A wonderful morning of walleye fishing.
John & Carol
Carol reached out to us because although possessing an adventurous spirit, had never caught walleye on Lake Erie before. Currently dealing with some serious health concerns we were more than happy to put this excursion together for her and her husband.
The fishing was a bit slow, yet we still managed to put a mixed bag of fish in the boat. Walleye, steelhead, catfish and drum all cooperated.
We’re all still waiting for the lake to cool and the fantastic fall fishing to heat up.
The lakes surface temp read 68 degrees with 10 mph SE winds making the waves around 2’. The water visibility wasn’t great; about 4’ due to the big blow we’ve had the last few days.
Crank baits caught nothing but shorts and junk. Small stinger spoons and worm harnesses were the only game today. These put both steel and ‘eyes in the boat while running at speeds between 1.5 and 2.0 mph.
Please join us in wishing Carole a continued recovery and a long future of good health.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you on the water!
Learn More About Cast It Forward
Listen to Cast It Forward founder Art Panfil on Buckeye Sportsman radio program.
Mom & Son First Lake Erie Experience
Sharlene and Elijah
Today Cast It Forward had Sharlene and her six year old son EJ on board for their first ever Lake Erie experience.
At his young age EJ loves fishing and the outdoors. Wanting to encourage his participation in our great sport, Sharlene reached out to us for help in making this happen. We were more than happy to do so by introducing them both to Lake Erie and our great fishery.
Even though the overall fishing has been slow lately, Sharlene and EJ spent a fun morning of catching a mixed bag of Lake Erie’s bounty. Walleye, White Bass, White Perch, and Drum all kept them busy throughout.
Working around the Cleveland area in the early morning, Reapers produced in 30’ of water at 60’ - 80’ back unassisted. Later in the morning in 55’ of water, Dipsey’s with Stinger spoons along with WNC’s Double Trouble worm harnesses set at #2 / 80 and #0 / 65 all produced.
The lake’s surface temp read 76 degrees and the barometric pressure came in at 30.13 InHg. Our trolling speeds were between the 1.9 - 2.5 mph range and the winds were SW < 10 and the lakes waves were < 2’.
It was a fun and memorable morning on the water. Hopefully both mom and EJ will spend a lifetime making fishing memories together. We’re glad that Cast It Forward played a small part in starting them off on their fishing journey together.
Good luck to Sharlene and EJ in their future fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Mom & Young Sons First Lake Erie Experience
Today Cast It Forward had Jen and her young sons ten year old Grey and eight year old Wally on board for their first ever fishing experience on Lake Erie!
Jen reached out to us because her boys are showing interest in fishing and the great outdoors. Wanting to nurture their enthusiasm but not having the experience herself, we were more than happy to help introduce her boys to our great sport.
Wally and Grey spent a fun morning of catching a mixed bag of Lake Erie’s bounty. Walleye, White Bass, White Perch, Catfish and Drum all kept them very busy.
Working the Cleveland area, Reapers and Bandits produced in 35’ of water 40’ - 80’ back unassisted along with Dipsey’s with Stinger & Badmo spoons set at #1 / 35’ and #0 / 55’. The lake’s surface temp was 75 degrees and the barometric pressure came in at 29.92 InHg. Our trolling speeds were run between the 2.1- 2.4 mph range.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable morning on the water. Both Grey and Wally were good listeners and quick learners. By the end of our trip they were even helping with clearing the lines and getting the deck in order! I’m happy to say they did a great job all the way around.
Hopefully, they’ll both have a lifetime of fun and adventure participating in our great sport. We take great pride in knowing that we may have played a small part in helping them get started on their fishing journey.
Good luck to Jen, Grey and Wally in their future fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Support Cast It Forward
Veteran Army Ranger Walleye Trip
David Bannerman
Today Cast It Forward had Mr. David Bannerman on board to enjoy a morning of walleye fishing on our Great Lake.
David joined the Army at nineteen years of age and served twenty years as an Army Ranger achieving the rank of 1sg-E8. Also included in his service was nine tours of brave and patriotic duty overseas.
Joining along with us for our adventure was David’s lovely sister Bonnie.
