Ike’s pro-am for the kids

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Mike and Becky Iaconelli welcomed a lot of people to their home in Pittsgrove Township, N.J., last week for the First Annual Ike Celebrity Pro-Am Bass Tournament, a benefit to get more kids fishing.
Mike and Becky Iaconelli welcomed a lot of people to their home in Pittsgrove Township, N.J., last week for the First Annual Ike Celebrity Pro-Am Bass Tournament, a benefit to get more kids fishing.
Ike sits at his computer in the office doing some last-minute preparations for the event and Ike Live, his web show. That big blue thing is the Elite trophy he won two years ago on the Delaware, where his event will be held.
Ike sits at his computer in the office doing some last-minute preparations for the event and Ike Live, his web show. That big blue thing is the Elite trophy he won two years ago on the Delaware, where his event will be held.
The plan was to talk with as many his fellow Elite Series pros as they could squeeze in that afternoon. Ah, there's Iaconelli's Classic trophy from the Louisiana Delta in 2003. Ike remains the only angler to win a Classic, an Angler of the Year and a B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
The plan was to talk with as many his fellow Elite Series pros as they could squeeze in that afternoon. Ah, there’s Iaconelli’s Classic trophy from the Louisiana Delta in 2003. Ike remains the only angler to win a Classic, an Angler of the Year and a B.A.S.S. Nation Championship.
Ike and Brian Stockl, aka Brian the Carpenter, go over topics that must be discussed and play with ideas for a humorous bit with Cliff Crochet and Morizo Shimizu. Ike is giving his I'm-seriously-in-deep-thought look.
Ike and Brian Stockl, aka Brian the Carpenter, go over topics that must be discussed and play with ideas for a humorous bit with Cliff Crochet and Morizo Shimizu. Ike is giving his I’m-seriously-in-deep-thought look.
In the corner across from Iaconelli is something he’s been collecting for years. No, not the magazine covers, the inkwells. Ike has several hundred in the glass case.
In the corner across from Iaconelli is something he’s been collecting for years. No, not the magazine covers, the inkwells. Ike has several hundred in the glass case.
This is Ike’s most recent acquisition, an ink bottle dating back to the 1840s.
This is Ike’s most recent acquisition, an ink bottle dating back to the 1840s.
Inside the home is as impressive as the outside. Here, the Iaconellis’ children Vegas and Estella hang at the kitchen table.
Inside the home is as impressive as the outside. Here, the Iaconellis’ children Vegas and Estella hang at the kitchen table.
Standing in an assortment of ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers, Becky confesses that she’s really taken to gardening.
Standing in an assortment of ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers, Becky confesses that she’s really taken to gardening.
Morizo Shimizu is among the 10 anglers who have parked their rigs in the backyard. There were several more out front, and each enjoyed food as well as libations, and even fishing. Shimizu points down toward the lake where some of the pros are trying their hand at, as Ike says, the “crick.”
Morizo Shimizu is among the 10 anglers who have parked their rigs in the backyard. There were several more out front, and each enjoyed food as well as libations, and even fishing. Shimizu points down toward the lake where some of the pros are trying their hand at, as Ike says, the “crick.”
Carl Jocumsen, with his part Australian kelpie dog, fishes from the dock right across from Brandon Palaniuk, who’s hidden in the shadows on this Garden State fishery that Ike calls the No. 2 in the state.
Carl Jocumsen, with his part Australian kelpie dog, fishes from the dock right across from Brandon Palaniuk, who’s hidden in the shadows on this Garden State fishery that Ike calls the No. 2 in the state.
Palaniuk saw a fish bubble up, and despite reports that a 4-pounder was hooked and lost, didn’t stay too long, citing he’s not very patient when it comes to standing on shore throwing to limited targets.
Palaniuk saw a fish bubble up, and despite reports that a 4-pounder was hooked and lost, didn’t stay too long, citing he’s not very patient when it comes to standing on shore throwing to limited targets.
While a number of anglers stayed in the house, others were offered access to the motor home or simply brought their own.
While a number of anglers stayed in the house, others were offered access to the motor home or simply brought their own.
Alongside Ike’s “barn,” which also houses Becky’s office for Ike Foundation work, the products to be awarded and given away at the Pro-Am are stacked.
