For his big 45th birthday, Daigle wants to help get kids into fishing
Published 11:15 am Tuesday, December 3, 2024
- Bassmaster Elite Series pro Mike Iaconelli, second from right, took time to visit with Teche Area bass fishermen Brock Daigle, left, Vincent Soprano, second from left, and Hollis Daigle in July 2023 during an event at the Bassmaster Junior National Championship at Lake Hartwell in South Carolina. The elder Daigle captained his son and teammate who qualified for nationals as members of the Catholic High School Fishing Team. Iaconelli has devoted much of his time the past few years to helping youths get into fishing through The Ike Foundation. SUBMITTED
A local outdoorsman’s birthday wish this year is to raise money for The Ike Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children with fishing tackle, artificial lures, etc., and introducing them to sport fishing.
Brock Daigle, who will celebrate his 45th birthday on Thursday, Dec. 5, was catching up on Facebook around 9 p.m. Monday evening when he spotted a #GivingTuesday display. Giving Tuesday Inc., a nongovernmental association based in Brooklyn, New York, encourages people to start fundraisers for charitable groups and causes across the U.S. Started in 2012, the global event takes place every year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving, in this case Dec. 3, and offers initiatives to help communities and the families within them.
Daigle, born and raised in Loreauville, saw that many fundraisers are set up by individuals like himself for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, animal shelters, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, FoodNet, etc. There are many options.
“I read into it. I chose somebody different, something I can relate to as a fishing merit badge counselor in Boy Scouts of America,” Daigle said early Tuesday morning. And, he might have added, as an avid bass fisherman who fishes for fun and also competes in bass tournaments locally, statewide and nationwide.
It didn’t take long at all for Daigle to activate the donation “form” on his Facebook page. His #GivingTuesday fundraiser goal is listed at $500.
“I shared it right away. We’re going to start out small,” he said about his modest goal. “I hope it (the word) gets spread a little farther than what I’ve done.”
“Want to join me in supporting a good cause? This #GivingTuesday I’m raising money for The Ike Foundation Inc. and your contribution will make an impact whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. … Our mission is to get more kids fishing and in the outdoors, especially youth in areas where those activities are not readily available,” Daigle wrote on his Facebook page.
The Ike Foundation, a nonprofit group, got its start by shipping lightly used fishing gear to deserving local groups of children in urban and rural areas. It has since grown to be able to provide brand new equipment to larger organizations across the country.
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The Elmer, New Jersey-based The Ike Foundation’s motto is “Together we can hook ’em early!” Its mission statement reads: The Ike Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by Mike “Ike”and Becky Iaconelli. Our mission is to connect underserved boys and girls with fishing, fostering a passion for nature and outdoor activities. Hands-on experiences provide a positive outlet for personal growth and instill a lifelong commitment to conservation and protecting our natural environment.”
Brock Daigle smiles recently while posing for the camera at a Boy Scouts of America Winter Camp outing at Mount Bayou Scout Camp. Sons Holden Daigle, center, and Hollis Daigle were on hand as Scouts while he served as a fishing merit badge counselor at the annual event. Some generous Teche Area bass anglers donated soft plastics that he gave to the boys seeking a merit badge in fishing.
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Fittingly, those words pretty much sum up the life and times of Daigle, a God-fearing family man, military veteran, educator, Boy Scouts of America leader and, of course, an avid bass fisherman who captains his two young sons, Hollis Daigle and Holden Daigle, on the Catholic High School Fishing Team and fishing with his Hollis in the Armed Forces Fishing League circuit in Louisiana. In other words, this charitable venture is right up his alley.
While Daigle was acting as captain for Hollis and Vincent Soprano in July 2023 at the Bassmaster Junior National Championship on Lake Hartwell in South Carolina, they met Iaconelli at a pretournament supper in Anderson. Iaconelli, who lives in Pitts Grove, New Jersey, has emerged as one of the most personable and entertaining bass pros on any circuit.
“I thought he was a nice guy. He was willing to take a picture with everybody and talk with everybody,” Daigle said.
Iaconelli was there as a captain for his son.
Daigle, who works as a welder and heavy equipment instructor at the Iberia Parish Career Center, said he plans to talk to the veteran pro bass angler as soon as possible to see what can be done to help boys and girls in Acadiana. His intention is to raise money locally to provide fishing tackle, artificial lures, etc., for youngsters in this community, he said.
Next up for Daigle is an AFFL tournament he’ll fish with Hollis on Dec. 14 at Cross Lake in Shreveport. The Lowe McFarlane Post No. 14 Benefit Tournament is an open team or solo tournament with no military/first responder requirement, according to AFFL Louisiana director Zach Myott.
This is the Daigles’ second season with AFFL.
DON SHOOPMAN is outdoors editor of The Daily Iberian.
