COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - September 29, 2009 - All anglers are home and rested. Every catch has been counted. Donations are in and deposited. The first ever Recycled Fish 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon is now in the history books, and it was a big success.

"Recycled Fish angler-ambassador teams raised over $6,000 to advance the Stewardship Ethic through this event," says Teeg Stouffer, Recycled Fish Executive Director. "Not only that, but they caught and released over 750 fish, cleaned up shorelines, and helped us spread the word in mighty ways."

Congratulations are in order. The team who raised the most money was also the team who caught more and bigger fish according to the Angling Masters Fish Calculator.

Jim and Gary Miller of Nebraska raised over $1600 and scored over 57,000 points fishing Czechland Lake near Prague, Nebraska. A big channel cat and strong numbers of out-sized crappies were the key to their success.

"At Recycled Fish, we talk about how our lifestyle runs downstream," says Stouffer. "The Miller brothers fished Czechland, which is an example of what is possible when waters are stewarded well. Sportfish Restoration Funds, good agricultural practices, sound fisheries management and responsible angling have made Czechland Lake in Nebraska an example of what can happen when everything "upstream" is done right."

For their fundraising efforts, they won a 4-night trip to Spring Bay Resort at Lake Vermillion, including travel expenses, a cabin on the lake, and a boat with motor.

Another Nebraska team, Kevin and Josh Workman fishing Gavin's Point Dam on the Missouri River, won big as well. They will be headed to Lake Amistad for an expenses-paid trip to fish with PAA Pro Angler Kurt Dove.

Other prizes went to runners-up in fundraising and fishing categories, best "hero shot," and worst day on the water. Anglers earned prizes like a Berkley Prize package, Patagonia hip-chest packs, Cabelas tackle storage systems, and Frabill Conservation Series nets.

See photos and read the stories of angler experiences - including the unfortunate sinking of a 26 foot pontoon boat by the Buddy Johns team in Pennsylvania - at www.RecycledFish.org/FishAThon.

"We owe a debt of gratitude to the angler-ambassadors and all who supported them, to our partners, volunteers and those who provided coverage of the event," said Stouffer. "Together we raised awareness for the problems facing our fisheries, and money to help solve those problems."
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Recycled Fish is the national 501(c)3 organization of anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream.

Media Contact
Teeg Stouffer
Recycled Fish Executive Director
(253) 906-0420 (cell)
fishrecycler@recycledfish.org