The 2026 Fish For A Cure tournament raised a record $1.4 million to support cancer survivorship services at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis. This year’s fishing tournament and Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge brought together 48 boats, 313 anglers, and nearly 3,000 individual donations, pushing the event’s total fundraising since its founding past $9.1 million.
The money supports the Cancer Survivorship Program at the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute, which provides services to patients and families dealing with the effects of cancer and its treatment.
This year’s event included 48 captains and 313 anglers, with ten boats participating for the first time. A total of 87 sponsors and community partners contributed $400,570 through sponsorships as part of the fundraising effort.
Individual donations ranged from $1 to $50,000, helping the annual event achieve its highest fundraising total to date.
Fishing and Fundraising Winners Announced
The Paul C. Dettor Captain’s Challenge recognizes teams for their fundraising efforts, while the fishing tournament awards teams based on their catches.
The 2026 Captain’s Challenge winners were:
Legends League: Reel CounselOpen League: Dr. Joe’s CrewRookie of the Year: Team Jubb
In the fishing competition, Team Bluejay took first place with a combined catch measurement of 82.25 inches. Team FishTalk/PropTalk finished second at 80.25 inches, followed by El Guapo in third place at 79.75 inches.
Doc B’s Fishing Team received the annual “Reel Deal” Award, which recognizes a team that demonstrates a commitment to both fishing and fundraising.
Two longtime Legends League teams, Reel Counsel and Team LaxFish, also reached a significant milestone this year. Both surpassed $1 million in lifetime fundraising for Fish For A Cure, earning recognition in the event’s Million Dollar Club.
Fish For A Cure Approaches 20th Anniversary
Fish For A Cure combines a fishing tournament, fundraising competition, and Shore Party to support cancer patients and survivors receiving care through Luminis Health.
Since its founding, the event has raised more than $9.1 million for the Cancer Survivorship Program, with this year’s $1.4 million representing a new annual fundraising record.
The event will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, with the next tournament scheduled for Saturday, November 6, at Safe Harbor Annapolis.
Wondering where the comments are? We encourage you to use the share buttons below and start the conversation on your own!
Related