John Crews Highlights Autism Awareness Month with Special Edition Jerseys, Auctions, and Community Support Initiatives
Salem, Va. – April 26, 2026 –
Professional angler and founder of Missile Baits, John Crews, is proud to recognize Autism Awareness Month again this April by continuing the mission to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and support individuals and families affected by autism.
Throughout the month, Crews wore his signature autism-themed jerseys in competition and public appearances. Featuring bold puzzle-piece patterns and vibrant colors, the jerseys are designed to spark conversation and bring greater visibility to autism awareness within the fishing community and beyond. Crews will be selling one and auctioning one of the autism jerseys to raise money for autism charities.
“Autism awareness and acceptance has become deeply personal to me,” said Crews. “April is an important time to not only raise awareness, but to encourage understanding and acceptance. I’m grateful to use my platform to help make a positive impact and raise some money for the cause.”
In addition to the jerseys, Crews wants to highlight a lineup of products currently up for auction or sale to raise money for various autism charities. See the following list with links and the charities benefitting:
- John Crews Autism Jersey Auction – https://www.ebay.com/itm/236776603900 - 100% of sale price gets donated to Virginia Institute of Autism.
- John Crews Autism Jersey For Sale - https://www.missilebaits.store/products/autism-jersey-for-charity - 100% of sale price gets donated to Masterclass Alliance in Salem, Virginia.
- Custom Painted Groot (Marvel) and Autism Themed 8” Trick Shad Glide Bait by Jen Kravassi - https://www.ebay.com/itm/236776605014 - 100% of sale price gets donated to Paws 4 Autism.
- Hinkle Shad glide bait painted by Andrew Hinkle - https://www.ebay.com/itm/236776618599 - 100% of sale price donated to Doug Flutie, Jr Foundation for Autism.
- 7” Autism Themed Glide Bait Signed by John Crews - https://www.ebay.com/itm/236776605408 - 100% of sale price donated to Virginia Institute of Autism.
- Mag 45 Glide Bait by Xtreme Lure Creations - https://www.ebay.com/itm/236776653791 - 100% of the sale price donated to Virginia Institute of Autism.
- Stupid Dumb Fish Balls in Autism Blue color - https://www.missilebaits.store/products/stupid-dumb-fish-ball - 100% of sale price gets donated to Lighthouse 5:14 non profit in Vernon, Alabama.
- Bassmaster Autism Themed Merch - https://www.bassmaster.shop/collections/casting-for-a-cause - 50% of proceeds go to Arc of Alabama.
Crews encourages anglers, fans, and supporters to join him in recognizing Autism Awareness Month by helping spread awareness both on and off the water.
“Fishing has a unique way of bringing people together,” Crews added. “If we can use that connection to build understanding and support for the autism community, then we’re making a real difference.”
Like in previous years, the BASS Elite anglers showed their support for autism awareness by putting autism puzzle themed fish decals on their boats and wearing autism themed bracelets. Anyone can get the autism puzzle themed fish decals with autism bracelets for $10 plus shipping at https://missilebaits.store/products/autism-awarness with all the proceeds going to Virginia Institute of Autism.