Catfish for Heroes

03/12/2026

Thank you to Steve Douglas and the National Catfish Championship for honoring our heroes. Ambassador Chris Poor will be representing the team with a lucky veteran! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

At the National Catfish Expo, we want to give back to the men and women who have given so much for our country.
We are opening 3 FREE spots for veteran groups to attend the event — no charge. Our goal is simple… provide a great day outdoors, around good people, doing something as peaceful and rewarding as catfishing. Sometimes, time on the water and fellowship with others can help take your mind off the weight that service can leave behind.
If you’re part of a veteran organization or know a group that would benefit from this opportunity, please reach out. Let’s make some memories together.
Thank you for your service.
Steve Douglas
National Catfish Expo
502 510 0275

08/25/2025

Weigh in photos from the tournament

08/25/2025

Saturday night we held the 4th annual Catfish for Heroes benefit tournament! We had 17 vets and 35 boats in attendance. We were honored to give away over $8,000 in prizes including a vehicle to one lucky vet. We appreciate all the people and sponsor that made this happen.

1st place- Meyers TV with 103.73lbs
2nd place- Catfish Kylor with 103.34lbs
3rd place- Flathead Mikes with 94.15lbs
Big Fish- Catfish Crazy (45.61lb Flat)
Veteran Big Fish- Catfish for Heroes (43.46lb Flat)

Thank you everybody below, plus my amazing family for showing up as always.

Weighmaster- Jessica Messersmith
Towels and Plaques- Joey Middleton
Drinks and snacks- Jen Ormond
Food: Costco, Giant Food
Prizes: MISSION BBQ, Catch The Fever, WindRider, River Rats Reel Repair, Limitless Outdoors, Joe May's Repair and Towing, Meyers TV

08/02/2025

🚨 Benefit Tournament info 🚨

Our 4th annual benefit tournament is August 23rd at York Furnace boat ramp from 7pm-7am
- Registration and livewell checks start at 4pm
- Dinner will be served around 5pm
- Will be doing prizes prior to the event around 6pm and captain’s meeting at 6:30
- $100 Entry with 80% payout and 20% going to CFH
- $20 Optional pot for Big Fish and Vet big fish
- Mixed bag 3 fish weigh in, decoy bags and livewell only, absolutely no stringers
- Fish must swim away or its weight will be subtracted from your total weight

07/22/2025

Last night we hosted veteran DJ and his son on a quick trip on the lower Susquehanna. After a couple days getting rained out, we were finally able to get on the water. We boated over 20 fish on artificials and a few on some cut bait, even kept a few good ones for the freezer!

4REEL Fishing
Fish Bite Rod Holders, LLC
Chesapeake Bay Trust
SeaArk Boats
MulTbar Rod Rack
Spread Em Planer Boards
Wet. Outdoor Gear
MAD KATZ
PowerHouse Lithium
Yamaha Outboards

07/22/2025

Big fish of the trip last week for Veteran Aaron and his buddy! A beautiful 30lb blue cat on light tackle. Also had my good buddy from Ohio out this past weekend and among others was able to put a huge 40lb tank in the boat!!!

Chesapeake Bay Trust
MulTbar Rod Rack
Spread Em Planer Boards
Fish Bite Rod Holders, LLC
4REEL Fishing
Wet. Outdoor Gear
SeaArk Boats
MAD KATZ

06/16/2025

🚨 BIG NEWS, PLEASE READ 🚨 We are organizing the 4th annual Catfish for Heroes tournament and are currently seeking donations for raffle and door prizes, as well as food donations.
We are also looking for a veteran who may be struggling financially to support. Please send nominations via DM or email us. We kindly request that you keep their story confidential.

06/05/2025

We are looking for some assistance with food and drinks for this years benefit tournament at Lake Aldred. Please shoot me a message or email if you are able to assist.

We are also looking for some awesome prizes for our Captains and Veterans.

Wet. Outdoor Gear
Takedown Rod Holders LLC
York County Veterans Outreach
4REEL Fishing
Meyers TV
Mad Katz Outdoors
MulTbar Rod Rack
Fish Bite Rod Holders, LLC
Spread Em Planer Boards
Catch The Fever
Whisker Seeker Tackle
MISSION BBQ

06/02/2025

Last night, we had the privilege of hosting Army veteran Justin, his son, and their friend, a Marine veteran, for an unforgettable fishing experience. We kicked off the night by reeling in three keeper Rockfish on opening day, and then shifted gears to catch three impressive catfish, including a remarkable 30-pounder!

Wet. Outdoor Gear
4REEL Fishing
York County Veterans Outreach
Chesapeake Bay Trust
Mad Katz Outdoors
MulTbar Rod Rack
Fish Bite Rod Holders, LLC
Meyers TV
Spread Em Planer Boards

05/30/2025

Got 2 quick trips on on the water this week to test everything out after a completely rewiring the boat and installing some new lights. Put fish in the boat both nights and ended it with a 40lb tank!
We have tons of vet trips scheduled already, and can’t wait to get them on some fish!

Mad Katz Outdoors
Wet. Outdoor Gear
4REEL Fishing
York County Veterans Outreach

05/26/2025

🇺🇸 **Honoring Our Fallen Heroes** 🇺🇸

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Their courage and dedication to our country will never be forgotten. As we gather with family and friends, let us take a moment to reflect on their sacrifices and express our gratitude.

To all the families of fallen heroes, we stand with you today and always. Your strength inspires us, and your loved ones will forever be in our hearts.

Let’s celebrate their lives and the legacy of freedom they fought for. ❤️🤍💙

05/26/2025

Big thank you to the York County Veterans Outreach for their continued support of our mission!

We are proud for a second year in a row to help keep Catfish for Heroes out on the water, serving York County's Veterans! The mental health and wellbeing of our Veterans and their families following active duty is a core value of the York County Veterans Outreach and we are grateful for this program that supported 25 York County Veterans in 2024 and an estimated 50 Veterans this year. Thank you for your support of our Hometown Heroes!