Matt Messer, Bassmaster Pro Angler

 Matt Messer, a proud native of Warfield, Kentucky, has made a name for himself in the world of competitive bass fishing. A former college angler at Kentucky Christian University, Matt's journey in fishing took off with his standout performance at the collegiate level. As a member of the KCU fishing team, he competed at the highest level of college fishing and quickly proved himself as a talented and dedicated competitor.

With a major accomplishment as a B.A.S.S. College Champion, Matt's transition from college fishing to the professional arena was a natural progression. Now competing in the B.A.S.S. Opens circuit, he has continued to elevate his career, earning the title of B.A.S.S. Opens Champion. His dedication, skills, and passion for the sport have led him to qualify for one of fishing's most prestigious events, the Bassmaster Classic, a dream for many anglers.

Matt’s success story is a testament to hard work, discipline, and an unyielding love for fishing. As he continues to compete in the Bassmaster Opens, he remains a prominent figure in the fishing community, inspiring aspiring anglers with his journey from college champion to Bassmaster Classic qualifier.

Trinity grew up hunting with her dad, and has loved all things outdoors since she was a kid. In 2014, she was introduced to survival/bushcraft and developed a passion for that as well. Trinity loves to hunt turkeys in the spring, whitetail deer in the fall, and hound hunting for bear in Maine. When she isn’t hunting, she is helping with the family business, Rack’d Outdoors. In 2021, Trinity started her own business, Made Ready Gear, where she makes a various assortment of outdoor bags and other outdoor and hunting related items. She believes in making quality gear at affordable prices because she wants to see everyone have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with great gear, as much as she does. 

In 2014, Casting for Kids began with a dream and determination to help kids.  Chris' s daughter has been a Shriner's patient all of her life.  She was born with cerebral palsy that ultimately limited her physical mobility.  Shriners was instrumental in helping her walk without difficulty.  Each time Chris and his family would visit the Shriner's hospital in Lexington, KY, he would feel conflicted as to how to give back to this incredible organization.  Thus, that's when Casting for Kids was born.  He didn't want children to be denied health access due to financial burdens or transportation issues.  The local Shriner's chapter, anglers, volunteers and the community rallied around this cause, and each year it has grown outward.  Due to their philanthropic efforts, they have raised over $500,000 in 10 years.  They have purchased a new van that will allow children and their families to be transported to the Shriner's hospitals in Lexington, KY and Cincinnati, OH.  These are families that need this critical access for their children, however, they don't have the means to travel to these hospitals.  Thus, this organization has been vital within the eastern Kentucky area

When a child is sick, there should be nothing that stands in the way of adequate healthcare.  Casting for Kids supports local funding to the Lexington Shriner's Hospital, El-Hasa Temple, Big Sandy Shrine Club as well as the Kerbela Temple in Tennessee.