As we wrap up this series, we are incredibly grateful for every team, parent, boat captain, and coach who made it possible. It has been amazing to watch this program continue to grow, and we truly believe God has blessed it in remarkable ways.

This year’s participation was outstanding:

• In the High School Morning Division, we had 102 teams representing 19 schools/clubs.
• In the Middle School Division, 78 teams from 11 schools/clubs competed.
• In the High School Recreational Division, we saw 37 teams from 13 schools/clubs.
• The School of the Year for Middle School came down to 3 hundredths of a pound (o.o3 lbs) between Zeeland and Unity Christian
• The Middle School Anglers of the Year were a team of girls from Unity.
• In High school 2 brothers from Zeeland won Anglers of the Year.

But this series is about far more than fishing. It gives students the chance to represent their schools by doing something they love. For some, it’s a brand‑new experience; for others, it’s a step toward their dreams in the fishing world.

After each tournament, we share a short devotional. We see these events as opportunities to learn, grow, and be spiritually, emotionally, and mentally refreshed. Being out in God’s creation is a gift—a place where we learn about ourselves, our Creator, our teammates, our captains, and even the fish.

A quick recap of this season’s devotions:

• Week 1: We looked at creation—how God spoke the world into existence but formed humans with His hands. We are loved, valued, and set apart. I challenged the students that when they hold a fishing rod, they remember that God is holding them.
• Week 2: We focused on the fishing line—small, often unseen, but essential. Just like our spiritual and emotional health, it’s easy to overlook until something breaks. Staying connected to God through His Spirit produces the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self‑control.
• Week 3: We talked about bait and hooks. Bait is designed to trick fish into biting, and once hooked, they’re controlled by the fisherman. In life, many things try to “hook” us—success, money, fame, approval. These things can end up controlling us. Jesus desires freedom for us, and through His sacrifice, that freedom is possible.