‘The Catch, Powered by Verizon,’ Returns with Host Jameis Winston

(Dallas, TX, January 31, 2025) – Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) today announced The Catch, Powered by Verizon will take place April 11-13, 2025 at Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Entering its third year, The Catch gives fishing and football fans the ultimate weekend opportunity to compete alongside the stars of the gridiron and the SFC.

Festivities begin day one with a poolside party at Pier Sixty-Six Resort & Marina, leading up to The Catch Kickoff Concert at night. The pro-am style fishing competition takes center stage on day two, followed by the awards presentation. More activities on day three will be announced in the lead-up to the event.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (Pro Bowl, 2013 Heisman Trophy winner) will be making his highly anticipated return as guest host and celebrity reporter. Winston is the third “host” of The Catch, following Randy Moss and Devin Hester who previously served in the role. Winston went viral for his hilarious interactions with fish and competitors last year. His recent collaboration with SFC and Fulton Fish Market continues to keep the sports world buzzing.

Saturday’s pro-am will feature current NFL superstars and legends of the league’s past fishing alongside the star captains and anglers of the SFC pro league. This year, fans have the opportunity to book limited VIP travel, hospitality, and competition packages to fish with either “Superstars” or “Legends” players.

Sign up in advance to access Tuesday’s presale for the first chance to reserve a spot alongside your favorite player. Packages open to the general public on Wednesday, February 5.

The first four Superstars joining Winston to fish The Catch are:

• Alvin Kamara: RB, New Orleans Saints (5X Pro Bowl, 2X All-Pro)
• Zay Flowers: WR, Baltimore Ravens (Pro Bowl)
• James Cook: RB, Buffalo Bills (Pro Bowl)
• Michael Pittman Jr.: WR, Indianapolis Colts (Self-Proclaimed Best Fisherman in the NFL)

Legends players and more Superstars will be announced with the presale on Tuesday, February 4, with even more players to be announced in the coming weeks.

“The Catch has quickly become the most highly-anticipated event for NFL stars when they reach the offseason” said Mark Neifeld, CEO and Commissioner of Sport Fishing Championship. “Jameis Winston is the total package for a guest host: great rapport with his NFL fraternity, an infectious sense of wonder, and this aura of positivity that’s second to none.” 

Verizon returns as the title sponsor of The Catch for the second consecutive year, lending its 5G technology to drive connectivity between competitors and viewers, while also optimizing the SFC fan experience on-site.

“SFC is a perfect fit for Verizon’s innovative technology and 5G Network,” said Nick Kelly, Head of Partnerships at Verizon. “We’re excited to bring the live action taking place offshore and behind the scenes to SFC’s massive fan base in realtime.”

All events from The Catch support the Coast Guard Foundation – the premier non-profit organization that supports U.S. Coast Guard members by providing resources to members and families that build resilience and strengthen the entire community. The Coast Guard Foundation receives SFC’s highest-

level of corporate support, serving as one of the league’s “Community Champions” since 2023.

“This marks our third year as the charity partner for The Catch, and it is always such an honor to join forces with the best football players and anglers in the country,” said Coast Guard Foundation President Susan Ludwig. “Coast Guard members represent the pinnacle of service at sea, defending our national interests and borders, protecting the maritime sector that contributes trillions to the U.S. economy, saving those in peril at sea, and protecting our marine resources. It excites us to have a growing partner in SFC and we look forward to more opportunities to work together.”

More announcements, including the artist lineup for The Catch Kickoff concert, daily activities and special events are still to come.

About Sport Fishing Championship
Founded in 2021, Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) is a competitive sportfishing league representing 16 regions competing internationally across North America. With a focus on growing the sport and engaging fans through innovation, SFC+ offers a direct-to-consumer OTT platform that delivers unparalleled access to live events, fishing content, and its celebrity-driven team format. 

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) powers and empowers how its millions of customers live, work and play, delivering on their demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity and security. Headquartered in New York City, serving countries worldwide and nearly all of the Fortune 500, Verizon generated revenues of $134.8 billion in 2024. Verizon’s world-class team never stops innovating to meet customers where they are today and equip them for the needs of tomorrow. For more, visit verizon.com or find a retail location at verizon.com/stores.

About Coast Guard Foundation
The Coast Guard Foundation is committed to ensuring all Coast Guard members and families have the resources they need to build resilience throughout their lives. Founded in 1969, we’re a vital partner to the Coast Guard – tackling the toughest challenges confronting our heroes and strengthening the entire community. Coast Guard members sacrifice so much to protect our nation. We must stand together and show them our appreciation so they can remain always ready. Join us at CoastGuardFoundation.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rudy Tomarchio
Director of Media & Content
rudy@sportfishingchampionship.com

Ron LaBrec
Coast Guard Foundation
rlabrec@coastguardfoundation.org

Jennifer Fyke
Coast Guard Foundation
jfyke@coastguardfoundation.org