David had contacted us because he wanted to catch some Lake Erie walleye and also enjoys experiencing the peace and tranquillity of being out in the water. We were honored to provide this opportunity to him.
With the dog days of summer setting in, the walleye fishing has slowed some. We managed to put some nice fish in the boat by moving and covering a lot of different water depths around the Cleveland area. Thankfully we were able to catch enough walleye to send David and Bonnie home with a nice cooler of fish.
Reapers and Bandits produced early in 40’ of water 50’ - 100’ back unassisted. As the sun climbed higher we moved out to the 55’-62’ depths. Here the Dipsey bite with spoons and harnesses was more productive. Settings were at #1 / 85’ and #0 / 65’. The lake’s surface temp read 77 degrees and the barometric pressure was at 30.05 InHg. Our trolling speeds were run between the 2.0 - 2.5 mph range.
It was an enjoyable morning of catching fish, camaraderie, and story telling.
Please join me in thanking Mr. David Bannerman for his twenty years of brave service to our country. It was an honor and a pleasure to have you on board with us today. Heres hoping we can fish together again sometime very soon.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Support Cast It Forward
Inspirational Father & Son Walleye Trip
Brian and Sammy
Today Cast It Forward had Brian and his five year old son Sammy on board.
At his young age Sammy is already passionate about fishing and the great outdoors. Also joining us during our trip were good friends Jason and Ryan.
Brian is an avid fisherman, but a tragic accident a few years back had since denied him the opportunity to enjoy our Great Lake.
He wished to experience walleye fishing on Lake Erie again and wanted to share that experience with his young son.
We were humbled and honored to provide this opportunity to them.
The walleye were scattered but in a cooperative mood once we found them. Reapers, Bandits and Spoons produced early in 35’ of water 40’- 100’ back unassisted. By late morning the worm bite turned on in water from 48’-52’ deep. Dipsey’s were set at #1 / 75 and #0 / 85’. The lake’s surface temp read 75 degrees and the barometric pressure was at 30.95 InHg. We varied our trolling speeds between the 2.0 - 2.4 mph.
Despite having to overcome tremendous obstacles, Brian maintains a positive outlook and exudes an inner strength that impacts those around him. He is truly one of the most inspirational people I have ever met.
Please join us in wishing Brian, Sammy and his lovely wife Susanna all the best that life has to offer. It truly was a day we’ll never forget and hopefully we will share time on the water again sometime very soon.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Cast It Forward in the News!
Learn more about Cast It Forward in this article on Akron.com.
Cornerstone of Hope
Today Cast It Forward sponsored a day of kids fishing activities in support of the Cornerstone of Hope organization.
Attended by 75 children ages 6-12, this event was designed to introduce future anglers to our great sport and the endless opportunities it offers.
Activities included hands on casting instruction and participation, knot tying and hook safety, how to properly dispose of fishing line, kayaks and kayak demonstrations, boat rides, boating safety and rules, boating terms, and fun facts about our Great Lake Erie.
In hopes of spurring greater interest in our great sport each participant went home with a bevy of fishing related items.
Courtesy of the Future Angler Foundation each participant was presented with a rod / reel combo along with a Future Angler Foundation future NPAA Members fishing shirt.
Along with that, courtesy of Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's each participant was given a Lake / Pond tackle kit to pair with their new rod and reel combo.
And, courtesy of our organization “Cast It Forward”, each participant was given their own embroidered Cast It Forward fishing hat.
All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable, jam packed experience for everyone involved.
Thank You to our volunteers Leslie Panfil, Dave Sobey and his lovely wife Marie, Chuck Earls, and Pete Kolaric for their help and dedication in making this event a resounding success.
And a very special thank you to JoAnn Borer from Cornerstone of Hope for all of her hard work and planning that went into organizing this event.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More About our Sponsor
Future Angler Foundation - We bridge the gap to bring passionate, knowledgeable anglers to communities and families who want to learn more about the sport. We focus on eduction and hands-on participation in sport fishing with skilled leaders.
Desert Storm Veteran’s Trip
Recently Cast It Forward had Army veteran Mr. Deon Grant on board with us.
Mr. Grant proudly and bravely served our country for six years. Included in his service was a tour of duty overseas during Operation Desert Storm.
