Casting for a Cause: How a Hernando Fishing Tournament Reeled in Community Spirit

Casting for a Cause: How a Hernando Fishing Tournament Reeled in Community Spirit

By Jack Pagano 
Jack@thetampapost.com

BROOKSVILLE, FL — Long before the first boat pushed off into the Gulf, the Florida Cracker Party Barn in Brooksville was already buzzing. Pickup trucks lined the grass, anglers compared gear, and families gathered at the spacious barn area.  What began as a simple fishing tournament will grow into something much larger — a celebration of community, compassion, and the quiet power of giving back.

The two‑day LMD Injury Law (Lucas, Macyszyn, Dyer) Catch and Release Fishing Tournament transformed the Brooksville venue into a lively hub of friendly rivalry. But beneath the excitement of who would land the biggest and longest catch, a deeper purpose anchored the event.

Captain, retired Leiza Fitzgerald introduces the fishing rules for the LMD Catch and Release Fishing Tournament at the Florida Cracker Party Barn in Brooksville, Florida. May 15, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

“Ride the big fish logo” on display at the LMD Catch and Release Fishing Tournament-Florida Cracker Party Barn in Brooksville, Florida. May 15, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Competition With Heart

Strategy, good‑natured banter, and the thrill of the chase filled the air as anglers headed out toward the Gulf. Some were seasoned captains, others weekend hobbyists, but all shared a common goal: support a cause that touches nearly every family at some point.

Captain retired Leiza Fitzgerald, who has directed CCA-Coastal Conservation Association tournaments for more than a decade, reminded competitors that this wasn’t about brute strength or luck.  “It’s not the weight of the fish that determines the winner — it’s the length,” she said, dreaming of measuring a sleek redfish right on the boat and then releasing it. “The goal is to have the longest redfish, the longest snook, the longest trout, and the highest number of ladyfish. It keeps things fair, fun, and conservation‑minded.”

HPH volunteers sign in fishing enthusiasts at the LMD Catch and Release Fishing Tournament at the Florida Cracker Party Barn in Brooksville, Florida. May 15, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Fishing for Something Bigger

This year, one of the tournament’s major beneficiaries was the HPH Chapter South Foundation, which provides hospice care throughout Hernando County. Their mission is simple but profound: ensure that no patient is turned away because of an inability to pay.

HPH Philanthropy Director Eric Clark stood among the anglers, shaking hands and thanking volunteers. His gratitude was unmistakable.  “We are so grateful that LMD chose us as one of their charities,” Clark said. “The money will be used for our charity care, which helps patients who do not have any insurance. We never turn anyone away because of their ability to pay — we’re a nonprofit hospice.” Hernando Hospice showcases award-winning costumes at its Annual Gala – The Tampa Post

For many families, hospice is the quiet hero in the hardest moments of life. For the attorneys behind LMD, that mission is personal.

LMD lawyer George Angeliadis talks about community involvement and why he got involved at the LMD Catch and Release Fishing Tournament at the Florida Cracker Party Barn in Brooksville, Florida. May 15, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

A Personal Legacy of Care

LMD Attorney George Angeliadis knows firsthand what compassionate end‑of‑life care means. His mother and grandparents received hospice support, and the memory of that care has never left him.  “Giving back to hospice is something I feel deeply,” he said. “Our law firm is all about getting involved with the community, the environment, and with hospice; everyone wins. This catch‑and‑release tournament shows that community involvement can succeed with financial support for organizations in need.”

His partner, Chris Dyer, echoed the sentiment with a quiet honesty that resonated with many in attendance.  “Everyone is going to die, and you’re going to need hospice in your corner,” Dyer said. “Hospice came in and took care of my mom, and when it was time to go, it made it much easier for the family. I’ll never forget those three days.”

Captain, retired Leiza Fitzgerald (c), Garrett Fitzgerald (l), and Blair Hensley (R) go over the final scores at the fishing rules for the LMD Catch and Release Fishing Tournament at the Florida Cracker Party Barn in Brooksville, Florida. May 16, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

More Than a Tournament — A Tradition that Starts Now

As the final fish were measured and the sun slipped behind the pines, the attorneys took a moment to reflect on what their idea had become. What started simply—combine fishing with philanthropy—has grown into something far more meaningful. And they’re nowhere near finished.  “This annual tournament will continue and grow,” Angeliadis said. “We’ll be here every step of the way.”

The funds raised through the spirited competition will underwrite a $5,000 scholarship for college or vocational school. A fortunate youth from Hernando County—selected from participants in the CCA Florida STAR Youth Fishing Competition—will receive the award. To qualify, young anglers ages 6–17 need only catch any saltwater species, take a photo, and submit it during the competition, which runs from May 23 to September 7.

The scholarship winner is chosen by random drawing, giving kids of every skill level a real chance to win. To date, CCA Florida STAR has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships through this program.

In Hernando County, where fishing is a way of life and neighbors look after one another, the LMD Catch and Release Tournament has become more than a competition. It’s a reminder that even a single day on the water can ripple outward—touching lives far beyond the shoreline.

The Grand Prize winners, Backwater Bandits, take home the coveted title at the LMD Catch and Release Fishing Tournament at the Florida Cracker Party Barn in Brooksville, Florida. May 16, 2026 (photo by Jack Pagano)

Veteran broadcast journalist Jack Pagano is a retired Army field grade officer with many decades of Information Operations “in the fight” experience and is currently working remotely in the USA as COO/Strategist for one of Afghanistan’s biggest Radio/TV networks.  His next mission is getting out Afghan journalists he trained and mentored who are stuck, stranded under the Sharia-driven Taliban.