Mud Hole Custom Tackle has always taken pride in the local community, along with organizations rooted in youth education, conservation, and those who served our country. From our extensive education program where we have introduced over 50,000 students to the rod building craft, along with our youth scholarship program where we work hand-in-hand with The Coastal Conservation Association of Florida, I am proud to say we try to lead by example.
With springtime weather in full swing here in Florida, what would be better than a charity golf event right here in our backyard? Spearheaded by our Marketing Manager Kevin Landers, an Army Veteran himself, he wanted to be sure we got together three organizations with whom we have close ties.
Worthy Causes
First, we have a long history with Seminole Jr Anglers. Founded in 2014 as Oviedo Jr Anglers, their reputation for great anglers and an exceptionally well-run club, they grew to service the entirety of Seminole County. With many anglers from their organization going to fish in college, as well as the professional circuit, they are always a force to be reckoned with. They even had their first angler to qualify for the Bassmaster Classic from the Bassmaster Open series.
Since the beginning, Mud Hole has been a proud sponsor of Seminole Jr Anglers. From helping with expenses and tackle to hosting a rod building class for all team members, these are some incredible young anglers are we are happy to be a part of their organization’s growth.
At Mud Hole we care about our Veterans and have team members from every branch of service here at our headquarters in Oviedo, FL. So, it is only natural to support organizations that look out for our service men and women. Project Healing Waters is a natural fit. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and veterans through fly fishing and associated activities.
Founded in 2005 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, PHWFF has grown to over 200 programs nationwide, offering participants opportunities to engage in fly tying, casting instruction, rod building, and fishing outings. These activities foster camaraderie, skill development, and a sense of purpose, aiding in the healing process for those who have served. PHWFF's mission is to provide a supportive community and therapeutic experiences that contribute to the overall well-being of its participants.
With so many anglers here at Mud Hole along with our Veterans, we were proud to have them be a part of our First Annual Charity Golf Classic.
Last but certainly not least, our friends from The Coastal Conservation Association of Florida joined us for this great event. CCA for short, is a nonprofit organization committed to conserving and enhancing the state's marine resources and coastal environments. Through initiatives like habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works to ensure the health of marine ecosystems while safeguarding anglers' access to them. With over 18,000 members, including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, the organization engages in projects such as fish restocking and the planting of eelgrass, mangroves, and marsh grass to restore habitats.
Founded in 1985 as the fifth state chapter of the national CCA, CCA Florida continues to advise and educate the public on marine conservation efforts.
Mud Hole has worked alongside CCA for as long as I can remember. From projects like “Release the East”, a redfish restocking program, to getting our hands dirty with volunteers from nearly every Mud Hole department working alongside UCF students and CCA Florida at the University of Florida Biology Field Research Center to help build “oyster rings” for an ongoing restoration project.
Invaluable Sponsors
Before we get to the golf, I wanted to recognize our Sponsors! Our Gold Level Sponsors were Fuji Rod Components, Mission BBQ and Southern Development and Construction.
Our Signature Sponsors were the American Sportfishing Association, Cashion Fishing, Fish Skins Grips, and Jumbo Max Golf Grips.
Our Standard Sponsors were Costal Angler Magazine, Gumbo Wars, LRE Foundation Repair, Mid Florida Carts, NF Sports, Seacoast Bank, SunState Fleetworks, and T.R. Plumbing.
Thank you to all our sponsors. We certainly could not have done this without you.
Tournament Play
In addition to our sponsors we would like to thank Twin River Golf Club right here in Oviedo, Florida. Twin Rivers Golf Club offers a golf experience that blends Florida’s natural beauty with a challenging test of shot-making skills. Often considered Central Florida’s hidden gem, this 6,600-yard, par-72 championship course delivers some of the best golf in the Orlando area. Although it is situated in a suburban neighborhood, you rarely see any signs of development. Very few holes have houses lining the fairways and you are often greeted by wildlife as you weave your way through the Big and Little Econ Forest.
To say this course is challenging is the understatement of the year. It is not very long but there is abundant nature area that creates havoc around every turn.
We had a great tournament with 19 teams battling it out in a scramble format. From a Saturday with the boys to a family day out on the course, the community really showed up in the name of charity. Tight fairways and lightning fast greens made for a challenging but rewarding day on the links.
Once the teams finished up their round, we convened back to the clubhouse to enjoy celebratory beverages and an incredible catered lunch provided by our friends at Mission BBQ!
As we finished up lunch, it was time to pull raffle tickets. We have guided fishing trips, Engel Cooler, custom fishing rods, Florida Fishing Product Reels, Oakley sunglasses prize pack, and much more!
Amazing Support
When the dust settled on the first annual Mud Hole Charity Golf Classic, we had raised a grand total of $19,249.80!! That comes out to exactly $6,416.60 to each organization! We are incredibly thankful for those who donated, volunteered, and played in the Golf Classic. We really could not have done it without you! I can't wait to see those big cardboard checks!
Hopefully we will see everyone next year. Now, it is time to hit the range in preparation for the 2026 Golf Classic.
