SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

SCOTTSBORO (May 26, 2026) — Hundreds of anglers recently came together to participate in the largest charity fishing tournament in the nation and raise awareness for heart research.  The 11th annual Castin’ N Catchin’ Fishing tournament raised more than $200,000 for the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama at Children’s of Alabama.

 “This money goes toward saving the lives of children born with congenital heart disease by funding research and life-saving equipment,” said Drew McNutt, the tournament’s director. “From South Alabama to North Alabama, children in all of Alabama’s 67 counties benefit from Castin’ N Catchin.”

Since 2016, the fishing tournament has raised more than $1 million. It started in 2016 with four families who had sons born with congenital heart defects. The families had one goal: to do whatever they could to help the Heart Center be the best in the world. The center is a comprehensive cardiac center with more than 350 staff members specifically trained to care for patients with congenital and acquired cardiac conditions.

 “For years, the family committee that runs Castin’ N Catchin’, the McNutts, Strouds, Bradfords, and Simpsons, has worked tirelessly to advance the mission of Children’s of Alabama and the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, “said Ashley McCoy, Community Development Coordinator at Children’s of Alabama. “The passion of these four families and hundreds of anglers is making a difference in the lives of patients and their families and allowing them to receive world-class care close to home.”

 Tournament organizers say they appreciate the support they receive from the community and several businesses, including Captain D’s and Harbin Automotive.

The 12th annual Castin’ N Catchin’ Fishing Tournament will be held on May 1, 2027, at Goose Pond Colony Resort in Scottsboro.