In 2025, Riley’s Cup returned to Lake Norman for another incredible weekend built around fishing, service, faith, and community. We kicked things off with a bang at the boat ramp, where local professional anglers gave participants the chance to experience Phoenix Boats through on-the-water test rides, made possible by Phoenix Boats and Foothills Marine Lake Norman.

From there, the weekend moved to our registration event at the Lake Norman campus, where we had an incredible turnout. Together, students, families, and volunteers packed more than 200 tackle boxes for our local Hooked on Heroes event, helping prepare gear that would later be placed directly into the hands of kids fishing alongside local first responders. We also heard a powerful testimony from professional angler Randy Howell, who shared his story and faith with everyone in attendance. The night ended with an altar call and participants heading home with loads of fishing gear and tackle provided by our amazing sponsors.

The next morning, 90 boats from across North Carolina took to Lake Norman for a beautiful day on the water and another great Riley’s Cup tournament. After a full day of competition, the Freedom High School team of Justin Massey and Camm Bennett took home the win.

Riley’s Cup 2025 was another reminder that this weekend has become about much more than fishing. It is an opportunity to bring students and families together, serve our community, share our faith, and celebrate the fishing community that continues to support Riley’s Catch year after year