As the misty wet morning broke out into a cloudy and cool day on the water. 103 veterans from DC up to CT made the best of it catching in excess 300 fish. Congratulations to Cynthia Largest Blue fish 35”, Raffael largest striped bass 32”, Debby and Mike tied for the largest Porgy, and Larry most unusual fish Toad Fish.  

A big shout to BYC Board Members, Volunteers, event coordinators and boat crews. 35 fishing boats, 2 sail boats and 1 shoreline cruise boat provided 103 veterans an unforgettable day of sailing, sightseeing, fishing and a great cookout.

Thank you, Branford CT Elks Lodge No. 139 for the breakfast sandwiches and coffee to get this event into gear, Sunrise Park Band for the great music, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Rock Hill VA Home for providing transportation for the Veterans, Lennys Indian Head Inn for the great chowder, Carter Cares for the transportation of donated items from Midwest Food Bank Manchester CT, and Gil Simmons for the promotional exposure. This is a great way to roll up fishing each year for TAVF!! 

Thank you, Take a Veteran Fishing (TAVF) for organizing the veterans in attendance. While our debt to our veterans can never be fully repaid, TAVF has made it their duty to fulfill the promise that they will never be forgotten. This year TAVF Season XVII supported 17 events, fresh/saltwater fishing, Holiday Dinners, and Parades. Providing approx. 1,100 veterans with the opportunity to get out and fish and spend time with fellow veterans.

FISH ON!!!!

Killiams Point, once again a great day of fishing!! The tide was a little challenging, once we found the sweet spot, the fish were on.  Over 150 fish and 85 Veterans were in attendance.  Thank you, Stoney Creek Congregational Church for your generous support in providing and serving coffee and donuts in the morning and a great lunch of burgers and dogs. Thank you to the Jug Head Band for the great music, the Branford Fire Department for site safety and all the remaining 46 Volunteers that supported this event. 

Bobs plan did not disappoint!! First offshore Audrey Joy TAVF Fishing charter. Yes, the first, there will be many to come. Thank you to Captain Mike and Mate JJ, and fishermen assistants Bob and Jon for a great trip. The weather was a little sketchy and the fish were where the weather, so as good fisherman do, we made it off to the rougher seas for the catch (the Middle Grounds). The fishing was fantastic!! Over 60 fish caught Sea Bass and Blues.

Killiams Point, once we battled the low tide schedule a Great of fishing was had. Over 200 fish and 76 veterans were in attendance.  Thank you, Branford Rotary Club, for your generous support in providing and serving breakfast and lunch. Thank you to Quilts of Valor, Jug Head Band, Branford Fire Department and all the remaining 57 Volunteers that supported this event.  

2023 All Hands Saltwater Kick Off Event. The fishing was outstanding over 300 fish taken, and 109 Veterans participated. The Knights of Columbus breakfast sandwiches were a hit once again. Thank you to all the Veterans for your service and sacrifice to this Great Nation.

Take a Veteran Fishing (TAVF.org) and 94 of this nation’s Veterans could not have asked for a better day to fish at such a nice property. The food was outstanding as always, can’t beat a sausage egg and cheese on a hard roll first thing in the morning. The lunch was fantastic and kept on coming sandwiches, hot dogs and the favorite chicken wings. The first fish caught award went to the Osprey. The mid-morning raffle of two rods donated by Ronald Buxton was a big hit, thank you for the donation.  Bob Reinwald pulled seven names to be added to the July charter and Rich Tenore was able to select the participants for the June charter. These Charters along with the Veteran Angler Charters provide 45 additional Veterans with the opportunity to fish this year.  Thank you, Sam Mercuriano of the Guilford Sportsmen’s Association for coordinating an excellent Day with our Veterans.

Take a Veteran Fishing TAVF.org Event, 75 Veterans participated. The weather couldn’t have been better and the bite was on.

Congratulations to Leon (27 Fish caught)! TAVF announced additional opportunities for the Veterans to Fish, three Charter added to this years saltwater events. Participants are selected by raffle, so be sure to see Bob or John and get your tickets!! The first round of winners, Larry Shortell, Ed Michaud and Caz Pawlowski. Three more drawings will be held at the next three events. The Charter will be on August 19th out of New London. Thank you to all of the Volunteers and club members for making this a day to remember. FISH ON!!!!!

Take a Veteran Fishing TAVF.org Event. 76 Veterans participated. The weather could have been better but as always TAVF and the Veterans made the best of it. (Any day fishing is a good day) Thank ECSC for hosting the Veterans once again.