The Ike Foundation® has created a tournament trail to specifically target youth ranging in ages from 8-13 and 14-18 (must be in school) who haven’t been exposed to this type of fishing environment. This tournament is designed for individuals who are already familiar with the fundamentals of fishing — including casting, rigging, and handling fish. While we love introducing new anglers to the sport through our youth programs, this event is intended for those who are ready to compete in a fishing tournament.
Please note: This is not a first-time fishing event.
Participants must have basic fishing knowledge and experience to register.
Each tournament will take place on a different body of water on a boat. We have teamed up with local Bass clubs to volunteer their time and their boat for individuals who may not have a boat to use. Spots are limited due to the number of volunteers for each event.
The Ike Foundation® is grateful for the support of Hoffman’s Exterminating Co., Inc as a sponsor of our 2026 Youth/High School Tournament Trail, demonstrating their continued commitment to supporting young anglers and the future of the sport. Their partnership helps us create meaningful competitive opportunities while teaching valuable lessons in sportsmanship, conservation, and confidence on the water.
*Boat capacity will be one (1) adult captain and up to two (2) youth anglers. At this time, we are only accepting youth anglers with a boat and boat captain. If you do not have a boat, please email [email protected] to be placed on our waiting list.
Lums Pond, Bear, DE – April 18th, 2026. 7:00 am start
Alloway Lake, Alloway, NJ – May 30, 2026. 7:00 am start
Union Lake, Millville, NJ – June 14, 2026. 7:00 am start
*Final dates and locations pending permits.
Tournament sign-ups are: 1 event – $20 OR 3 events – $50
Want to enter in The Ike Foundation® Youth Tournament Trail events, click below to sign up!
Sign up here if you are a boat captain participating in the The Ike Foundation® Youth Tournament Trail.
Yes, each child brings their own equipment to each event. We suggest a couple of rods and reels along with a handful of baits that your child is comfortable with. The boat captains will sometimes lend equipment if they feel they have a specific bait that could help your child to catch more fish but this is not guaranteed. If your child does not have any equipment and would like to apply for our Equipment Scholarship they can do so on the sign-up page on our website. They will need to write a brief letter of why they need the equipment and one letter of recommendation. Youth Trail Entry Form
Each Angler should come with their own rods, reels and tackle along with plenty of beverages and snacks to get them through the day. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are highly recommended. Rain gear is also a good idea if there is a chance of rain.
Yes! We will fish in the rain as long as there is no thunder and lightning.
If you do not have your own boat then your child will be placed on a boat with another parent and their child or one of our vetted and background checked volunteers. We try to make sure each boat has two youth anglers so the anglers can learn from one another.
Our events launch at 6am or 7am depending on the time of year of the event. We ask everyone to arrive 30-45mins before launch so we can get everyone paired up and discuss the rules before the launch. We typically end our fishing day between noon and 1pm. The weigh in will happen as soon as we get the boats out of the water. Parents do not need to stay in the parking lot while your child is fishing. We do ask that if you leave you give the tournament director your number in case of emergency.
