Hooked on Camp

September 24-25, 2026

Hooked on Camp Fishing Derby is a fundraiser that offers anglers the exclusive opportunity to fish Lake Broyhill’s 140 acres, teeming with largemouth bass and bream.

Lake Broyhill is part of YMCA Camp Harrison, which serves as the North Carolina home of Camp Blue Skies. All proceeds from the Fishing Derby provide financial assistance for campers by bridging the gap between the camper fee and the actual cost.

In 2025, the Hooked on Camp participants and sponsors raised over $40,000 that directly supported campers attending one of our two North Carolina camp sessions in October 2025.

Boat sponsorships range from $1,250 for one angler to $2,500 for two anglers. We also encourage support from afar. If you love Camp Blue Skies and love to fish but cannot attend the event, please consider a donation of $500.

Please contact Courtney@CampBlueSkies.org if you are interested in participating. As of July 21, we have one spot remaining for an angler at $1,250.

Recap from 2025 Hooked on Camp

Anglers enjoy bright blue sky day at Camp Blue Skies fishing derby fundraiser.

In 2025, 22 participants and eleven pro guides enjoyed plenty of blue skies, big catches, tasty BBQ, and baked goodies for a great cause during our Hooked On Camp fundraiser on Sept. 25-26 at YMCA Camp Harrison. The annual event for anglers benefits our camps for adults with developmental disabilities and raises money for our Send a Camper to Camp fund.

There’s nothing like the anticipation of casting your line into Lake Broyhill on a crisp, clear morning. The boats headed out just after 7:30 am. Once the fog lifted, a gorgeous blue sky created the perfect day for quality fishing time. Our dedicated anglers caught and released over 640 fish!

Reel ’em in, weigh ’em out

After the morning on the water, it was time for the official weigh-in. Our anglers and the guides showed off their skills and packed the leaderboard with impressive catches. Congratulations to the winners of the day (besides our campers):

1st Place Big 5 Bass: 11.6 lbs. by Team Harker (Hunter Reid, Justin Willard, and Captain Michelle Armstrong)

2nd Place Big 5 Bass: 11.05 lbs. by Team Redline-1 (Brooks Runkle, Graham Rabon and Captain Eric Crumley)

1 st Place Total Caught: 91 by Team Hoar (Bryan Katzenmaier, Richard Coen, and Captain John Martin

2nd Place Total Caught: 69 by Team Garmon (Mark Holman, Shayne Hilbert, and Captain Troy Armstrong)

Largest Bass: 3.12 lbs. by Huiet England

Largest Blue Gill: 1.65 lbs. by Brooks Runkle

Smallest Bass: 0.01 lbs. by Richard Coen

Inspiring words and great results

Hooked On Camp isn’t just about fishing and food; it’s also a time to connect and inspire. Our Executive Director, Kim Conroy, shared her vision for Camp Blue Skies, while Carolyn Sampson and Brandon Burrows, two of our beloved campers, share what their favorite aspects of camp included.

Ultimately, the derby isn’t just about fishing; it’s about raising funds for a great cause. Thanks to your support, we raised over $35,000 for our Send a Camper to Camp fund. That means more smiles, laughter, and unforgettable experiences for campers who need it most.