Tony Santiago Guides Youth Toward Lifelong Success on and off the Water

Tony Santiago, a recent Good Neighbor Awardee, was nominated for his years of dedicated volunteer work mentoring youth through the SoCal Jr. Bass Club of San Diego. For over a decade, Tony has offered kids a unique, engaging alternative to traditional school sports like football, baseball, and soccer. By giving young people access to bass boats, he lets them learn directly from experienced boat captains and feel the thrill of competitive fishing. His steady commitment has yielded incredible results, with several kids who have come through the program going on to earn college scholarships for fishing.

Beyond the technical aspects of the sport, Tony’s true advocacy lies in helping these young participants develop essential real-life skills. He uses the club to teach the importance of the little things that help these young kids move forward in life, like making eye contact during a handshake, showing respect to competitors, and treating others with dignity. For Tony, the ultimate goal isn't just about catching fish; it's about guiding these kids to become well-rounded, awesome young men and women. 

Learn more about the PSAR Good Neighbor Award and submit nominations HERE