News Release: Fishing’s Future Receives $25,000

October 9, 2026

From South Padre Island to the National Spotlight: Fishing’s Future Receives $25,000 in MeatEater Tournament Victory

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS — A South Padre Island nonprofit is earning national recognition nearly two decades after its founding.

Fishing’s Future, founded in 2007 and still headquartered on South Padre Island, Texas, was selected by YouTube fishing influencer Brandon Jordan & Tristan “Yappy” Yaptengco, YouTube channel (Jiggin’ with Jordan), from Florida and Georgia as their charity of choice for MeatEater’s inaugural three-day charity fishing tournament the "FishEater Classic" in Canada.

The competition featured four two-person teams, each representing a charitable organization of its choice. The Florida and Georgia team, calling themselves “The Good Guys”  competed in the tournament, outperforming the other three teams and securing a $25,000 donation for Fishing’s Future.

The tournament was featured in a three-episode MeatEater broadcast, with the final episode airing Thursday, October 8, announcing the winning team and bringing national attention to the South Padre Island organization.

While the financial contribution will help support Fishing’s Future’s mission, founder Shane Wilson believes the national recognition represents something far more significant.

“This isn’t really about the $25,000. It’s about nearly 20 years of hard work, dedication, and believing that fishing can bring families together,” Wilson said. “We started Fishing’s Future right here on South Padre Island in 2007. To think that two anglers from distant states would choose to represent our organization in a national fishing tournament in Canada is incredibly meaningful. It tells us that our message is reaching people far beyond our own community.”

What began as a local initiative on South Padre Island has grown into a national nonprofit that has reached more than 1.4million participants through fishing and outdoor education.

Through its nationwide network of chapters, Fishing’s Future works to strengthen family relationships, introduce children and adults to recreational fishing, and create opportunities for families to spend meaningful time together outdoors.

Despite its national growth, the organization’s roots remain firmly planted on South Padre Island, Texas.

For Wilson, the tournament victory represents a milestone nearly two decades in the making.

“We’ve always believed that something started in a small community can make a difference across the country,” Wilson said. “This recognition is a tribute to the volunteers, supporters, partners, and families who have helped us build Fishing’s Future over the past 20 years. And we’re especially proud that it all started right here on South Padre Island, Texas.”

The organization hopes the national exposure will introduce even more families, volunteers, and potential partners to its mission.

For Fishing’s Future, the $25,000 donation is a welcome contribution. But the recognition of its mission on a national stage may prove to be an even greater reward.

About Fishing’s Future

Founded in 2007 and headquartered on South Padre Island, Texas, Fishing’s Future is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families and reconnecting people with nature through recreational fishing and angler education.

The organization has reached more than 1.4million participants through its educational programs and family fishing events. To join MeatEater in supporting Fishing's Future's effort to strengthen family bonds through fishing visit fishingsfuture.org and make a donation today. 

About MeatEater TV

MeatEater is a nationally recognized outdoor television and digital media program featuring hunting, fishing, conservation, and outdoor adventures.

All three episodes of MeatEater’s inaugural charity fishing tournament the "FishEater Classic" including the championship episode announcing Fishing’s Future as the beneficiary of the $25,000 prize, can be viewed onMeatEater’s official YouTube channel.

Watch MeatEater on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@MeatEaterTV

MEDIA CONTACT
Fishing’s Future
South Padre Island, Texas
Shane@fishingsfuture.org