The Ike Foundation Mission
Our mission is to get more kids fishing and in the outdoors, especially youth in areas where those activities are not readily available.
Our motto is "Together we can Hook 'em Early". Founded in 2014 by professional bass angler Michael Iaconelli and his wife Becky, The Ike Foundation is approved by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. 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 planets natural resources.
The Ike Foundation Board of Trustees
The Ike Foundation Calendar of Events
Saturday May 12th, 2018 @ 7:30AM ET
Haddon Lake Park
In 2017, with help from Toyota and Flambeau, we launched the Ike's Hook 'Em Early Kids Fishing Event. For many young people, a chance to experience the outdoors, receive free gifts from our proud supporters, like Abu Garcia and Pure Fishing, and win great prizes in the fishing tournament.
The Ike Foundation will return to Haddon Lake Park on May 12, 2018 for the second annual Ike's Hook 'Em Early Fishing Event. Chaperones will need to register themselves and the children who will be attending with them.
Friday July 20th, 2018 @ 6:30PM ET
Please join us at the benefit dinner on Friday, July 20, 2018, on the Battleship NJ at the Camden Waterfront. This event takes place the evening before Ike’s Celebrity Pro-Am Bass Tournament. The evening will include music, 50/50, basket auction and silent auction. Your ticket includes a delicious meal and beer or wine. Guest will have a chance to mingle with pro anglers. We invite you to purchase tickets.
Saturday July 21st, 2018 @ 7:00AM ET
Delaware River
This is the 3rd annual Ike Celebrity Pro Am benefit bass fishing tournament, and the 2nd year with a Hobie Worlds qualifying kayak division event. Both tournaments are scheduled for July 21st, 2018. Discounts are available for early tournament & dinner registration!
Saturday July 21st, 2018 @ 11:00AM ET
Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ
Join us at Wiggins Park on July 21st, 2018 from 11AM-2PM for a free family event. There will be games, live music, giveaways, prizes and more, followed by The Ike Foundation Celebrity Pro Am bass fishing tournament weigh-in at 2PM.
Event Highlights
- Free Flambeau tackle boxes to all kids (child must be present to receive free tackle box)
- Games & free prizes to fill your tackle box
- Berkley's "Color Your Own Bait" station
- Yard's Beer Garden
- Live music
- Delicious food
High School Fishing Skills Challenge (New This Year)
Teams of 2 high school students are invited to this FREE event to compete in our own "Fishing Olympic." The skills challenge will be held at Wiggins Park Camden Waterfront during Ike's Free Family Fun Fest. Ike's Celebrity Pro-Am Bass Tournament will also be held at the same time.
The teams will be competing in challenges on dry land like casting accuracy, distance, knot tying, and more. The pros will be there to share some advice. The events begin at 11 am to 1:30pm. Ike's Celebrity Pro-Am Bass Tournament weigh-in begins at 2:00 pm.
All teams must fill out a waiver if you are under 18 years old. Bring printed and signed waiver to event. You do not have to be part of a high school fishing team. You must be a high school student.
Recent Ike Foundation Press
Pittsgrove, NJ, March 5, 2018. The Ike Foundation® is a non-profit organization founded by Mike and Becky Iaconelli. The mission of the Foundation is to introduce urban and rural children to the wholesome sport of fishing while instilling in them a love and respect for the outdoors. The Ike Foundation® also provides five college scholarships to deserving high school seniors who share The Ike Foundation’s® mission.
