About OCF

Now in its third year, Operation Catch Fish is a program put together by Joe Mercurio, host and creator of the Professional Tarpon Tournament Series, seen on TV around the country. Joe wanted to do something to show his support for the troops, and OCF is the result. In conjuction with Armed Forces Entertainment and the Baghdad Anglers Club, OCF had its first mission in 2008, visiting more than 10 bases in Iraq and Kuwait and delivering over 5,000 lbs. of gear for use by the troops.

For 2009, OCF was even bigger, with more gear (8,000 lbs.), more prizes, and over 500 participants in the main event, the Baghdad Fishing Derby. With multiple base visits in both Kuwait and Iraq, the OCF crew held casting contests and signed autographs in the lead up to the Derby. With the support of the Baghdad Anglers Club and the gear donated by OCF and its sponsors, fishing has become the #1 recreational activity for our troops while at the Victory Base Complex.

OCF III promises to be the biggest event yet, with more base visits planned, trick casting demonstrations by Master Caster Gary Hain, and a special appearance by a pair of ladies from the world champion New Orlean's Saints cheerleading squad, the SaintSations. The OCF crew is expecting the largest turnout yet for the Baghdad Fishing Derby, and is bringing hundreds of new Okuma spinning outfits to leave with the troops.

In a tradition begun in 2009, the OCF crew will again travel with hundreds of Reactor watches, Costa Del Mar sunglasses, great OCF shirts designed by Hooked Carpe Diem, and loads of promotional gear furnished by Yamaha and Miller to give to the troops. OCF's goal is to give a gift to every U.S. service member met as a symbol of our appreciation and support for the sacrifices they make every day.

This year's event is coming up soon, so be sure to check our live updates page for new information and photos from OCF III.