Mud Hole celebrates fourth year of conservation initiative sponsorship

Mud Hole Custom Tackle – one of North America’s leading rod component suppliers – has celebrated the fourth year of its sponsorship of an initiative to unearth conservation leaders of the future.

The Florida based business – part of the Foundation Outdoor Group – is the backer of the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Programme and attended the presentation of awards to its winners.

“In our fourth year supporting CCA Florida’s scholarship efforts, we continue to be impressed by the quality of students competing in this programme,” said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Programme Director. “Reaching kids, adding value to their education experience and helping to develop the future conservation leaders in our communities is in perfect alignment with our goals and is also extremely rewarding for me and the whole Mud Hole organisation.”

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

The 10 competing students came from schools across the state, from Miami to Orange Park. This year’s efforts had the competitors traveling 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 our 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 extremely professional and thoughtful about how they can support the preservation of our natural resources” CCA Florida Regional Director, Jimmy Michaels said. “CCA Florida is honoured to bring this scholarship opportunity to the students each year, and we really appreciate the partnership with Anthony and the Mud Hole Education programme. Together, we are making a difference for the students and for the environment.”

For the third consecutive year, the ten 2025 programme participants have the opportunity to earn the $5,000 Grand Scholarship by returning to their high schools to create conservation-focused programmes that positively impact their communities.

First place was awarded to James Demarco of Pompano Beach, who took home a $3,000 scholarship. Kendall Kreuscher of Lake Worth earned the $2,000 second place prize, and the $1,000 third place award went to Homestead’s Candela Valerio.