Fishin’ With a Mission

For Saint Michael Lutheran School, Hosted by South Seas Resort

I’m proud to say that this is the third year in a row VanDyk Mortgage has sponsored the popular annual Fishin’ With a Mission fundraiser for Saint Michael Lutheran School — the school that all three of my children attend. The event is a huge weekend bash at the South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, including massive fishing competitions for both kids and adults. It’s a great family time with fantastic company all around. Of course, I get to spend a weekend fishing, which is something I’ll never turn down.

This year, the fundraiser falls on Mother’s Day weekend, May 13–14. The big fishing competition kicks off on Saturday morning. Each group pays to enter, but there are numerous competitors. Last year there were a whopping 38 boats in the running! VanDyk Mortgage always has their own entry, and though I’ve never been able to wrangle my way to any of the top positions — the winners get $3,000, with $1,000 going to the runner-up — I always have a great time.

Meanwhile, back on land, an event is underway just for the kids. Hundreds of them get out onto the marina, taking up every possible space and fishing spot, for the “Rock the Dock” event. Though they fish from the dock instead of a boat, the competition is still pretty stiff, with a huge variety of categories and prizes for the kids to win. Everybody gets a goody bag, and everybody gets to join in this big community fishing activity; it’s a ton of fun! The kids have an absolute blast the entire weekend — when they’re not fishing, they’re in the pool at the resort, playing on the water slides or doing cannonballs.

Fishing is something I try to do with my kids as much as possible, but it can be difficult with the hectic baseball season, school, and all the other responsibilities that can get in the way. But I’ll relax a bit and get my family out on the water and try to make some memories. This tournament is just one part of that.

The Fishin’ With a Mission Tournament can always use more support! If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, just visit their website at fishinwithamissionfl.com and click “become a sponsor.” Or sign up for the tournament and bring your kids down — the more the merrier! It’s one of the most festive weekends of the year, and it all goes to a good cause.