Mudhole highlights third year of conservation leadership support

A global leader in the supply of rod building and tackle crafting goods has continued its support for a US scheme that encourages the development of future conservation leaders.

Mud Hole Custom Tackle celebrated the third year of its support of the CCA Florida Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Programme by presenting $6,000 in grants to three 2024 winners.

“The partnership between the Mud Hole Education Programme and CCA Florida to support this scholarship and these students is extremely rewarding,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Programme Director.

“Helping to develop the future conservation leaders in our communities is a great complement to Mud Hole Education Programme’s goal of reaching kids and adding value to their education experience.”

Mud Hole’s $6,000 financial contribution is supported through the Matt McGuffee College Scholarship Initiative, honouring the former employee who passed away at the age of 28 in 2022. In addition, the Mud Hole team hosts the programme’s kick off and Awards Banquet and documents the week of activities for the students.

This year, they travelled coast-to-coast, from the Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Crystal River to Bajio Sunglasses in New Smyrna Beach, learning how these companies help preserve the environment as a key component of their business strategies. The students were also able to build a custom fishing rod at Mud Hole and fish for barramundi at Osceola Outback Adventures. Throughout the week of activities, students were graded on their attention, focus, creativity, presentation and overall engagement in the learning experiences.

“This year’s competitors were highly engaged and brought tremendous energy to the programme,” CCA Florida Regional Director, Jimmy Michaels said. “We’re honoured to bring the opportunity to the students each year and to work with Mud Hole on a programme that will have a long-lasting impact for these students and for our Florida ecosystems.”