How a Bradenton-area fishing tournament remembers local fisherman after cancer battle

More than 10 years have passed since Chad Day had the fishing trip that changed his life.

“It was Jan. 21, 2014. He was fishing by himself,” remembered Joann Day, Chad’s mom. “He said he got out of his truck and his right arm went up and behind his head and he couldn’t control it. Next thing he knew, he was put on a stretcher in an ambulance.”

Over the next few hours, Chad would find out a brain tumor had taken control, and the Day’s found themselves seeing many doctors. Through it all, Joann remembered her son stuck to fishing to take his mind off his troubles.

“On Feb. 18, he was scheduled for surgery. He fished while we waited to get into Moffitt Cancer Center. When the tumor was removed, we found out it was glioblastoma brain cancer,” Joann said.

A fast-growing form of cancer, glioblastoma is extremely malignant. Sadly, less than 30% of those diagnosed live for more than two years. Chad returned to his passion quickly.

“Three days after the surgery he was out fishing. Fishing helped his spirits. He started chemo in the middle of March and on March 29, he won $800 for the biggest trout in a tournament — 26.25 inches,” said Joann.

“He even fished the Crosthwait that May and tried to finish, but was too weak to get through the first night,” Joann recalled. “He didn’t want to give in.”

After a 17-month battle with cancer, Chad passed.

Soon after, Joann created the Chad Day Memorial Fishing Tournament. This year, the sixth annual event returns on April 20 and 21.

“We’ve gone from benefiting the American Brain Tumor Association to now the Tidewell Foundation for Hospice. They were there helping out my son toward the later parts of his life, so we want to raise money for them. So far, we’ve raised almost $50,000!” Joann described proudly.

“It’s not just a fishing tournament but a charity event. My husband and I put up the prize money for the guys fishing, and we raise money for the foundation through donations. Last year, there were 40 raffle baskets, 10 silent auction items and more, raising $20,559.”

The Chad Day Memorial Tournament is a catch-and-release format tournament paying out first, second and third place for each snook, redfish and trout. $1,000 for each of the biggest, $700 for second place and $300 for third place. It will be held out of Tarpon Bay Grill & Tiki Bar.

In addition to the Chad Day Memorial Tournament, more fishing tournaments are on the horizon for Manatee County anglers.

The Suncoast Saltwater Shootout presented by Manasota Flooring will be held April 19 and 20 out of Blenker Boatworks & Marina. It will be the first leg of the Triple Crown series followed by the Crosthwait Memorial May 17-19 and the Fire Charity Fishing Tournament June 7-9.

For more information on the Chad Day Memorial Tournament, visit https://ChadDay.ProFishingTournaments.com.

A donations tab is located on the page for those looking to contribute without fishing. Joann Day can be reached at (941) 228-5012‬ while checks can be made payable to:

Tidewell Foundation

c/o Chad Day Fishing Tournament

PMB #230

7282 55th Ave. E.

Bradenton, FL 34203-8002