Blog

The first-ever Pro-Guide Hope Classic was about far more than fishing.

It was about community. Family. Hope. And giving back to a cause that has forever impacted the Shumaker family.

In the spring of 2022, Truman Shumaker was diagnosed with leukemia, leading the Shumaker family to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis for treatment. During one of the most difficult seasons of their lives, they experienced firsthand the incredible level of care, compassion, and hope St. Jude provides to children and families facing the unimaginable.

From that moment on, they knew they wanted to find a way to give back someday.

Last weekend, that vision became reality with the inaugural Pro-Guide Hope Classic benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

What started as an idea quickly turned into something much bigger than anyone imagined. Seventy-seven teams from across the country came together at Table Rock Lake to fundraise, compete, and support a mission that means so much to the entire Pro-Guide family.

Together, this incredible community raised $130,278, crushing the event’s original $50,000 fundraising goal.

A Weekend Bigger Than Competition

From the kickoff events to tournament morning blastoff, the atmosphere surrounding the Hope Classic was unlike any ordinary tournament weekend.

Anglers, families, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters all showed up with one purpose in mind: making a difference for the children and families of St. Jude.

Throughout the week, teams worked tirelessly to raise money, share the mission behind the event, and rally support from their local communities. By the time tournament day arrived, it was clear this event had already become about much more than standings and weigh-in bags.

The fishing community showed exactly what it’s capable of when people come together for something bigger than competition.

Tournament Results

While every team played a role in the event’s success, Missouri anglers Cody and Cooper Haynes captured the win at the first-ever Pro-Guide Hope Classic with an impressive 21.05-pound limit.

The event also featured a 6.84-pound big bass and plenty of memorable moments on the water throughout the day at Table Rock Lake.

But at the end of the weekend, the real victory wasn’t measured on the scales.

It was measured in the lives that will be impacted through the support raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Thank You to Our Sponsors, Volunteers, and Supporters

Events like the Hope Classic are only possible because of an incredible community willing to step up and support the mission.

We want to extend a huge thank you to all of our anglers, sponsors, volunteers, donors, and supporters who helped make this first event possible.

A special thank you goes out to Bass Cat and Yamaha as presenting sponsors, along with Humminbird, Minn Kota, BeatDown Outdoors, Power-Pole, Integrated Boat Works, and all of the incredible companies and individuals who contributed to the success of the event.

Your support helped create something truly special.

This Is Only the Beginning

The first-ever Pro-Guide Hope Classic exceeded every expectation.

Not only did this community raise more than double the original fundraising goal, but it also created a weekend filled with generosity, support, and unforgettable memories for everyone involved.

Most importantly, it helped support the children and families of St. Jude.

We are beyond grateful to everyone who played a part in making this event possible, and we’re already looking forward to building the Hope Classic into something even bigger in the years to come.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.