What We Do

Group of young men holding certificates by a lake

More Than a Fishing Team

At Lake Anna Elite Anglers, our mission extends far beyond tournament bass fishing.

We use fishing and the outdoors to help young anglers develop sportsmanship, leadership, responsibility, and respect for their community and natural resources. Throughout the year, our anglers participate in community service, conservation projects, and special events that give them opportunities to make a positive difference both on and off the water.

As a Virginia 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth fishing organization, we believe that developing great anglers also means developing young people who understand the importance of giving back.

Protecting the Waters We Fish

Conservation & Lake Cleanups

Healthy fisheries begin with healthy waterways. Each year, Lake Anna Elite Anglers participates in conservation and community service projects designed to help protect the lakes and outdoor spaces we enjoy. Our anglers have taken part in cleanup projects at Lake Anna State Park, spending hours removing trash from trails, shoreline areas, and areas surrounding the lake. These projects give our young anglers a firsthand understanding of conservation and teach an important lesson: enjoying the outdoors also comes with a responsibility to protect it for future generations.

Giving Back Through Fishing

Veterans & First Responders

Fishing has an incredible ability to bring people together. Lake Anna Elite Anglers has partnered with Uniting to Back Outdoors to provide veterans and first responders with a special day of bass fishing, fellowship, and appreciation. Participants enjoy time on the water followed by lunch, giving our anglers and families an opportunity to share their passion for fishing while recognizing people who have served their communities and country. For our young anglers, these events reinforce the importance of gratitude, service, and using something they love to create meaningful experiences for others.

A Day of Fishing for Children With Special Needs

One of the most meaningful events of our year is our annual Day of Fishing for Children with Special Needs.

Working alongside Lake Anna State Park and Louisa County Parks and Recreation, Lake Anna Elite Anglers helps create a welcoming day on the water where participants can experience the excitement and enjoyment of fishing.

Throughout the event, participants have opportunities to learn:

Basic fishing skills
Knot tying
Water safety
Responsible fishing practices
The fun of spending time outdoors

But the goal is bigger than learning how to fish.

We want every participant to have a memorable day designed especially for them.

At the conclusion of the event, Lake Anna Elite Anglers provides each participant with a new rod and reel combination to take home, along with additional gifts generously donated by supporters of the program.

It is a day centered around fishing, friendship, encouragement, and creating memories.

Being Part of Our Community

Community Events

You might see Lake Anna Elite Anglers on the water—but you'll also find us throughout our local community. Our anglers, families, and boat captains have participated in local parades and community celebrations, often decorating our boat captains' boats and sharing the excitement of fishing with families along the parade route. In 2022, Lake Anna Elite Anglers received first place in the commercial division of the Louisa Christmas Parade. Participating in community events gives our anglers another opportunity to represent their team, connect with local families, and demonstrate that Lake Anna Elite Anglers is about much more than tournament competition.

Teaching the Next Generation to Give Back

Community service and conservation aren't simply activities we add to our fishing schedule. They're part of what we want our anglers to learn from being members of Lake Anna Elite Anglers.

Through these experiences, young anglers learn that being part of the fishing community means:

Respecting our waterways.
Helping others.
Serving our community.
Representing their team with pride.
Sharing the outdoors with the next generation.

The lessons learned through fishing can last far beyond a tournament season.