Mud Hole Custom Tackle and CCA Florida are proud to announce the Grand Scholarship Winner of CCA's Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Program presented by the Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Program. Winter Park's Pierson Hewitt took home the $5,000 prize by implementing conservation initiatives in his hometown and through his high school. To date, the Mud Hole and CCA partnership has awarded $39,000 in scholarship funds to eager students focused on improving the health of Florida's waterways and environment.
"The 2025/2026 program had serious competition for the Grand Scholarship," said Jimmy Michaels, Regional Director and Youth Scholarship Director at CCA Florida. "Pierson's efforts, presentation, and impact aligned best with CCA Florida's mission and focus. He did an amazing job."
Last June, Pierson competed with nine other students during a week of focused activities and presentations hosted by CCA Florida and Mud Hole. Although he did not win the $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000 scholarships awarded during the program, he was determined to take home the $5,000 Grand Scholarship and return to his community to make an impact for marine conservation. Pierson organized a youth camp, rod building seminar, and two lake cleanup programs, sharing CCA's conservation message but also taking action with hands-on efforts. Pierson will be attending the University of Florida this fall.
"In our fourth year partnering with CCA on this scholarship program, we continue to witness students who are passionate about preserving Florida's ecosystems for future anglers and boaters." Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Program Director Anthony Youmans said. "We're very excited for Pierson and for the upcoming 2026/2027 program."
The fifth year for the Youth Scholarship Program kicks off June 14th at Mud Hole Custom Tackle in Oviedo, Florida with a week of activities including visits to the CCA Florida and Duke Mariculture Center, Osceola Outback Adventures, and Sea World's rescue team and education program. Florida high school students still have an opportunity to compete by submitting applications for the program by May 22.
To learn more about CCA Florida's Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Program presented by the Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Program, and to apply, visit: https://ccaflorida.org/event/ysp. To see Pierson Hewitt's final presentation, go to: https://youtu.be/WRqJftG6MM0?si=OB7ell7aS5Lfl1Ru.
About Mud Hole Custom Tackle
Mud Hole Custom Tackle, based in Oviedo, Florida, is the world's largest supplier of rod building & tackle crafting goods and instruction. From rod building and repairing, to fly tying and lure building, Mud Hole is the leading e-retailer and mail order supplier to hobbyists, small manufacturers, and large OEMs, worldwide. Offering a superior shopping experience at mudhole.com, rapid delivery, stellar customer service, and world class online content and instruction, Mud Hole Custom Tackle is the trusted source for the rod building and tackle crafting community.