Alongside Ike’s “barn,” which also houses Becky’s office for Ike Foundation work, the products to be awarded and given away at the Pro-Am are stacked.
Here’s one of the many Flambeau tackle boxes that will be given away, although this one is special with all the Elite autographs.
Here’s one of the many Flambeau tackle boxes that will be given away, although this one is special with all the Elite autographs.
A number of gift baskets were custom-made, and who wouldn’t want a giant Rapala?
A number of gift baskets were custom-made, and who wouldn’t want a giant Rapala?
The lower level of the barn houses Ike’s dream tackle space (more on that later) but in the unfinished upstairs there are barrels of rods that the Ike Foundation will rig with reels and donate to groups for youth use.
The lower level of the barn houses Ike’s dream tackle space (more on that later) but in the unfinished upstairs there are barrels of rods that the Ike Foundation will rig with reels and donate to groups for youth use.
Mike McClelland and John Murray head down into the basement for their time in the Ike Live studio.
Mike McClelland and John Murray head down into the basement for their time in the Ike Live studio.
Ike Live co-host Pete Gluszek goes over some the material he’ll use during the webcast.
Ike Live co-host Pete Gluszek goes over some the material he’ll use during the webcast.
Brian the Carpenter and Mark Jeffries work the controls for the webcast.
Brian the Carpenter and Mark Jeffries work the controls for the webcast.
Ike Live was to help promote Saturday’s Pro-Am and get more people to come out to the Camden Waterfront for the family fest, but the anglers discussed far more.
Ike Live was to help promote Saturday’s Pro-Am and get more people to come out to the Camden Waterfront for the family fest, but the anglers discussed far more.
Ike sits down and is ready to roll … Gluszek is still going over his notes.
Ike sits down and is ready to roll … Gluszek is still going over his notes.
Family centric artwork adorns the first floor of the Iaconelli home.
Family centric artwork adorns the first floor of the Iaconelli home.
With all the running around doing and delegating, Becky still needed to be mom at times during a hectic day. Assistants Dave Wallace and Jared Kutil were there to help in any way they could, as were Ike’s teen daughter Riley and their nanny, Vee Ray (not pictured).
With all the running around doing and delegating, Becky still needed to be mom at times during a hectic day. Assistants Dave Wallace and Jared Kutil were there to help in any way they could, as were Ike’s teen daughter Riley and their nanny, Vee Ray (not pictured).
Shimizu employs help from Bill Decoteau, a Bass University instructor who would serve as Ike tournament emcee, and John Murray in trying to obtain a New Jersey fishing license.
Shimizu employs help from Bill Decoteau, a Bass University instructor who would serve as Ike tournament emcee, and John Murray in trying to obtain a New Jersey fishing license.
John Crews and Britt Myers have their time on the couch.
John Crews and Britt Myers have their time on the couch.
Meanwhile, Wallace, Kutil and Ray start loading the products, games and gear in a truck to take down to the Camden Waterfront for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Wallace, Kutil and Ray start loading the products, games and gear in a truck to take down to the Camden Waterfront for the tournament.
Shimuzu is happy to show that he got his license – but he always seems happy with most everything.
Shimuzu is happy to show that he got his license – but he always seems happy with most everything.
As the day wore on, more and more anglers arrived, including Cliff Crochet, Fletcher Shryock, Jordan Lee, Kevin VanDam and Dave Mercer.
As the day wore on, more and more anglers arrived, including Cliff Crochet, Fletcher Shryock, Jordan Lee, Kevin VanDam and Dave Mercer.
Mercer picked up Ike’s phone and he and VanDam had fun going around interviewing – and messing with – anglers like Jordan Lee for Facebook Live.
Mercer picked up Ike’s phone and he and VanDam had fun going around interviewing – and messing with – anglers like Jordan Lee for Facebook Live.
Mike and Corinne Pilote of vfx wraps, who wrap Ike’s boat and truck, work on a bag toss game for the family fest.
Mike and Corinne Pilote of vfx wraps, who wrap Ike’s boat and truck, work on a bag toss game for the family fest.
On Saturday morning, the anglers congregated at Wiggins Park Marina for launch.
