Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen honored with award
Minding Our Own Business
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- Visit Escanaba CEO Robert Micheau, left, and President Jarred Drown, right, present the Ripple Effect Award to Bill Herbst and Mike Verhamme, representatives of the Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen, honoring the organization’s dedication to creating lasting waves of change in the community on and off the water. (Submitted photo)
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- Robert Micheau
Visit Escanaba CEO Robert Micheau, left, and President Jarred Drown, right, present the Ripple Effect Award to Bill Herbst and Mike Verhamme, representatives of the Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen, honoring the organization's dedication to creating lasting waves of change in the community on and off the water. (Submitted photo)
ESCANABA — Some efforts make a splash; others send ripples that carry on for generations. That spirit was celebrated at the Delta Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner Oct. 9, where Visit Escanaba presented the Ripple Effect Award to the Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen for their extraordinary dedication to our waters and our community.
For decades, this incredible group has been the heartbeat of angling in our region–uniting anglers, families, and conservationists around one shared goal: preserving and enhancing the elite fishery status of the Bays de Noc. Their work doesn’t just benefit those who fish–it benefits every one of us who cherishes the beauty, vitality, and sustainability of our local waters.
This past summer, they served as a key sponsor of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit in Gladstone, showcasing not only our world-class fisheries but also the hospitality and pride of our community. Events like these bring national attention to the Bays de Noc and attract visitors who support our local hotels, restaurants, shops, and marinas — creating a ripple effect of economic growth and tourism that strengthens our entire region. But their contributions go far beyond this one event.
Each year, the Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen invest countless hours and resources into stocking our fisheries, ensuring that generations to come can enjoy the same opportunities we have today. In 2025 alone, they released 94,000 walleye fingerlings into Little Bay de Noc — a staggering example of commitment in action.
Their impact also extends to education and outreach. Through hands-on programs and community partnerships, they teach the importance of rehabilitation, stewardship, and responsible fishing, helping young and old alike understand that conservation isn’t just a duty, but a shared joy.
Robert Micheau
They sponsor Youth in the Outdoors, which gives young people their first taste of adventure and respect for nature. The Kids Fishing Day event, which brought together 208 children this year, fosters the next generation of anglers and environmental stewards. And their annual Bay Area Veterans Fishing Derby, which hosted 68 veterans in 2025, reminds us that healing and connection can be found on the water.
The Bay de Noc Great Lakes Sport Fishermen don’t just fish — they build community, they restore ecosystems, and they inspire others to do the same. Their ripple effects can be felt from the smallest minnow to the largest walleye, from a child’s first cast to a veteran’s peaceful day on the bay, and from a thriving fish population to a thriving local economy.
We proudly recognized them for their unwavering service, their generosity, and their lasting impact on our community.
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Robert Micheau is CEO of Visit Escanaba.
