25th Annual Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge

A Quarter Century of Changing Lives Through Fishing

Will you be part of the milestone 25th year?
The Key Largo Rotary is casting a wide net for sponsors and participants as they prepare to celebrate the Silver Anniversary of the Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge. This beloved fishing tournament, set for September 26–28, 2025, has become a cornerstone event supporting education in the Upper Keys.

“Twenty-five years is something special in the Keys,” says Doc Boilini, longtime Rotary member and owner of Doc’s Diner. “We’ve seen this tournament grow from just a handful of anglers to a community tradition that’s helped countless locals achieve their dreams.”

What Is Take Stock in Children?

Take Stock in Children is a statewide program providing volunteer mentorship and college scholarships to deserving yet underserved students. Those who complete the program receive a Florida prepaid scholarship covering two years at any Florida community college, followed by two years at a state college or university.

Last Year’s Impact

Last year’s tournament reeled in $40,000 for scholarships and training programs.

“Our goal each year is to raise enough to fund at least one named scholarship,” Boilini explains. “With this being our 25th anniversary, we’re hoping local businesses will dive in early with sponsorships to make this our most successful year yet.”

Beyond Take Stock

The Backcountry Challenge helps fund several Key Largo Rotary initiatives in addition to Take Stock in Children, including:

• Vocational/technical scholarships for graduating seniors
• Interact Scholarships for college-bound seniors
• Adult scholarships for Upper Keys residents seeking job training in fields like nursing, teaching, and first responder training

Tournament Format

Anglers of all ages test their skills catching and releasing snook, trout, and redfish. Unlike typical tournaments, this round-the-clock fishing marathon begins immediately after Friday’s Anglers Meeting & Kick-off Party at Doc’s Diner and continues through Sunday afternoon.

The festivities culminate Sunday evening with an Awards Dinner Banquet, featuring a silent auction filled with great items for both anglers and non-anglers alike.

2024 Winners

Last year’s Overall Backcountry Champion, Carmen Perez Padron, took home first place honors in multiple categories. Other division winners included:

• Dawson DelosSantos
• Will Foreman
• Brock Stoky
• M.E. Black
• PJ Abolafia
• Chris Hanson
• Nelson Padron
• Haley Hanson

All first-place winners received beautiful marine artwork created by renowned local artist Roberto “Pasta” Pantaleo.

Cooler O’Cheer Raffle

The popular “Tom Tharp Cooler O’Cheer” raffle continues this year, offering a chance to win a cooler filled with premium liquor valued at $1,500.
Raffle tickets will be available at Doc’s Diner and KeyLargoRotary.org, with the winner announced during the Awards Dinner Banquet.

Get Involved

Anglers should Save the Date for this milestone event.
To ensure you don’t miss the registration announcement, follow the event’s Facebook page: facebook.com/TSIC.BCC for immediate updates.

The Key Largo Rotary extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors who make this event possible.

“The earlier sponsors can commit, the more marketing value they receive,” notes Rotary Club President Don Horton.

Support Without Fishing

Even if you don’t fish, you can still support the cause by donating auction items or join the fun by purchasing social tickets for the Kick-off Party and Awards Banquet once they become available.

“What truly makes this tournament special after 25 years is the incredible Keys community that rallies behind our local students,” says Tournament Chairperson Shelby Morris. “Our Rotary members volunteer countless hours because they’ve seen firsthand how these scholarships transform lives.”

To learn more about becoming a sponsor, donating auction items, or participating, visit KeyLargoRotary.org and follow the Take Stock in Children Backcountry Challenge Facebook page.

Written by Jerrica Mah — writer, Army wife, and freelance book editor who loves to travel vicariously through stories.