The Wahoo Challenge fishing tournament has been successful, exciting and fun but with that comes challenges along the way. It is with sadness that we need to inform you that we will not continue the Wahoo Challenge in the future. The ultimate goal of the tournament was always to raise money for the charities and host a fun and friendly event in downtown Morehead City. Everyone involved feels like those goals were met, but unfortunately the weather caused scheduling problems with the participants and the sponsors so much so that the tournament was not being as successful as it could have been. However, The Wahoo Challenge was able to give over $275,000 to Take a Kid Fishing Foundation and Crystal Coast Hospice House Inc. over the last six years and the sponsors, the participants and the community should be proud of this grand effort.
It was a very difficult decision but in the end the Executive Board decided it was time to end the challenge of this tournament. We would like to give special thanks to our dedicated sponsors including Calcutta, Regions Bank, Harris Teeter, Shimano, R.A. Jeffrey's, Sea Striker, Wachovia and all of our sponsors over the years for their continued support as well as our wonderful working board and our treasured volunteers. It takes a great many people to run a fishing tournament and it could not be possible without each and every one of them. Another very important group of folks that made this event possible and fun were our loyal participants and we thank you for always staying so positive and excited about this event. We appreciate all of your participation, dedication, help and support over the years and hope that you are able to look back upon this tournament with fond memories and continue to enjoy the friendships that you have made within our fishing community.
"Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with each and every one of you in order to better our community. I will continue to cherish the many happy memories and the wonderful feeling that comes with knowing we were able to help our charities reach the success they have so far." - Holly Fletcher, Tournament Director
As we say goodbye, I would like to share a few words from the Executive Board members:
"The Wahoo Challenge has played a huge role in the continuing success of Take a Kid Fishing and Crystal Coast Hospice House. On behalf of the board, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our sponsors, volunteers and participants. Because of you, thousands of disadvantaged kids have had the opportunity to experience a day on the ocean. Further, your efforts have brought us that much closer to the realization of a Hospice House in Carteret County. We all can be proud of what we have accomplished through this tournament"
- Adrian Holler
"I have had the honor and privilege of being a part of such a special event. The Wahoo Challenge has been special for our board (including Holly), working board, volunteers, our participants, our dedicated and loyal sponsors, but most importantly the kids and our future Hospice House. The Wahoo Challenge has raised awareness for both of these groups, and trust me when I say, I will continue to do my part on their behalf. I am disappointed but at the same time proud by what we accomplished. Thank you all for your support. Let's go fishing!"
- Curtis Strange
"Each Fall I have looked forward to the Wahoo Challenge and the opportunity to spend good times with all of the great sponsors, fishermen and many wonderful volunteers. Plenty of fun was had under the big tent downtown, as well as on the ocean, but the best part is all that we did together for our exceptional charities, Take a Kid Fishing and the future Crystal Coast Hospice House. My sincere thanks to you all. I look forward to seeing each of you around the docks."
- Dale Britt
Thank you again!!! Hope to see you all on the Morehead City waterfront!