U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran Paul Szablicki is fighting a giant Lake Erie walleye just west of Chadwick bay on Friday during the WNY Heroes Fishing for Fun event.
Photo by Forrest Fisher
More Walleye Fishing Lake Erie with WNY Heroes provided the perfect setting for fishing fun and bumping elbows with fellow veterans and community members. Over 80 military veterans from Western New York, including myself as a U.S. Navy veteran, came together for an unforgettable day of fishing on Lake Erie. The event, sponsored by Innovative Outdoors and WNY Heroes, was made possible by 62 dedicated volunteers and 37 fully-rigged fishing boats. At the 7:00 a.m. kick-off, Captain Jim Steel introduced Senator George Borrello, who greeted all the military veterans and thanked them for their service. The Star Spangled Banner followed the morning ceremony.
Out on the water, my U.S. Army partner and I were paired with Captain Dan and Bonnie Bognar of “1 More Sportfishing” aboard their well-equipped Tiara 27-Open boat. The high-powered engines, top-notch tackle, and advanced sonar technology made for an unforgettable fishing experience. We used lead core lines and dipsy divers to reel in a heavy box of walleyes, which would have scored well over 30 pounds in a tournament. Fishing west of Chadwick Bay in 64 to 81 feet of water, we trolled at an average speed of 2.0 – 2.1 mph, and the results introduced multiple limits of fish to the cooler aboard that was filled with ice.
Once back on land, the NYSDEC Dunkirk Fisheries group swiftly cleaned our catch as a special courtesy to the veterans, and we were all treated to a delicious catered meal. Captain Dan and other charter captains selflessly volunteered their time and resources, and their dedication to supporting military veterans is truly admirable and heartwarming.
The entire day was a celebration of camaraderie, the great outdoors, and the incredible support provided by the community. It was a day that the veterans and volunteers will remember for years to come. What a fantastic experience!
Captain Bognar mentioned that his favorite fishing lures include some classic choices such as Long-A Bombers, Storm Thundersticks, Worm-Burner Spoons, and Yaleye worm harnesses. His boat is docked at Sunset Bay Marina, but he traveled to Dunkirk harbor specifically to volunteer for this event. To ensure a worry-free trip, he added 70 gallons of gas to his 250-gallon tank, at a cost of $400. When I offered to contribute to the gas cost, Bognar declined, stating that volunteering for military veterans is very important to him and his fellow charter captains. Their selfless contributions and support for military veterans are greatly appreciated. Hats off to these dedicated individuals for their commitment to caring for our American freedom.
Gotta love the outdoors!
OUTDOORs CALENDAR
June 29-30: Bart’s Cove Walleye Duel-1 (Integrity Walleye Series), Lake Erie walleye tournament, Dunkirk Harbor, 2-day/3-fish bag/day, $500 entry, contact Bob Rustowicz, 716-830-6394.
June 29-30: NYS FREE Fishing Days, no license required for residents and non-residents.
July 4: Firecracker Sporting Clay Shoot, Hanover Fish & Game, 780 Overhiser Road, Forestville. $50 cost for 100 bird shoot. Visit www.hanoverclays.com for more info.
July 9: Erie County Trappers, Potluck Family Picnic, 12580 Jennings Road, Patti Wattengal. Bring a dish to share.
July 11: WNY Walleye monthly meeting, 6:30PM, at Knights of Columbus, 36 Pierce Ave., Hamburg.
July 19-20: Sunset Bay walleye Shootout, $500 entry, $500K prizes, 6 fish bag/ 1 day, INFO: Captain Don Ruppert, www.walleyeshootout.com.
July 27-28: Bart’s Cove Walleye Dual-2, Integrity Walleye Series (IWT-2), Dunkirk Harbor, 3 fish bag/ day, 2 days, INFO: Mark Mohr, 716-998-9871.