Nothing more placid than rolling in light waves under a warm September sun, a bonus summerlike day in autumn. Breaking that tranquility is welcomed, though, when a walleye jumps a jig and challenges you to a fight. Well, that’s what it will be like this Saturday, September 25th when National Guard soldiers go toe-to-toe, angling against one another in a friendly fishing competition following the FLW Walleye Championship on Leech Lake in Walker, MN.
Fifty brave United States soldiers hailing from Minnesota, West Virginia, Indiana and New Hampshire will participate in the event – fourth in a series – which is being sponsored by Ranger Boats, FLW Outdoors, Northland Fishing Tackle and Liddle Marketing, Ranger’s regional sales group.
The majority of the participating military members have served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the event organizers, Chip Leer connects the event to honoring their time spent defending our nation. “We think of the event like a reward? a “thank you” for doing what they do so selflessly. Might sound quirky, but we consider fishing part of our freedom. And as fishing companies the best way to demonstrate our thanks is by providing a first class fishing experience for the soldiers.”
Each boat competing in the National Guard tournament will feature two soldiers and a professional angler. A number of FLW pros will be leading the charge, captaining boats, as well as fishing legends like John Peterson, founder of Northland Fishing Tackle, and Al Maas, Minnesota Fishing Hall of Famer and pioneering muskie guide.
National Guard anglers will also get their hands dirty assisting in the actual FLW Walleye Championship hoopla. “They’ll help with weigh-ins, even the morning blast-offs,” said Leer. “The most exciting part will be during the final weigh-in under the big top’ at Northern Lights Casino on Saturday night at 7 pm.” (National Guard competitors will have a separate weigh-in ceremony at 3 pm at the casino.)
The public is welcome to attend both the National Guard and FLW Walleye Championship weigh-ins on Saturday. Piloted Ranger boats are available for media members who would like to cover the event. Contact Chip Leer at [email protected] or (218) 760-9065 to get involved in this historic event.By: Corey Stigen