An avid fisherman, Mr. Grant hasn’t been able to fish as much as he’d like to lately due to various health concerns. We were honored to make this trip happen for him and to share the magical effects of our Great Lake with him.
While not entirely the point, the fishing was slow. Although targeting walleye without much success, we still managed to put a few nice steelhead in the boat and also did battle with a huge, pole bending drum. All in all it was a relaxing and enjoyable day on the water.
Please join me in thanking Mr. Deon Grant for his service to our country and wish him good health moving forward and all the best that life has to offer.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Young Angler’s First Lake Erie Walleye Experience!
Nolan and Mom Sandy
Today Cast It Forward had Sandy and her nine year old son Nolan on board for his first ever Lake Erie walleye experience.
Sandy contacted us because Nolan is passionate about all things fishing. She wanted to further nurture his love for our great sport by sharing a day of walleye fishing with him on Lake Erie.
It’s not often we get to introduce a young angler to our Great Lake for the very first time. We were honored to make this trip happen for Nolan and his mom.
Both mom and son did a great job of fighting and landing all of their fish. We had multiple hook ups and even some huge “other” fish and to their credit did not lose a single one. Both of them proved themselves to very good anglers. Of course, Nolan caught the biggest fish- a six pound Lake Erie beauty!
The lake was in decent shape considering this past weekends windy weather. The fish seemed to be a little more scattered than on our more recent trips. Fortunately, we managed to find some good pockets of fish and sent them home with a nice cooler full.
Atomic Shad Reapers and Blue Shiner Bandits produced in 40’-55’ of water anywhere from 60’ - 120’ unassisted. Our Dipseys / Spoon combo was not as effective today. Although #2 / 55’ - 70’ with small Stingers and Badmos did put a few fish on board. The lake’s surface temp read 72 degrees and we consistently trolled around the 2.0 - 2.2 mph range.
Please join me in congratulating awesome fisherman Nolan and his equally impressive mom Sandy for their skilled fishing efforts in putting a nice limit of fish in the boat.
We are beyond honored that our organization was able to provide this opportunity to them and hope to share time on the water again with them sometime soon.
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…As a Nonprofit Organization, we survive on the generosity of others.
Today’s trip was sponsored by Susan Teagarden in loving memory of her late husband Chuck Teagarden.
Before going on to Glory, Chuck and Susan were married for 37 years. Along the way their family grew as they welcomed and raised two lovely daughters together.
Chuck was an avid outdoorsman and loved spending his spare time hunting and fishing. He was also a dedicated fly fisherman and spent the colder months targeting steelhead in our area’s rivers.
He and Susan spent many a summer together boating and fishing. They chased walleye and perch on the western end of Lake Erie using Sandusky as their home base.
When not enjoying the great outdoors Chuck was a Health teacher and also a respected wrestling coach.
We thank Susan Teagarden for her generous support and ask you to keep her and her devoted husband Chuck in your thoughts and prayers.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by Susan Teagarden in loving memory of her late husband Chuck Teagarden.
Air Force & Navy Veteran’s Family Trip
Mr. James Hunt and Mr. George “Rick” Pierce
Today Cast It Forward had veterans and first cousins Mr. James Hunt and Mr. George “Rick” Pierce on board for a morning of unbelievably fast fishing action along with some good natured, family fun and smack talk.
Mr. Hunt proudly served our country for six years as a member of the US Air Force. Mr. Pierce proudly served our country for twenty years as a member of the US Navy.
After his service, James worked for the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a chemist and engineer. He was deeply involved in the design and development of the tires that went on our military’s Humvees.
After his service, Rick has been working as a Surgeons Assistant. He and his wife travel extensively throughout the country and to this day Rick is still plying his trade wherever he is needed.
James contacted us because his cousin had never been on Lake Erie before nor had he ever caught a walleye. Hearing this, we jumped at the chance to make this trip happen.
Although the lake was somewhat bumpy, the walleye were in an aggressive, feeding mood. Both experienced fisherman spent the morning catching a mixed bag of really nice ‘eyes from 2-6 pounds.
