A Record Measured in More Than Fish

Marathon Man Jeff Kolodzinski caught 1,981 fish in 108-degree heat to raise more than $30,000 for Camp Dallas

SPRING BAY, IL (September 16, 2026) – Jeff Kolodzinski didn’t hit his number. He beat the heat, the algae bloom, and twenty years of expectations instead, and that turned out to matter a whole lot more.

The 20th annual Marathon Man event wrapped up Saturday after 24 straight hours of fishing from a dock on Camp Dallas’ private pond outside Spring Bay, Illinois. Kolodzinski, known simply as “Kolo” to two decades of friends, sponsors, and fans, had set out to catch 2,500 fish in honor of America’s 250th birthday. He landed 1,981.

Nobody who was there is calling it a loss.

Heat Like This Doesn’t Care About Your Goal

Friday’s heat index hit 108 degrees, hot enough that local football and softball games were called off for safety. The Marathon Man kept fishing anyway. The same heat that emptied the ballfields also triggered an algae bloom that cut underwater visibility to less than two feet.

“Not exactly ideal conditions,” Kolodzinski said, with the kind of understatement only a 20-year veteran of this event can pull off.

Under two feet of visibility and triple-digit heat, catching just under 2,000 fish stopped looking like a miss and started looking like a feat.

Big Fish, Bigger Story

The numbers that stood out weren’t just the total count. Many of the bluegills and hybrid sunfish Kolodzinski pulled from the pond weighed in at a full pound apiece, a stretch he says may be the best he’s ever fished.

“There was a surprising stretch where I caught hundreds of fish that weighed more than a pound,” Kolodzinski said. “I’d say this event definitely produced the highest weight of fish of any year. All I could think about was some hot oil, a nice cracker crust, and some lemon pepper.”

Familiar Voices in the Dark

As the overnight hours wore on, some of fishing’s most recognizable names called in to help carry Kolodzinski through it. Hank Parker, Kevin VanDam, Al Lindner, and Mark Zona all phoned in encouragement. Locally, junior anglers Wyatt and Lachlyn spent time on the dock with Kolodzinski, sharing what Camp Dallas has meant to them.

That’s really the point of all 24 hours.

A Beginning Built Around Service

The marathon opened Friday evening with the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, and an invocation from Dan O’Sullivan. Borrowing from baseball’s ceremonial first pitch, this year introduced a new tradition: the “First Fish,” honoring two people who embody what Camp Dallas is about.

“Pops” Belamy was recognized for years of support for the camp. The 50-by-25-foot floating dock, fully accessible for people with physical disabilities, now carries his name.

SFC Greg Stube, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), representing the military and first-responder community the event serves, received the inaugural First Fish honor.

A Congressman on the Dock

U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood, a passionate angler himself and fresh off a fishing trip to Alaska, toured Camp Dallas during the event. It gave him a firsthand look at how his district is served by getting kids and families outdoors and on the water.

What the Money Actually Does

More than $30,000 was raised for Camp Dallas. The weekend also brought a big community turnout for music, barbecue, and a fireworks display that ran more than 20 minutes. Parents shared emotional stories about what the camp has meant to their kids. Local FOX and CBS affiliates covered the event.

This summer alone, more than 700 kids came through Camp Dallas for time outdoors that built their confidence and strengthened relationships.

That’s the number Kolodzinski cares about most.

“When you see the kids, talk with the parents, and understand the good that Camp Dallas is doing in this community, the fish count becomes secondary,” Kolodzinski said. “There’s too much good happening here not to keep leaning into it. If fishing can help these kids build confidence, strengthen families, and create experiences they’ll carry through life, then I’m going to keep fishing.”

U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood and The Marathon Man

FAST FACTS:

• 1,981 fish boated in 24 hours — through a 108-degree heat index and an algae bloom that cut visibility to under two feet
• $30,000+ raised for Camp Dallas
• 700+ kids served by Camp Dallas this summer alone
• 20 years running for the Marathon Man event, the longest of any endurance fishing fundraiser in the country
• U.S. Congressman Darin LaHood toured Camp Dallas during the event
• Fishing legends Hank Parker, Kevin VanDam, Al Lindner, and Mark Zona phoned in support through the overnight hours

2026 Event Sponsors: None of this happens without the fishing and outdoor companies that back it every year: AFTCO, DAIWA, EGO Fishing, Engel Coolers, Gemini G2, Humminbird, Lew’s, Minn Kota, Mr. Crappie, Norsk Lithium Batteries, Plano, Rapala/VMC, Seaguar, Strike King, Vados Bait, and Zebco.

About Jeff Kolodzinski

Known nationwide as the Marathon Man, Jeff Kolodzinski has spent nearly 20 years using marathon fishing events to inspire anglers and support charitable causes. He’s dedicated his post-competition career to giving back through fishing, conservation, education, and community service.

About Camp Dallas

Camp Dallas is a nonprofit outdoor recreation facility in Spring Bay, Illinois, committed to introducing people of all ages to fishing and the outdoors. Through hands-on programs serving youth, veterans, families, schools, and community organizations, Camp Dallas helps participants build confidence, reduce stress, strengthen relationships, and create lifelong memories on the water.

CONTACT:

Cassi Ardis

Camp Dallas

[email protected]