On Saturday morning, the anglers congregated at Wiggins Park Marina for launch.
The 36 boats head out for six hours of fishing on the Delaware River.
The 36 boats head out for six hours of fishing on the Delaware River.
A competitor passes the nearby Battleship New Jersey, which offers tours.
A competitor passes the nearby Battleship New Jersey, which offers tours.
About half the boats headed south while the others go north past downtown Philadelphia.
About half the boats headed south while the others go north past downtown Philadelphia.
The final boats leave the marina with a gaggle of geese honking overhead.
The final boats leave the marina with a gaggle of geese honking overhead.
Mike and Becky confer on their next steps to make sure they’ve got everything covered.
Mike and Becky confer on their next steps to make sure they’ve got everything covered.
The Iaconellis worked tirelessly over the past half year to gain volunteers and businesses willing to donate. They appreciated it all from the BassCat to be given the event winner to breakfast sandwiches for the crew.
The Iaconellis worked tirelessly over the past half year to gain volunteers and businesses willing to donate. They appreciated it all from the BassCat to be given the event winner to breakfast sandwiches for the crew.
The decommissioned aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy sits in the Navy Yard in South Philly. After 40 years of service, the ship was decommissioned in August 2007. Berthed at the NAVSEA Inactive Ships On-site Maintenance facility in Philadelphia, it remains available for donation as a museum and memorial to a qualified organization.
The decommissioned aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy sits in the Navy Yard in South Philly. After 40 years of service, the ship was decommissioned in August 2007. Berthed at the NAVSEA Inactive Ships On-site Maintenance facility in Philadelphia, it remains available for donation as a museum and memorial to a qualified organization.
Pete Gluszek knows the Delaware well and makes a cast toward a pier in the morning. Word was he was on the early bite,
Pete Gluszek knows the Delaware well and makes a cast toward a pier in the morning. Word was he was on the early bite,
Gluszek served as the pro to Marko Weisner, who came 14 hours by train to fish the event with his great uncle, Alan Anderer.
Gluszek served as the pro to Marko Weisner, who came 14 hours by train to fish the event with his great uncle, Alan Anderer.
The Gluszek team fished in South Philadelphia near the airport and saw some big birds fly, but Gluszek never stayed any one place for long. He ran all over the river.
The Gluszek team fished in South Philadelphia near the airport and saw some big birds fly, but Gluszek never stayed any one place for long. He ran all over the river.
One of the teams entered pass by a huge ship anchored in the Delaware.
One of the teams entered pass by a huge ship anchored in the Delaware.
Another team tries to get something going near a rock wall.
Another team tries to get something going near a rock wall.
The SS United States sits idle at Pier 82 in Philadelphia. The luxury passenger liner built in 1952 remains the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic.
The SS United States sits idle at Pier 82 in Philadelphia. The luxury passenger liner built in 1952 remains the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic.
There was a big cheer on Shimizu’s boat when Lori Povisil finally got the team off the schneid with this minnow.
There was a big cheer on Shimizu’s boat when Lori Povisil finally got the team off the schneid with this minnow.
It certainly didn’t measure but it brought a great moment of levity to the difficult conditions. Beth Mills, the other part of Two Chicks on a Boat team, takes a photo to Shimizu’s pleasure.
It certainly didn’t measure but it brought a great moment of levity to the difficult conditions. Beth Mills, the other part of Two Chicks on a Boat team, takes a photo to Shimizu’s pleasure.
Povisil ramps up the laughter when she turns to play up the fish to the camera boat. The women came from Ohio to help the cause, using Mills’ second-place winnings in the Lady Bass Anglers Kentucky Lake event to make the trip.
Povisil ramps up the laughter when she turns to play up the fish to the camera boat. The women came from Ohio to help the cause, using Mills’ second-place winnings in the Lady Bass Anglers Kentucky Lake event to make the trip.
Dave Mercer’s team, including NHL player and friend Bryan Bickell, and Johnathan Forest, was upriver fishing near a bridge when we surprised him.
Dave Mercer’s team, including NHL player and friend Bryan Bickell, and Johnathan Forest, was upriver fishing near a bridge when we surprised him.
