When Joey Middleton got really into catfishing about six years ago, he probably didn’t expect it to be more than just a great hobby.  Turns out, it became a great fundraising opportunity from him and his fiancé Rosa Lee to get people out on the water to forget about whatever problems they might have- even for just an afternoon.

            “We’re the founders of BKPC Nation,” he said.  “Catfishing is one of the fastest growing types of fishing and we have some really good catfishing down here in Kentucky. Combining catfishing with helping people is just a natural fit.”

            The couple have tournaments that raise money for people who are down on their luck, sick, or veterans. 

            “Tournaments cost $75 to enter and 20 percent of each entry fee goes back to a person in need,” he said.  “For instance, we had one for a gentleman up in Wisconsin who suffered a heart attack and needed help to recover. We have a lot of manufacturers that also donate some great prizes for the winners.”

            Sometimes he just takes people out fishing his Polar Kraft 2010 Outlander Catfish edition he purchased last year.

            “It’s perfect for catfishing and it has so much room it fishes like a 24-foot boat even though it’s only 21,” he said.  “A Lot of catfish rigs are big Jon boats and there is nothing wrong with that, but my Outlander is a deep-v, and I can take it out anywhere.  It handles rough water great and honestly, it’s just sexy looking.  I have people compliment me on it all the time.”

            BKPC Nation has a Facebook group with over 4.4 thousand followers, and they’ve raised over $25,000 in the last two years.