Photo Courtesy Pink Fishing

Caption: Misty Schmidt combines her love for fishing and a passion for a cause while coordinating the first Cedar Lake Pink Fishing tournament.
 When Misty Schmidt went through a stressful time in her life, she found peace and therapy in fishing. Little did she know the passion for the sport would lead to helping with a cause she held dear. She is now hosting the first Cedar Creek Lake Pink Fishing Tournament from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14 at Log Cabin City Park.

"At first it was like therapy, it still is, but it is much more than that now,” Schmidt said.

Mentored by an elite bass fisher, she said she learned on the lakes of New York State “bucket list fishing,” and realized her passion was for bass. Taking the skills she has learned, Schmidt has shared this love by teaching her daughter.

After losing several key women in her life to breast cancer, she wanted to help the cause.

“I saw Pink Fishing and thought, 'I need to be a part of that,'” she said. “Pink Fishing is committed to donating $10,000 a year to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. In order to reach that goal, tournaments are held.”

Thanks to sponsors and donors this is not just a fishing tournament, it is a family event with live entertainment, hope and fun.
America's Got Talent contestant Kadie Lynn of Kemp will open the tournament by singing the National Anthem and entertaining. A candlelight prayer circle will be held for survivors, family and friends.

“You don’t have to fish to be an important and appreciated part of this tournament,” she said. “You can donate your time, decorate, clean up, I hope to do this each year and I hope it grows more successful each year. This is not just a tournament, it is a family event!”