The team was having no luck, and Mercer said he was going for a complete change. That included changing rods and putting on a reel.
The team was having no luck, and Mercer said he was going for a complete change. That included changing rods and putting on a reel.
Mercer was on the Delaware shooting his show, <em>Facts of Fishing</em>, with Ike earlier in the week. Word is he didn’t have much luck then – at least his boat wrap was looking sharp.
Mercer was on the Delaware shooting his show, Facts of Fishing, with Ike earlier in the week. Word is he didn’t have much luck then – at least his boat wrap was looking sharp.
The Chicks in a Boat moved upriver as well to fish a seawall. Each of the anglers on Shimizu’s boat did bring in a nice fish.
The Chicks in a Boat moved upriver as well to fish a seawall. Each of the anglers on Shimizu’s boat did bring in a nice fish.
The naval history of the U.S. in and around Philadelphia is pretty extraordinary. The 887-foot-long, 45,000-ton Battleship New Jersey is certainly a major part as it’s America’s most decorated battleship. Seeing it means we’re back at the event site, just in time for the start of the Family Fun Fest.
The naval history of the U.S. in and around Philadelphia is pretty extraordinary. The 887-foot-long, 45,000-ton Battleship New Jersey is certainly a major part as it’s America’s most decorated battleship. Seeing it means we’re back at the event site, just in time for the start of the Family Fun Fest.
You want sunflower seeds? Ike’s got sunflower seeds, as in buckets and buckets of Bigs sunflower seeds.
You want sunflower seeds? Ike’s got sunflower seeds, as in buckets and buckets of Bigs sunflower seeds.
Jim Aulbach and son, Dylan, 11, chat with Ike. They made the hour drive from Monroe Township as Dylan is ate up with fishing. “I’m just a chauffeur,” Jim said. Check out who’s waiting in the background.
Jim Aulbach and son, Dylan, 11, chat with Ike. They made the hour drive from Monroe Township as Dylan is ate up with fishing. “I’m just a chauffeur,” Jim said. Check out who’s waiting in the background.
Mike Rothamel, 33, of Turnersville, N.J., asked if 33 is too old to want to get a picture with Ike. Of course it’s not.
Mike Rothamel, 33, of Turnersville, N.J., asked if 33 is too old to want to get a picture with Ike. Of course it’s not.
Dylan Aulbach shows he’s a pro at the casting area, hitting most every flip smack dap in the pool targets. He began fishing at 5 and his personal best is a 5 1/2-pounder. Aulbach just got a 12-foot kayak to go with his $1,000 of rods and reels and countless tackle. He left the event with a bit more.
Dylan Aulbach shows he’s a pro at the casting area, hitting most every flip smack dap in the pool targets. He began fishing at 5 and his personal best is a 5 1/2-pounder. Aulbach just got a 12-foot kayak to go with his $1,000 of rods and reels and countless tackle. He left the event with a bit more.
Sophia Yoon, 4, of Philadelphia gets some help from Anthony “GoGo” Gomez on learning how to cast. Sophia’s dad Tony is “Ike’s biggest fan.”
Sophia Yoon, 4, of Philadelphia gets some help from Anthony “GoGo” Gomez on learning how to cast. Sophia’s dad Tony is “Ike’s biggest fan.”
Roy Johnson of Camden and family, including wife Rayna, twin sons Elijah and Isaiah, 7, and nephew Eduardo Merdero, 17, get Flambeau tackle boxes. Johnson was in the crowd across the river at Penn’s Landing cheering on Ike when he won the 2014 Elite event on the Delaware. “I lost my voice,” he said.
Roy Johnson of Camden and family, including wife Rayna, twin sons Elijah and Isaiah, 7, and nephew Eduardo Merdero, 17, get Flambeau tackle boxes. Johnson was in the crowd across the river at Penn’s Landing cheering on Ike when he won the 2014 Elite event on the Delaware. “I lost my voice,” he said.
Greyson Maloney, 2, gets a little help from grandma Sally for a game set up by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. Greyson’s dad, Mike Maloney, was fishing the event.
Greyson Maloney, 2, gets a little help from grandma Sally for a game set up by the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. Greyson’s dad, Mike Maloney, was fishing the event.
