November 22nd Event to Generate Awareness and Financial Support for St. Johns River Recovery
Oviedo, FL, September 9, 2026 – In their continued partnership to help restore and preserve Florida’s largest freshwater resource, Mud Hole Custom Tackle and Mighty River Recovery are launching the Mud Hole St. Johns Showdown, a competitive bass fishing tournament taking place November 22nd on Lake Monroe in Sanford, Florida. Competitor teams of two will pay $150 per boat to participate, with all entry fees contributing to the total prize fund – a 100% payback tournament. All sponsor funds and raffle ticket sales will directly support Mighty River Recovery and their efforts to improve the health of the St. Johns River.
“As a tournament angler and Mighty River Recovery board member, I’m excited to create a competitive event that benefits the local angling community as well as our efforts to restore the St. Johns” said Hunter McKamey, Foundation Outdoor Group Vice President. “With our November event date, the St. Johns Showdown will offer a unique place in the Central Florida tournament calendar that we plan to maintain as an annual tradition leading into the holidays.”
Showdown competitors will launch from Wayside Park on the 22nd with the weigh-in taking place at Boat Tree Marina – both locations located in Sanford at the western-most edge of Lake Monroe. The tournament’s mandatory Captains Meeting will take place one day prior at Mud Hole Custom Tackle in Oviedo on Saturday, November 21st at 3:30pm, immediately following Mud Hole’s Fall Block Party. Coastal Angler Magazine’s Phil Wolf, a veteran of the Central Florida bass tournament scene, will serve as Tournament Director, outlining the full tournament rules. Captains Meeting attendees will also officially register their boats and pick up the team goodie bag.
“The opportunity to bring awareness of our efforts directly to Central Florida anglers through the St. Johns Showdown is tremendous,” Mighty River Recover Executive Director Joe Balog said. “Our partnership with Hunter and the team at Mud Hole continues to offer exciting ways to generate interest and funding in support of our mission.”
To sign up for the Mud Hole St. Johns Showdown or to learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities, visit MudHole.com/SJS.
About Foundation Outdoor Group, Inc.
Foundation Outdoor Group, Inc, stands at the forefront of the fishing industry as the undisputed global
leader in fishing rod and tackle crafting components, supplies, equipment, and instruction. With 18
international industry awards, and an extraordinary and diverse portfolio of renowned brands,
including Mud Hole Custom Tackle, American Tackle, MHX, Custom Rod Builder (CRB), Flex
Coat, and ProProducts, Foundation Outdoor Group has established its presence on three continents,
offering exceptional products and services to anglers in both direct-to-consumer and business-to-
business markets worldwide. Foundation Outdoor Group’s unwavering commitment to innovation,
craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction has revolutionized the fishing experience, catering to
enthusiasts of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
About Mighty River Recovery
Based in DeLand, Florida, Mighty River Recovery is a non-profit organization dedicated to
improving fish and wildlife habitat on Florida’s St. Johns River, while working to organize and unite
outdoor enthusiasts. The organization advocates for attention to issues affecting the St. Johns, from
declining water quality to the continued use of damaging herbicides. Through volunteerism and the
donations of citizens and partners, Mighty River Recovery conducts scientific research and provides
hands-on restoration, doing something NOW for the ecology of the St. Johns, while also planning for
its future.