Walleyes For Warriors And The Winner Is?

[HARSH]

It sounds like all, who attended, participated, contributed and volunteered for this event at Saginaw Bay went home a winner in more ways than one.

Thought I would share a good positive human interest story my fishing buddy and friend Mike Taylor shared with me today regarding this event.

Mike had volunteered the use of his services and his 621 Ranger Boat in support of the Walleyes For Warriors tournament. As he had done the previous year.

Pops (Glenn) Taylor, Mikes 89 year old father and frequent fishing partner informed Mike that he was going with to help out too as he was indeed a WW2 veteran. They were assigned another veteran to fish with for the day.

The wind was blowing steadily, the waves were building, but that did not damper the spirits in the boat. Out they went into the bay, about 12 miles from the mouth of the river before setting down to begin their day of fishing. To make a long story short? The fish were willing and cooperative. All sizes of walleyes were biting. Both veterans in the boat hooked and landed numerous fish. Then a big fish was lost after a long and valiant struggle by the Taylors new friend. Shortly after that Pops Taylor hooked into a heavy fish and the battle was on. This walleye made it to the boat and a 29 1/2 incher was landed. The youngest man in the boat was 63 years old, but Mike told me he believed you could hear them whooping it up all the way back in Saginaw, MI.

Turned out that was the big walleye of the day. 89 year old Glenn Taylor, a combat decorated, recently widowed, WW2 veteran who came to this event to help other vets and ended up catching the derby winner. Mike said that when the local TV station interviewed his dad, Pops was asked if it was a little tough on him out in the bay in the rough water? Glenn Taylor's reply? "Not as tough as 144 days on the front lines in Europe during WW2 was.. Mike said his dad never quit smiling all the way home.

Someone had to catch the biggest fish, but as I said at the start of this. All who were there went home winners and the better of it for having been there.

[Double A]

I'll hit the " LIKE " button! Thanks for sharing.

[Juls]

That's awesome! Great story...thanks for sharing that.

Juls

[John Gildersleeve]

Pete,
Great story. As I was reading this article and explaining to my co-worker, who happens to be a Veteran of the Iraq War, that the FLW Walleye Tour also holds a tournament like this for Veterans. Do you happen to know if they will be doing this at the next tournament at Oahe? If so what does he need to do to take part in this event for Veterans?

[Papascott]

Great to hear! I was lucky enough to have Mike as a Co last year on Erie. Great guy and one of the most enjoyable guys ive had the pleasure of fishing with.