Courtesy photo

Forty veterans recently participated in the 2nd Annual Bay Area Veterans Fishing Derby in Escanaba. Twenty boat captains volunteered their time and vessels to see that the veterans had a fun filled day of fishing. The weather and wind was perfect for the event as most of the veterans caught numerous walleye, pike and bass. Following the morning of fishing, the veterans were served lunch in Ludington Park and then every one of them received a raffle prize worth $50 to $500. There was absolutely zero cost to the veterans. Major sponsors were the Bay De Noc Great Lakes Sportsfisherman, UP Whitetails, VFW, Marine League and numerous other individual donors and businesses. “Today’s event was even better than last year. Many boats did extremely well fishing today. We are so fortunate to live in an area with so many boaters who are willing to donate time on their vessels to make a local Veteran smile. My wife Rachel and I are extremely proud to be able to put this great event together for our local heroes,” said Jeff Sierpien, lead organizer.