Wire Brief
Mud Hole Custom Tackle and CCA Florida marked the fifth year of their Youth Scholarship Program at an awards banquet in Oviedo, Florida. Quinton Higley of Orlando won first place and $3,000; Louie Rosado of Pompano Beach took second and $2,000; Jarian Caraballo of Tavares earned third and $1,000. Ten students competed through a week of conservation-focused activities, including rod building at Mud Hole, a SeaWorld Orlando tour, and a visit to the Duke Energy Mariculture Center. All ten participants remain eligible for a $5,000 Grand Scholarship by launching conservation programs at their schools.
For the fifth consecutive year, and after a week filled with conservation-based fun, activities, and competition, Mud Hole Custom Tackle and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida, attended the Awards Banquet to celebrate and announce the 2026-2027 scholarship recipients. Taking place at Mud Hole's Curt Baker Memorial Education Center in Oviedo, Florida, the ten competing students, their parents, and officials from CCA and Mud Hole enjoyed an evening program that included catered dinner, presentations, video recap of the week's activities, and the announcement of this year's winners. First place was awarded to Quinton Higley of Orlando, who takes home a $3,000 scholarship. Louie Rosado of Pompano Beach earned the $2,000 second place prize, and the $1,000 third place award went to Tavares' Jarian Caraballo.
"In our fifth year partnering with CCA on the Youth Scholarship Program, we continue to see amazing students with a true dedication to supporting the preservation of our waterways," said Anthony Youmans, Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Program Director. "This year's competitors were once again an impressive group of students. It was an honor to host and celebrate the winners tonight."
The Awards Banquet capped off a week of presentations and experiences, including building a custom fishing rod at Mud Hole in Oviedo, a behind-the-scenes conservation tour at Sea World Orlando, a visit to the Duke Energy Mariculture Center in Crystal River, and fishing for Barramundi at Osceola Outback Adventures. Throughout the week of activities, students were graded on their attention, focus, creativity, presentations, and overall engagement in the learning experiences.
"The quality of the participants seems to increase each year that we offer the YSP program, and this year's group is no exception" CCA Florida Regional Director, Jimmy Michaels stated. "We are so proud to bring this scholarship opportunity to Quinton, Louie, and Jarian and we appreciate the dedication that Mud Hole brings every year in support of the students and the program as a whole."
All ten 2026 program participants also have the opportunity to earn the $5,000 Grand Scholarship by returning to their high schools to create conservation-focused programs that positively impact their communities. To learn more about the CCA Florida Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Program presented by the Mud Hole Custom Tackle Education Program, visit https://ccaflorida.org/event/ysp/.
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.
About CCA Florida
The Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) was founded in 1977 after drastic commercial overfishing along the Texas coast decimated redfish and speckled trout populations. One of 19 state chapters, CCA Florida became the fifth state chapter in 1985. A 501(c)3 non-profit, the purpose of CCA is to advise and educate the public on conservation of marine resources. Through habitat restoration projects, water quality initiatives and fisheries advocacy, CCA Florida works with its over 18,000 members including recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to conserve and enhance marine resources and coastal environments. Join the conversation on Facebook or learn more at ccaflorida.org.