Ellen Harding’s husband, Edward, was also on the water, and he can claim a longer trip, bringing their triplets from Boston. Madison, Cameron and Matthew, 7, wait to get a balloon animal.
Ellen Harding’s husband, Edward, was also on the water, and he can claim a longer trip, bringing their triplets from Boston. Madison, Cameron and Matthew, 7, wait to get a balloon animal.
The Aulbachs made their way over to the Bass University booth, where Bill Decoteau tells them about the program.
The Aulbachs made their way over to the Bass University booth, where Bill Decoteau tells them about the program.
Brooke White, 7, of Deptford, N.J., didn’t take long before she put one in a fish’s mouth at the Toyota booth while brother Brendan, 10, waits his turn.
Brooke White, 7, of Deptford, N.J., didn’t take long before she put one in a fish’s mouth at the Toyota booth while brother Brendan, 10, waits his turn.
There were a good amount of people coming and going at the Family Fun Fest at Wiggins Waterfront Park. Some came to the Camden Waterfront for the fest, while others visiting the Children's Garden next door or the aquarium stopped in to take part and find out what was doing on.
There were a good amount of people coming and going at the Family Fun Fest at Wiggins Waterfront Park. Some came to the Camden Waterfront for the fest, while others visiting the Children’s Garden next door or the aquarium stopped in to take part and find out what was doing on.
Andrew Trotc, 3, is sitting pretty in an eXmark Mower, which was the second-place prize in the fishing competition.
Andrew Trotc, 3, is sitting pretty in an eXmark Mower, which was the second-place prize in the fishing competition.
Nick DiGiacomo, 15, and brother Dominic 10, of Erial, N.J., and Brayden Mason, 5, of Runnemede, N.J., check out their goodies. Each booth they visited offered fishing tackle, like Molix softbaits and Venators.
Nick DiGiacomo, 15, and brother Dominic 10, of Erial, N.J., and Brayden Mason, 5, of Runnemede, N.J., check out their goodies. Each booth they visited offered fishing tackle, like Molix softbaits and Venators.
Ike does an interview, again telling that the event’s main thrust is to get kids fishing. Ike was pretty much his jovial self, enjoying life and the fact that kids were walking away smiling with hauls of tackle.
Ike does an interview, again telling that the event’s main thrust is to get kids fishing. Ike was pretty much his jovial self, enjoying life and the fact that kids were walking away smiling with hauls of tackle.
John Craig and son, Jarrett, 13, of Mullica Hill, N.J., sit overlooking the Delaware as they await the angler weigh-in.
John Craig and son, Jarrett, 13, of Mullica Hill, N.J., sit overlooking the Delaware as they await the angler weigh-in.
As the 2 p.m. weigh-in time approaches, a decent size crowd gathers around the stage.
As the 2 p.m. weigh-in time approaches, a decent size crowd gathers around the stage.
Cliff Crochet dips the toes of his son, Ben, into the holding tank, for a laugh.
Cliff Crochet dips the toes of his son, Ben, into the holding tank, for a laugh.
Mike Iaconelli takes the mic from emcee Bill Decoteau to point out the first-place prize of a BassCat Margay boat.
Mike Iaconelli takes the mic from emcee Bill Decoteau to point out the first-place prize of a BassCat Margay boat.
Now Crochet is trying to weigh his boy. “Thirteen pounds, I thought that was a little light,” he said. That’s more than the biggest bag weighed and definitely a keeper.
Now Crochet is trying to weigh his boy. “Thirteen pounds, I thought that was a little light,” he said. That’s more than the biggest bag weighed and definitely a keeper.
The decent crowd gathered to watch the weigh-in. It was much more than just family of the anglers competing, friends and those connected to the event. Some who came to the fest hung around despite 90-degree temps.
The decent crowd gathered to watch the weigh-in. It was much more than just family of the anglers competing, friends and those connected to the event. Some who came to the fest hung around despite 90-degree temps.
Under cloak of the weigh-in bag, Dave Mercer was able to put this one the scales, however, holding it revealed its true identity as a catfish. Therefore, ,his team actually zeroed.
Under cloak of the weigh-in bag, Dave Mercer was able to put this one the scales, however, holding it revealed its true identity as a catfish. Therefore, ,his team actually zeroed.
