Anglers Reel in Money to Advance the Conservancy’s Water Quality Programs

RedSnook anglers launched and waiting for the start of the 2026 RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Fishing Tournament, which raised $255,276 in net revenue.

Photos by Drew and Karen Photography

Anglers Charlie Mueller and Mokey Shea, with guide Rob Walczak, came in third in the Guided Artificial Division.

Conservancy President and CEO Rob Moher, and RedSnook Committee Chairs Keith Embree and Jon Kukk.

The RedSnook Catch and Release Tournament Kickoff Party.

Wayne Meland named RedSnook Chris Campbell Grand Champion Angler.

Photos by Drew and Karen Photography

Posted Thursday, November 5, 2026 10:20 am

2026 Redsnook Winners

Guided Artificial Division

First Place:
Jon Kukk, Wayne Meland, Guide Andrew Bostick

Second Place:
Andy Hill, Terry McMahan, Guide Bill Faulkner

Third Place:
Mokey Shea, Charlie Mueller, Guide Rob Walczak

Unguided Artificial Division

First Place:
Kyle Coar, Pat Butler

Second Place:
Charles Miller, John Chonody

Third Place:
Henley Shotwell, Duke Shotwell

Unguided Bait Division

First Place:
Brian Carlos, Troy Pruitt

Second Place:
Kodie Fridley, Dustin Beard

Third Place:
Paul Dunbar, Cory Schofield

Guided Bait Division

First Place:
Steve Delfs, Brian Schiltz, Guide Jesse Hill

Second Place:
Janie Palmer, Cam Mullinax, Guide Chris Turner

Third Place:
Paul Bickel, Jackie Bickel, Guide Ben Geroy

Fly Division

First Place:
Scott Meador, Travis Fulford, Guide Ken Chambers

Second Place:
Chase Gargiulo, Will Ashler, Guide Mark Chermey

Third Place:
David Rogers, Harrison Rogers, Guide Oliver Rogers

Additional Awards

Trash Can Slam:
Alden Kaufmann, Bjorn Rosenquist, Guide James Webb

Grand Slam:
Andy Hill, Terry McMahan, Guide Bill Faulkner

Corporate Champion: Janie Palmer, Cam Mullinax, Guide Chris Turner

Largest Redfish:
Brian Carlos

Largest Snook:
Michael Gebeau

Chris Campbell Grand Champion Angler:
Wayne Meland

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s 2026 RedSnook Catch and Release Charity Fishing Tournament raised $255,276 in net revenue to support water quality programs across Southwest Florida. Held October 23–25, the tournament brought together 37 sponsors and 140 anglers and fishing guides to help protect the waterways that sustain the region’s environment, economy, and fishing heritage.

RedSnook supports the Conservancy›s work to protect Southwest Florida›s waterways through scientific research, habitat restoration, environmental education, and conservation advocacy. Tournament funding helps monitor local waterways and juvenile gamefish habitats, restore and monitor nearly 8,000 mangroves annually, advance Everglades restoration, reduce water pollution, and educate more than 35,000 people each year about environmental conservation. It also supports research examining how water quality affects the region›s businesses, tourism, recreational fishing, and overall quality of life.

“The Conservancy uses science to identify and address water quality threats,” said Rob Moher, Conservancy president and CEO. “The RedSnook tournament helps fund this science and keep Southwest Florida’s waterways healthy for wildlife, communities, and future generations.”

This year’s tournament honored the legacy of longtime Naples resident and former Board Member Chris Campbell, whose passion for fishing and commitment to protecting Southwest Florida’s waterways made a lasting impact on the Conservancy’s mission.

Chaired by Jon Kukk and Keith Embree, the tournament continued its tradition of bringing together anglers through friendly competition and a shared commitment to conservation.

The Conservancy thanks the tournament’s sponsors for their generous support, including Northern Trust; media sponsor Naples Daily News; Redfish sponsors Lars, the Family of Chris Campbell, Olde Naples Hotel by the Opal Collection, and the Tompkins Family; Snook sponsor Kukk Architecture & Design; and Tarpon sponsors Norris Foundation and Oliver Rogers Photography. The Conservancy also recognizes its Sea Trout and Snapper sponsors, whose contributions helped make this year’s tournament a success.

For tournament information, visit conservancy.org/redsnook.