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Mud Hole Custom Tackle and CCA Florida have awarded its Grand Scholarship of CCA’s Fred Crabill Youth Scholarship Program to Pierson Hewitt.

Peirson took home the $5,000 prize by implementing conservation initiatives in his hometown of Winter Park and through his high school. To date, the Mud Hole and CCA partnership has awarded $39,000 in scholarship funds to eager students focused on improving the health of Florida’s waterways and environment.

Jimmy Michaels, regional director and youth scholarship director at CCA Florida, said: “The 2025/2026 program had serious competition for the Grand Scholarship. Pierson’s efforts, presentation and impact aligned best with CCA Florida’s mission and focus. He did an amazing job.”

Last June, Pierson competed with nine other students during a week of focused activities and presentations hosted by CCA Florida and Mud Hole. Although he did not win the $3,000, $2,000 or $1,000 scholarships awarded during the program, he was determined to take home the $5,000 Grand Scholarship and return to his community to make an impact for marine conservation.

He organised a youth camp, rod building seminar, and two lake cleanup programs, sharing CCA’s conservation message but also taking action with hands-on efforts. Pierson will be attending the University of Florida this fall.

Mud Hole Custom Tackle education program director Anthony Youmans added: “In our fourth year partnering with CCA on this scholarship program, we continue to witness students who are passionate about preserving Florida’s ecosystems for future anglers and boaters. We’re very excited for Pierson and for the upcoming 2026/2027 program.”

The fifth year for the Youth Scholarship Program kicks off on June 14th at Mud Hole Custom Tackle in Oviedo, Florida with a week of activities, including visits to the CCA Florida and Duke Mariculture Center, Osceola Outback Adventures and Sea World’s rescue team and education program.