Reapers, Flickers and Bandits all steadily produced in 35’- 52’ of water 60’- 120’ back unassisted around the Cleveland area. Dipseys at #1 / 35 & 45’ with Stingers and Badmo Spoons rounded out our program. The lake’s surface temp read 72 degrees and we consistently trolled around the 2.0 - 2.2 mph range.
Please join me in thanking Mr. James Hunt and Mr. Rick Pierce for their service to our country. These two former servicemen are great guys and a lot of fun to be around. We wish them well and look forward to spending time on the water again with them very soon.
…As a Nonprofit Organization, we survive on the generosity of others. Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities.
CCH’s aim is to provide their residents with the highest quality of care as well as the most advanced medical and rehabilitative treatment.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to CCH Health Care for their support and for making this trip possible for today’s participants.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities. CCH’s aim is to provide their residents with the highest quality of care as well as the most advanced medical and rehabilitative treatment.
94 Years Young WW II Veteran Trip
Mr. Andy Hocevar
Today Cast It Forward had Mr. Andy Hocevar on board for a fun afternoon of fishing, laughs and story telling. A veteran, “Mr. Andy” proudly served our country during WW II as a member of the U.S. Navy.
After the war, he married his beloved wife Margaret and they shared their lives together for sixty two years until her passing three years ago. Mr. Andy and Mrs. Margaret had five children together, and they spent their time as a family traveling, camping, and of course- fishing! During this time Mr. Andy also started a successful catering business that is still in operation to this day.
His daughter, Louise Vanek contacted us because her father has missed fishing our Great Lake. Mr. Andy wanted to share a family fishing outing together with Louise and his son-in-law Mark Vanek.
Of course, we jumped at the chance to make this happen for them.
The lake conditions and especially the fish were very cooperative. We spent the afternoon catching a mixed bag of nice walleye and by afternoons end we had a stuffed cooler full of fish.
Reapers, Flickers and Bandits all steadily produced in 35’-45’ of water 60’- 90’ back unassisted around the Gold Coast area. The lake’s surface temp read 75 degrees and we consistently trolled around the 2.0 mph range. It was a great day on the water.
Please join me in saluting Mr. Andy Hocevar for his service to our country and for his life long devotion to his cherished wife Margaret and their loving family. He is a true gentleman and I’m a better person for having the opportunity to have met him, his daughter Louise and son-in-law Mark. We look forward to doing it again very soon.
…As a Nonprofit Organization, we survive on the generosity of others.
Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities. CCH’s aim is to provide their residents with the highest quality of care as well as the most advanced medical and rehabilitative treatment.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to CCH Health Care for their support and for making this trip possible for today’s participants.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities. CCH’s aim is to provide their residents with the highest quality of care as well as the most advanced medical and rehabilitative treatment.
Brave Veteran’s Memorable Trip
Bill Holk
Today Cast It Forward had William “Bill” Holk on board for an awesome late afternoon / early evening fishing excursion. Bill served our country faithfully for twenty one years as a member of the U.S. Army. Also included in his service was a tour of duty overseas.
Recently, Bill has been bravely battling some serious health issues and wanted to spend some time walleye fishing on Lake Erie with his beautiful wife Heidi. Also along for support was fellow VA member Scott Hill.
Our organization was humbled and honored to fill Bill’s request.
This group put on an absolute clinic on how to catch walleye. Bill in particular had an uncanny ability in identifying even the slightest bite off our boards and dipseys. Unbelievably we finished the evening with eight fish on at one time!
We fished the Cleveland area in the 35’-45’ depths using Reapers, Flickers and Bandits. These were run at 2.0 MPH unassisted from 50’-110’ back. Small Stingers behind Dipseys at #2 / 40 rounded out our program.
Please join me in thanking Bill Holk for his service to our country. Let’s also wish him a complete and speedy recovery from his current health situation. It was a true honor and pleasure to have him and his lovely wife of twenty three years Heidi on board today. We look forward to spending more time on the water with them very soon.
… As a Nonprofit Organization we survive on the generosity of others.
Today’s trip was sponsored by Adventure Recreational Finance. As a local business, Adventure Recreational Finance offers financing for “Your Next Adventure.”
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Adventure Recreational Finance for their support and for making this trip possible for our participants Bill Holk and his lovely wife Heidi.
