At Crystal River Take A Soldier Fishing (CRTASF), we believe that time on the water can bring peace, healing, and hope to those who have served our country. Our mission is to connect veterans, active-duty service members, and the community through fishing, fellowship, and faith.
Founded by a group of passionate community members, CRTASF was created with the belief that fishing is more than just a sport, it’s therapy, connection, and freedom. For many veterans, the quiet of the water, the thrill of the catch, and the camaraderie of fellow anglers provide a healing escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Throughout the year, we host a variety of community outreach and fundraising events designed to bring people together and support our cause.
Community Outreach & Events
We’re more than just one event, we're a year-round movement of support and connection.
Quarterly Fish Fry: Veterans eat free, and the community is invited to join us for $20 a plate. These gatherings help fund our mission and strengthen bonds between veterans and neighbors.
Monthly Events: From small fundraisers to community partnerships, we aim to host at least one event each month to keep our mission active and visible.
Veteran Partnerships: We will proudly work with other veteran organizations in the area to collaborate, share resources, and extend support to as many service members as possible.
Faith-Based Outreach: We will also be reaching out to local churches to build faith-based partnerships that provide spiritual encouragement, prayer, and community connection for veterans and their families.
By working hand-in-hand with the Crystal River community, we aim to create an event that grows each year, offering more opportunities for veterans to experience the unique beauty of Florida’s waters and the heartfelt gratitude of the people they served.
Whether you’re a veteran, volunteer, sponsor, or supporter, you are part of our CRTASF family. Together, we can make a difference—one soldier, one boat, one cast at a time.
The Grand Finale – Take a Soldier Fishing Tournament
Each year, we close our fiscal year with the highlight of our mission: the Crystal River Take a Soldier Fishing Tournament.
Every participant is paired with one or two soldiers for a full day on the water. While they fish, families enjoy a fun-filled day at Kings Bay Park, pending city approval, featuring vendors, bounce houses, educational activities, and community engagement.
The tournament concludes with our Annual Banquet, a night dedicated to celebrating our participants, sponsors, donors, veterans, and community leaders who make our mission possible.
