The Catch Press Release
For Immediate Release
All-Pro Lineup Hits Miami Beach for SFC’s "The Catch" Live on CBS
NFL Superstars in Made-For-TV Competition to Benefit the Coast Guard Foundation
March 21, 2023, Dallas, TX and Miami Beach, Fl — "The Catch" debuts saltwater fishing tournament action on CBS live from the world-renowned Fontainebleau Miami Beach on April 15. It’s an epic showdown of NFL superstars competing to raise awareness for Sport Fishing Championship's ("SFC") ocean-based "community champions."
The single-day exhibition tournament will feature SFC’s leading anglers paired with football stars including:
- • Justin Herbert, Quarterback, LA Chargers (Pro Bowl, 2020 NFL Rookie of The Year)
- • Tyreek Hill, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins (Super Bowl Champion, 4X NFL All-Pro, 7X Pro Bowl
- • A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles (NFL All-Pro, 2X Pro Bowl)
- • Dalvin Cook, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings (4X Pro Bowl)
- • Chris Jones, Defensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs, (2X Super Bowl Champion, 4X NFL All-Pro, 4X Pro Bowl)
- • Matthew Judon, Linebacker, New England Patriots (4X Pro Bowl)
- • Patrick Surtain II, Cornerback, Denver Broncos (NFL All-Pro, Pro Bowl, CFP National Champion)
The coastal waters off Miami will be the arena as two teams are divided and will be captained by the SFC's Billfish Championship top competitors, including reigning 2022 Champion Capt. Justin Drummond of Team Quantified, 2022 SFC Fan Vote Angler of The Year Jaselyn Berthelot of Rising Sons and 2022 SFC Wahoo Champion and Atlantic Division rival Capt. Taylor Sanford with Team Gypsea.
The competition will use SFC's billfish catch-and-release scoring system and the exhibition will showcase the Coast Guard Foundation - the premier non-profit organization that supports active U.S. Coast Guard members, veterans and their families through investments that support families, bolster unit morale and honor the Coast Guard's national mission.
"It’s a massive moment for our sport,” said Mark Neifeld, CEO & Commissioner of Sport Fishing Championship. “Competitive saltwater fishing live on CBS on consecutive Saturdays following the NCAA Final Four and The Masters - this was unthinkable only a year ago. Our talented athletes earned this platform alongside other sporting greats.”
“We are grateful to the Sport Fishing Championship and all the participants of The Catch for highlighting the need to support the Coast Guard members who serve our Nation and protect, defend, and save citizens at home and abroad,” said Susan Ludwig, president, Coast Guard Foundation. “Many Coast Guard Foundation supporters are boaters and sport fishers. Partnering with Sport Fishing Championship allows us to inform people interested in the sport how the Foundation assists Coast Guard members and families, where and when they are most in need.”
Los Angeles Chargers Quarterback Justin Herbert and Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle Chris Jones will "captain" the two teams of gridiron pros. Herbert and Jones are both avid anglers. Jones is an active sportsman, and Herbert, somewhat famously, co-founded the fishing club Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon.
The Catch will be hosted at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach from April 13-15, with three days of official events including The Catch Pro-Am (April 13-15), galas and gatherings, red carpets, The Catch Aerial Show over Miami Beach on Saturday evening, music, and much more.
Limited packages remain available for The Catch Pro-Am, where participants (groups of six) will compete in a competition on Friday, April 14, which will benefit the SFC's 15 "community champion" nonprofits and causes that will be featured throughout the league's 2023 Season broadcasts. The Catch Pro-Am participants receive access to all official events and are available for purchase by emailing vip@sportfishingchampionship.com.
"We're so grateful to have an innovative partner like Sport Fishing Championship who is constantly working to raise awareness for a sport that supports our local economy, and our organization's mission" said Dr. Ramon Barquin III, Chairman of the Board for BlueTide Puerto Rico, SFC's community champion in San Juan, Puerto Rico – the host city of the 70th International Billfish Tournament where the SFC Billfish Championship will conclude on August 26.
The Catch will be broadcast live from four boats, four chase boats, helicopters and on-site from the Fontainebleau from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET on Saturday, April 15, on CBS. The 2023 SFC Billfishing Championship will have 88 hours of live tournament coverage across its 12 tournaments on CBS Sports Network, with the season kicking off at the CNSD White Marlin Tournament in Punta Cana, DR, on April 27.
For more information visit sportfishingchampionship.com/thecatch.
Media Contacts:
Sport Fishing Championship
PJ Todd
ptodd59@gmail.com
Coast Guard Foundation
Ron LaBrec
rlabrec@coastguardfoundation.org
Jennifer Fyke
jfyke@coastguardfoundationl.org
About Sport Fishing Championship
SFC is the governing body of saltwater tournament fishing with SFC being the largest owner and media rights holder of saltwater fishing tournaments in the industry, available to watch on every major cable and OTT platform on CBS Sports Network, Waypoint TV, SFC Digital Network, YouTube, social media and more.
About the 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.