Guide Service.
The event continues to be supported by the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club who coordinates and judges the tournament, as well as provides ice shacks, poles, and gear for individuals or families who do not have ice fishing equipment. Other event sponsors included: AgState, Bobber Down, Boji Custom Metal Works, By the Bucket, C & B Operations, City View Farms, Community State Bank, Darwin & Brenda Johnson, Demco, Everly Lions Club, Great Lakes Guide Service, Hartley Lions Club, Hy-Vee (Spencer), Johnston Auto Stores, Koenig Portable Toilets, Legends Guide Service, Mud on Main (Cherokee), No Limits, Northwest Bank, Northwest Wealth Management, Oak Hill Outdoor, Peterson Lions Club, Royal Lions Club, Snook’s of Okoboji, Stan’s Bait & Tackle, Valero and Vander Haag’s.
“This tournament is the highlight of the winter for me, but it does take a lot of work to put on an event of this size,” said Adam Lybarger, Camp Director at Camp Autumn. “There is just no way we could do it without the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, and of course the participants. A special thank you to the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club and all of their volunteers who work very hard to ensure the tournament runs smoothly and everyone has a great time!”