Povisil, Shimizu and Mills show that after their dink they did catch some nice fish. Two more and they might have contended for the title.
Povisil, Shimizu and Mills show that after their dink they did catch some nice fish. Two more and they might have contended for the title.
Pete Gluszek enjoyed taking over first place and knocking John Murray off the hot seat, which was inside the BassCat to be given away by Wood Boat & Motor.
Pete Gluszek enjoyed taking over first place and knocking John Murray off the hot seat, which was inside the BassCat to be given away by Wood Boat & Motor.
Anderer, Weisner and Gluszek show off some healthy Delaware River bass.
Anderer, Weisner and Gluszek show off some healthy Delaware River bass.
The tanks filled up with anglers, each hoping their team could knock off local pro Gluszek, but fishing was actually rather difficult for most on the Delaware.
The tanks filled up with anglers, each hoping their team could knock off local pro Gluszek, but fishing was actually rather difficult for most on the Delaware.
Former Elite Joe Sancho and teammates Dan and Jim Miller, MMA fighters, take over first place with a bag over 11 pounds.
Former Elite Joe Sancho and teammates Dan and Jim Miller, MMA fighters, take over first place with a bag over 11 pounds.
A crew from the B.A.S.S. Nation of New Jersey volunteered their equipment and people to conduct the weigh-in.
A crew from the B.A.S.S. Nation of New Jersey volunteered their equipment and people to conduct the weigh-in.
Decoteau is kind of amazed that Kevin VanDam, a three-time winner on the Elites this season, could only manage one fish. He even kind of rubbed it in. KVD said it seems that’s about all he’s allowed on the Delaware.
Decoteau is kind of amazed that Kevin VanDam, a three-time winner on the Elites this season, could only manage one fish. He even kind of rubbed it in. KVD said it seems that’s about all he’s allowed on the Delaware.
VanDam remains a draw wherever he goes, and accommodates fans with autographs as well as posing for photos.
VanDam remains a draw wherever he goes, and accommodates fans with autographs as well as posing for photos.
Iaconelli interviews Gluszek, his co-host on Ike Live, on his day and second-place finish.
Iaconelli interviews Gluszek, his co-host on Ike Live, on his day and second-place finish.
To the winners go the spoils.
To the winners go the spoils.
As the weigh-in closes, Decoteau asks the crowd to give it up for Iaconelli and his team’s efforts while Sancho raises Ike’s arm to signify he’s the real champ of the day.
As the weigh-in closes, Decoteau asks the crowd to give it up for Iaconelli and his team’s efforts while Sancho raises Ike’s arm to signify he’s the real champ of the day.
The Miller boys never really thought they could win the event. Asked if they helped, Jim joked, “It was all Joe. No, he rode us pretty hard.”
The Miller boys never really thought they could win the event. Asked if they helped, Jim joked, “It was all Joe. No, he rode us pretty hard.”
Most of the crowd moved right next door to the impressive grounds of the Children’s Garden, where the dinner and silent auction benefitting the Ike Foundation would take place. VanDam looks closely at one of the auction items.
Most of the crowd moved right next door to the impressive grounds of the Children’s Garden, where the dinner and silent auction benefitting the Ike Foundation would take place. VanDam looks closely at one of the auction items.
Nick VanDam checks out the collectible sports items up for auction. The VanDams not only bought items, but KVD sent things like a signed jersey and hat, books and signed lures to be auctioned.
Nick VanDam checks out the collectible sports items up for auction. The VanDams not only bought items, but KVD sent things like a signed jersey and hat, books and signed lures to be auctioned.
NHL player Bryan Bickell donated a signed jersey as well.
NHL player Bryan Bickell donated a signed jersey as well.
Sherry VanDam had her eye on several items.
Sherry VanDam had her eye on several items.
KVD gets the attention of Sara and Ben Crochet with his impressive Donald Duck imitation. (Seriously, it’s good.) KVD said he was impressed with the event and expected no less than a rousing success from Ike and Becky.
KVD gets the attention of Sara and Ben Crochet with his impressive Donald Duck imitation. (Seriously, it’s good.) KVD said he was impressed with the event and expected no less than a rousing success from Ike and Becky.