Time to start the roll call for the 2012 event.
June 9th on Hardy at the State Park like last year.
Who all is willing to come and spend the day fishing with some disabled and combat veterans. Guaranteed to be the most rewarding thing you will do all summer. All species this year, not just bass. Spread the word. We struggle every year to get enough boats to take everyone fishing. So who's in?
ERIC
I am in as a boater if there is anything I can do let me know.
Let me see what I can do about work, and I will let you know. Is it just for one day? Do we let them use our gear? What are the details?
I promised to make it this year and I'm gonna hold that one for sure. They gave me the t-shirt at the show so I'm kinda "locked in" I'd say. ;D
pretty sure i'm there. wouldn't miss it.
I have a vacation conflict or else I'd love to help.
Eric - Count me in. I've heard great things about it and am looking forward to it.
Great. Thanks all for the help. Please spread the word and beat everyone you know into submission until they agree to fish with us as well. I believe we are WAY short right now.
eric
talked to ron wednsday night and he said things looked pretty good i am all set to go. he told me hadnt talked to you in a while must be that sprint car thing going on....
I'm in.
I have a 12ft aluminum would that work ?
I will not have my boat back yet at this time but I would have to help the TBF Jr's the same day over on Pontiac Lake. These are both VERY worthy causes. I'm glad they are on opposite sides of the state. Please take one day out of your busy schedule and help one of these events! Thank you!!
I'm in!!! I just got home from Hardy about 30 minutes ago. I have never seen it before in my life. The wife and I had to drop our Lab off at the vet in Newaygo, and I decided to cruise over to the state park. Now I will know where I'm going on the 9th. Even got an official flier from the DNR lady. My only question is, do we get an extra 3 hours to get the boats in and out? That's a tiny, tiny launch. Maybe 2 boats at a time.
Get there early... don't be in a hurry to leave. That's how that ramp works.
Bass anglers are good at getting boats in and out fast.
The best part is the name of the place that is having the pig roast afterwards. Not sure of the spelling, so I will do my best. It's an establishment called "Coochie's". My wife about fell out of her seat when the lady told us that. Then she said I couldn't go. I thought it sounded like a good place for family fun.
Coochies has been known by several names over the years. My friend Brandon used to be the cook there (when it was "something" tavern). It's just a country bar in the middle of nowhere that seems to be pretty popular with the locals and bikers. Been there a few times.
The owners (former owners??) live on Hardy Pond. Caught some nice fish off their dock over the years. Wanna know where it is? LOL!!??!! ;)
I'm going to need all the help I can get. Until yesterday, I have never even seen the place. I wasn't even planning on seeing it yesterday. Just decided that since we were already in Newaygo, I might as well go find the boat launch.
I would like to come. A little too far for me to drive. Maybe next year? Funds are a little slim.
June 9th is a big day for needing volunteers:
-Junior State Championship
-Hookin' Up Heroes at Newaygo State Park presented by the Brain Injury Ass. of Michigan
-Tips-Up for Troops at Kent Lake presented by the Brain Injury Ass. of Michigan, as well.
For everyone out there who can go fishing anytime you want (and that's pretty much everyone who reads/posts here), you are living the dream. Dan and Eric and I are asking for anyone/everyone to give up just one day of your life to help someone go fishing who deserve and need it - kids & military veterans.
I will be at Kent Lake for the Tips-Ups, Eric will be at Newaygo for Hookin' Up Hereoes and Dan will be at Pontiac. Come out fishing with one of us and i promise you that you will not forget it ans most likely set your calendar the very next day for next years event.
Here is a link on my bass clubs facebook page to sign up for Tip-Ups at Kent Lake. Btw, that's one good-looking boat on the cover, isn't it ? Yes, that's mine and i'm kneeling in the boat tying on a new bait while my veteran co-angler runs the trolling motor. We took 2nd place & big bass and it's something he will never forget. Come out and give a kid or a veteran a day they may never forget.
Thanks everyone !!
Frank-o
Msgt Frank Skellie
180th Fighter Wing
Ohio Air Natinal Guard
Swanton, Ohio
http://www.facebook.com/groups/10150129538120078/#!/groups/10150129538120078/?bookmark_t=group (http://www.facebook.com/groups/10150129538120078/#!/groups/10150129538120078/?bookmark_t=group)
If this link doesn't work, please call or email Major Rick Briggs at the Brain Injury Association of Michigan.
810-229-5880
veterans@biami.org
Frank - I completely forgot about this other great event. Lots happening on Michigan's free fishing weekend! I would have definitely included it and I'm glad you came on with a reminder. We need lots of boaters that day. I know we can all give up 1 day of our own fishing because none of the tournaments are as important as events like this, now more than ever! There's also that super big, nice fishing derby in St. Louis Michigan (http://www.stlouismi.com/1/stlouis/news.asp?artID=32739).
Frank, I fixed your link but your club is a close group so people can't see information about it. Do you want them to click Join Group or is it better to contact Major Briggs?
Sorry we are putting other things on your post Eric. I hope the outcome is that more people choose to help out whichever one of these events is closest to their location and their heart!
I wish I could do all 3. I can't tell you how excited I am to take a veteran fishing. I am so happy that I'm going to be able to make someone, who will more than likely be a total stranger, happy.
I grew up in a military family. My dad, both grandfathers, my god father, and several of my uncles have served our country. Dad gave almost 22 years. So our armed forces, and veterans have always been a part of my life since I was born. This event is the least I could do for a man or woman who has made major sacrifices for all of us. I hope to see a lot of people there.
Spread the news. Thanks for making a difference.
Dan, thanks for reminding me it was closed to the public. It is now open for anyone who wishes to download the entry form. We are also currently accepting new boaters. Unfortunately, we have had to fish 3-to-a-boat lately, due to the number of non-boaters. We fish mostly the Irish Hills lakes, as well as St. Clair, Erie & Detroit river.
Frank
That's all some great areas to fish in! Hope you get some more boaters and boater volunteers.