Reel impact: Wolfson Children’s Bass Tournament raises more than $340,000 for children’s heart care

A longstanding North Florida tradition returned this past weekend as more than 500 anglers gathered in Palatka for the 37th annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament, benefiting patients of the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute.

New this year, the tournament shifted to a two-day competition format, featuring the Friends of Wolfson Children’s Tournament and Lads & Lasses Tournament on Friday, May 15, followed by the main Bass Tournament on Saturday, May 16.

In the 37th annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament, Lee Stalvey and Jeff Reedy won first place overall with a five-fish aggregate weight of 37.12 lbs.

Second place went to Cody Morgan and Brant Langley with a total weight of 34.65 lbs. Third place went to Parker Stalvey and Jacob Deel with a total weight of 32.08 lbs.

In the Friends of Wolfson Children’s Tournament on Friday, May 15, first place went to Parker Stalvey and Jacob Deel with a five-fish aggregate weight of 29.69 lbs. Second place winners were Scott Heberlin and Tyler Lawrence with an overall weight of 24.63 lbs., followed by third place winners Chris Cercy and Charlotte Cercy with an overall weight of 24.24 lbs.

The Lads & Lasses Tournament on Friday, May 15 ended in a tie, with Linda Morgan and Cody Morgan and Lee Stalvey and Sarah Stalvey both having a five-fish aggregate weight of 28 lbs. Third place was awarded to Dylan Mobley and Brooklyn Mobley with an overall weight of 23.71 lbs.

Competitors across all tournaments competed for more than $40,000 in cash prizes.

Casting for a cause

The 2026 Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament raised more than $340,000 in sponsorships and donations to support the C. Herman and Mary Virginia Terry Heart Institute at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Proceeds help fund advanced cardiology and heart surgery equipment and state-of-the-art technology for children throughout the region.

“Thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors, anglers and community, the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across our region,” said Allegra C. Jaros, MBA, president of Wolfson Children’s Hospital. “This event is a powerful demonstration of what we can achieve together. Every contribution helps us advance lifesaving care, invest in innovative technology and ensure that every child receives the exceptional treatment they deserve, close to home. We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes this mission possible.”

Since its founding in 1989 by the Plant Facilities Department of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville and community supporters, the Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament has raised more than $7 million for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the patients treated there.

Continuing the mission

While the tournament has concluded, community members still have an opportunity to support the cause through the annual bass boat drawing. For a suggested donation of $20, participants may enter for a chance to win a new Bullet Boat with a trailer, courtesy of Bullet Boats and Mercury. All proceeds from the drawing benefit the Terry Heart Institute at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Ticket sales close at noon on Thursday, May 28, and the winner will be announced on Friday, May 29. Tickets may be purchased at WolfsonBassTournament.com.

Top sponsors for the 2026 tournament included:

• Title Sponsors: Miller Electric Company and W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc.
• Grand Sponsor: Facility Automation Solutions
• Ambassador Sponsors: Baston-Cook Construction, Fickling Construction, Inc., Perry-McCall Construction, Inc. and Smith Brothers Plastering Company, Inc.

The 38th annual Wolfson Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament is scheduled for May 15, 2027. Early bird registration for the Saturday tournament is open now online and available until June 5, 2026.