Coop's Catch for Kids is an exciting day of fishing and fundraising, where head coach Jon Cooper and the entire Lightning roster join participants for a day of fun and fishing on the water, all while raising funds for pediatric cancer research.

The annual catch-and-release inshore grand slam tournament pairs Lightning players and celebrities on a guided boat with two participants. It also includes an Angler's Party preceding the tournament and a post-fishing reception after a day on the water.

The proceeds all go to the V Foundation, founded by Dick Vitale to benefit pediatric cancer research and patient services.

See below for a video recap of the 2023 tournament, along with recaps from previous years.

Event History

Launched in 2016 by Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper and his wife, Jessie, Coop's Catch for Kids presented by Heritage Insurance is an annual fishing tournament hosted by the Lightning Foundation that benefits pediatric cancer research and patient services.

Each year, anglers are treated to an exciting day of fishing and fundraising alongside Lightning players and coaches. The annual catch-and-release inshore grand slam tournament pairs Lightning celebrities on a guided boat with two participants. Guests also attend an Anglers' Party the night before the tournament. Following the tournament, participants are invited to a post-fishing reception where awards are given out for the top catches of the day.

At each Coop's Catch for Kids, we are honored to host local children who have battled cancer as our Guests of Honor. Our Guests of Honor and their families are invited to attend the tournament festivities and share their stories of resilience and strength while battling this terrible disease.

The proceeds benefit pediatric cancer families via the J5 Foundation, Coach Cooper and his family’s charitable fund. In seven years, Coop's Catch for Kids has raised more than $1,000,000 for pediatric cancer research and patient services

See below for video recaps of previous tournaments.