You've undoubtedly heard of fishing for trout, fishing for compliments, even fishing for men. Well, this is a kind of fishing with a different result.

The Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament is all about helping and supporting veterans. Local teenager Case Baccio is the fundraising event's founder, organizer and promoter.

"The mission is to support veterans and their families and recognize the sacrifices they made for us," said Case, an enterprising seventh-grader who attends Manheim Township Middle School (MTMS). "They protect our country and keep us safe. It's a show of gratitude to our nation's heroes. A little bit can go a long way. You don't have to do something big. It's just a way of saying, 'Thank you for your service.'"

This year's edition of the Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament, the fifth, will be staged at J. Edward Mack Scout Reservation, 2 Scout Lane, Newmanstown, on Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to noon. Registration will open at 7 a.m., and lunch will be served after the competition.

"We just want to give back in some small way," said Ali Bucher, Case's mom. "This is our way of doing it. There are so many veterans' organizations out there. We want to reach as many individuals as we can."

The fishing competition will award prizes to the top three adult finishers (16 and older) and the top three youth finishers (15 and younger) according to the aggregate weight of their catches. About 50 total anglers are expected to participate.

"I've always been really interested in outdoor stuff," said Case. "I love to fish, and most people I hang around with love to fish. So I figured I'd start a fishing tournament."

All proceeds from the Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament will go to Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals, as well as other local veterans' organizations. If the event raises as much money as Case hopes - $10,000 - it would push the total amount raised by Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament over the years to nearly $50,000.

"The more participants we have, the more fun the event is," said Case. "Some of the fishermen have heard of our organization and want to support the mission. Some people we know and some people we don't know."

"He does everything," said Ali of her son. "He's the face of the organization. It's his thing. He goes to all the businesses asking for money."

Case established the event in 2020, when he was in elementary school, after attending a Warrior Weekend, an event designed to provide support for veterans.

"I do it because when I went to Warrior Weekend it made me realize how many people need assistance," said Case, who's a Boy Scout and also a member of MTMS' football, wrestling and track and field squads. "When I got back, I knew I had to do something to help veterans. That's how we came up with the event."

"He's just a really caring person," said Ali. "He's an incredible kid. He's compassionate. He's driven. He's an excellent student. He's an excellent classmate. He just wants to give back and help."

For additional information on Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament, search for "Clear Water for Heroes Fishing Tournament" on Facebook.