2026 The Ike Foundation® Pro-Am and Family Fishing Fun!
June 18, 2026 Pittsgrove, NJ. The Ike Foundation® recently held its 11th Annual Ike’s Pro-Am Bass Tournament. We had a great turnout with 94 registered boats hitting the waters of Chesapeake Bay in North East Maryland. As our biggest fundraiser of the year, every dollar raised goes directly toward our mission of getting more kids fishing and in the outdoors.
The competition was fierce, but the rewards were worth it. Thanks to the incredible and continued support of Bass Cat, our winners walked away with a brand-new Bass Cat Bobcat Boat!
Huge congratulations to our winners, Keith and Zach Cowan with a solid 24.87 bag. Keith Cowan is a two time winner of this event, having won with his other brother, Nate, in 2023. The Cowans have been long time supporters of The Ike Foundation® by fishing in every single tournament we’ve hosted.
Cash and prizes were awarded to anglers finishing second through fifth place from partners; including Pro-Guide Batteries, Flambeau, Abu Garcia, Lowrance, Tackle Warehouse, AFTCO, Power-Pole, BuzzerRocks, Mystery Tackle Box and Hoffman’s Exterminating Co., Inc.
2026 Ike Foundation® Pro-Am Bass Tournament Winners:
- Keith & Zach Cowan – 24.87 lbs
- Duke Nave & Andrew Heivly – 24.1 lbs
- Dave Wilder & Frank Arthur – 22.86 lbs
- Duane Essick & Jay Pirollo – 19.63 lbs
- Michael Ianuzzi & Raymond Jones – 19.24 lbs
Lunker: Keith & Zach Cowan – 6.94 lbs
Free Family Fun Fest on the Chesapeake!
While the anglers competed on the water, The Ike Foundation® team was busy creating unforgettable memories on shore at the Free Family Fun Fest. Thanks to the generous support of Cecil County Tourism and Integrity Realtors, families gathered along the beautiful Chesapeake Bay waterfront for a day of fishing, learning, and outdoor fun.
Dedicated volunteers from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland helped introduce children to the sport of fishing by providing hands-on instruction and encouragement. Young anglers had the opportunity to learn basic fishing skills while targeting a variety of species, including bass, perch, bluegill and catfish. The Coastal Conservation Association taught kids about the local invasive snakehead population and many kids handled the fish while explaining the risk they pose to otherwise healthy fish populations.
Every child who participated received a brand-new Zebco rod and reel, generously donated by Integrity Realtors, a Flambeau tackle box, and a bag filled with fishing-related products to take home.
The Ike Foundation® is proud to provide opportunities like these that connect kids with the outdoors, build confidence, and create lasting memories. Our hope is that each child left inspired to continue fishing and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and conservation.
Please check out additional images on The Ike Foundation® Facebook and Instagram pages! For more information about The Ike Foundation® and their programs, events or to make a donation go to https://theikefoundation.org/donate/
Please follow The Ike Foundation on Facebook @theikefoundation,Instagram & X @foundationikeThe Ike Foundation® appreciates the generous donations from individuals and partners. A full list of partners can be found at https://theikefoundation.org/donors/.
Founded in 2014 by Michael and Becky Iaconelli, the mission of The Ike Foundation® is to connect underserved boys and girls with fishing, fostering a passion for nature and outdoor activities. Our hands-on experiences provide a positive outlet for personal growth and instill a lifelong commitment to conservation and protecting our natural environment. We support youth fishing clubs, civic groups and charitable organizations that promote the sport of fishing, the ecology of the outdoors and the responsibility each person has to maintain our planet’s natural resources. The Ike Foundation® is approved by the IRS as a 501©(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. All proceeds from our programs go to The Ike Foundation®’s mission. Tax-deductible contributions are welcome and can be made on the website. Donate to The Ike Foundation®
