
Registered non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization
Our slogan is "A Day of Giving Back" and is the core of our mission. When our brave service men and women return from overseas, as a nation, we have been failing to show these heroes our appreciation. A shockingly high number of service members are returning with injuries and even the soldiers without physical wounds are having a hard time adjusting back into the "real world". These "Heroes" have given so much of themselves for our freedom. Reaching out and offering a "Thank You" with a hand shake, is the very least we can do. At Take a Vet Fishing, we take it a step further. Not only do we show these heroes our gratitude and shake their hand, we hand them a fishing rod and ease their minds back into civilization.
The Voice of a Hero.
Operation Healing Heroes was created as a result of over five years of taking US Military Veterans fishing through a non-profit organization co-founded by host Jay Garstecki. Through this non-profit, called Take a Vet Fishing, NFP – Jay and Ben take US Military Veterans fishing as a means of healing the effects of PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) on returning soldiers. It’s been proven that FISHING, through mental relaxation, low-impact exercise and social camaraderie can alleviate the effects of PTS, and clinicians are taking notice. While meeting thousands of Veterans from across the country through this non-profit organization, we’ve heard COUNTLESS stories of heroism. Stories which were too good and MEANINGFUL to go untold to the American population, so Operation: Fishing Freedom was born….
The Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin is an alliance of about 25 Wisconsin based musky clubs. One of the main purposes of the Alliance is to provide an organizational framework in which the clubs can share information and work together to improve the musky fishery. The Alliance is made up of a board of directors which includes the President, Vice President, Sectretary, Treasurer, and two co-directors. There is also one representative and alternate from each member club. There are two main meeting a year, one in the spring (April), and one in the fall (November).
The Alliance sponsors two major fund raising events each year to help raise money for the activities of the Alliance and the member clubs. One fund raiser is the annual boat raffle for a Recon Boat & trailer, with a Mercury motor. The other fund raiser is the annual National Championship Musky Open Tournament held in Eagle River, which is co- sponsored with the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.
Professional Musky Tournament Trail
The Professional Musky Tournament Trail events are the most high profile, exciting, educational and entertaining musky tournaments in the country.
The PMTT's high energy format has been developed not only with the Pro's in mind, but also the dozens and dozens of other excellent musky anglers who may have the desire and ability to become Pro's or just enjoy a little competition and want to have a good time. Success in the PMTT can take you down many roads, no matter what your skill level. Come join the PMTT and have fun.
Anglers have the opportunity to compete in as many qualifying events as they choose, whether it is just one event or the entire tournament trail. The PMTT contestants will be competing for a cash and prize value that could total well over $220,000 through out the year. With the possibility of winning over $21,000 at every event and competing at the year-end Recon Boats World Championship, the PMTT is taking musky fishing to an all time high, developing the sport and promoting musky conservation.