UMATILLA, Ore.-Fish’n the Brave, which allows veterans and active-duty military members to enjoy a day of guided fishing on the Columbia River was November 7 in Umatilla.
Tony Fisher, of Fisher’s Catch Outfitters (FCO) started Fish’n the Brave to thank veterans for their service, and the event has become a Veterans Day weekend staple for the past 11 years now.
“We’ve got beautiful weather today, we’re going after sturgeon and walleye,” said Fisher. “We’ll have to make a run for the walleye, but these guys are up for it.”
FCO partners with the City of Umatilla and the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce for Fish’n the Brave, which launches out of Umatilla Marina Park.
The Umatilla Chamber of Commerce helps coordinate outreach for the event, as well as business sponsors and meals, which are donated, while also serving as a liaison with the City, including Public Works and Parks and Recreation.
“This is a great event and we’re happy to help out in some small way,” said Josiah Barron, Executive Director of the Umatilla Chamber. “We’re always glad to be a part of Fish’n the Brave and to support veterans.”
After some donuts from Rae’s Dayz Donuts and coffee from the Bridge Bistro, about 100 veterans loaded on to 30 boats and hit the water for a full day of fishing.
“I think I originally heard about Fish’n the Brave from a Facebook post,” said Mark Wiggins, an Army veteran and 1st Vice Commander of American Legion Post 37 in Hermiston. “Now this is my fourth-year fishing. It’s a great event for veterans.”
Back on shore in the afternoon, veterans had the opportunity to win several prizes donated from individuals and local businesses, including a full-beef donated by Rich and Patty Estes.
“The community really came together this year, we’ve got lots of good prizes,” said Fisher.
More information about Fish’n the Brave is available online.
