Children’s of Alabama Recognizes Castin’ N Catchin’ Fishing Tournament for Continuing Support

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. (June 4, 2024) — Castin’ N Catchin’, one of the largest fishing tournaments in Alabama, has raised more than $1 million in funding for the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama at Children’s of Alabama.

Four families with boys born with congenital heart defects started this tournament in 2016. The families had one goal: to do whatever they could to help the Heart Center be the best in the world. The team at the Heart Center provides pediatric care for more than 14,000 patients a year. 

The community also supported the families with their mission. Captain D’s, Robbie Copenhaver, and Sandy Haury have been title sponsors of the tournament since its inception. This year’s tournament occurred on April 20 at Goose Pond Colony Resort in Scottsboro. It raised more than $200,000, bringing the total money raised for the Heart Center to more than $1 million.

“We are so excited to wrap up another successful Castin’ N Catchin’ event,” said Drew McNutt, the tournament’s director. “With the money raised, the incredible doctors and researchers at Children’s of Alabama have helped close the gap in congenital heart defects for children not only in Alabama but all around the world.”

Hundreds of anglers participate in the fishing tournament yearly, and organizers expect it to grow. 

“The family committee that runs Castin’ N Catchin’, the McNutts, Strouds, Bradfords, and Simpsons, is an incredible group that continues to amaze me each year,” said Laura Dunaway, community development coordinator at Children’s of Alabama. “From planning to implementation, this fishing tournament is a well-oiled machine that has brought in anglers from around the country to support Children’s of Alabama. We are so grateful for their support.”

Tournament organizers say they are already planning for next year, which will be the 10^th anniversary. The tournament will be held on May 3, 2025, at Goose Pond Colony Resort in Scottsboro.