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by Adventure Recreational Finance. A local business, Adventure Recreational Finance offers financing for “Your Next Adventure.”
Family of Fishing Patriots
Duke, Janet and Richie
Today Cast It Forward had Duke, Janet and Richie on board for their first opportunity to catch Lake Erie walleye. Duke and Janet proudly served our country in the Marine Corps where they met and later married. Following in his parents footsteps, son Richie is enlisted and will be serving our country as a member of the US Navy.
Janet contacted Cast It Forward because she wanted her family to share their first experience of fishing Lake Erie together and hopefully catch their first walleye(s) on the lake.
Thankfully, the lake and the fish did not disappoint. They had fast action all morning with multiple doubles and triples and we wound up sending them home with a nice cooler full fish.
Our program consisted of fishing the 42’-45’ depths around the Cleveland area. Reapers 70’-100’ back, Bandits 60’-80’ back, Flicker Minnows 40’-60’ back and Dipseys / Small Stingers @ #2 / 45’ fired all morning. Trolling speeds were 1.9 - 2.2 MPH.
It turned out to be an awesome day to introduce these three patriots to our Great Lake. We are truly grateful that our organization was able to provide this experience for them.
Please join me in thanking Duke, Janet and Richie for their service to our country. We were honored to have them on board with us today and look forward to doing it again soon.
… As a Nonprofit Organization Cast It Forward survives on the generosity of others.
Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities.
CCH’s aim is to provide their residents with the highest quality of care as well as the most advanced medical and rehabilitative treatment.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to CCH Health Care for their support and for making this trip possible for Duke, Janet and Richie.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities.
Air Force Veteran First Lake Erie Experience!
Amanda Weaver and Steve Callahan
Today Cast It Forward had Air Force Veteran Amanda Weaver on board along with fellow active Army National Guard member Steve Callahan.
Motivated by 9/11, Amanda joined the Air Force in October 2001 and served our country until 2009. Steve, a native of Canton, Ohio enlisted in August of 1994 and is still active today. Both of these brave patriots also served overseas.
Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana and now living in Northern Ohio, Amanda reached out to us because she had never been on Lake Erie before and catching walleye was on her bucket list. We were happy to fulfill her request.
It turned out to be an awesome day on the water. The fish were cooperative and both Amanda and Steve went home with a nice cooler full of fish.
We fished depths between 37-42’, 45’-48’ and 51-55’ feet of water targeting fish between 15’- 30’ feet down. Reapers 70’- 120’ back, Stinger Spoons/ Dipsey’s at #1 and #2 settings 30’ and 60’ back and Bandits 60’-80’ back all kept Amanda and Steve on their toes. It was a beautiful and productive morning.
Please join me in thanking Amanda Weaver and Steve Callahan for their service to our country. And, we thank them both for spending time with us today and look forward to doing it again very soon.
….As a nonprofit organization Cast It Forward survives on the generosity of others.
Today’s trip was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's through their Outdoor Fund Grant Program. This is their Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is funded by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s customers who “round up” their purchases. https://www.cabelas.com/ and https://www.basspro.com/
Our heartfelt thanks to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s for making this trip possible for Air Force Veteran Amanda Weaver and Army National Guard Member Steve Callahan.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's through their Outdoor Fund Grant Program.
Army Veteran’s First Lake Erie Walleye Trip
Phil Van Duyn
Today Cast It Forward had Mr. Phil Van Duyn on board for his first Lake Erie walleye experience.
Originally from Parma and now residing in the Akron area, Phil proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army. As an enlisted man, Phil bravely served our country in Vietnam from 1969 - 1970.
After his service, Phil married his wife of 46 years Nancy and together they raised three children.
Phil retired as a sales manager from a company that designs and manufactures custom paper tubes for the military and the food and aviation industries. In his spare time Phil is an avid runner and life long dirt bike rider.
Fortunately for us today, the walleye were in a cooperative mood. We spent the morning catching a mixed bag of really nice ‘eyes between 2-5 pounds. By the end of the morning we had a nice cooler of fish to send Phil home with.
Reapers and Bandits produced in 35’- 45’ of water 60’- 90’ back unassisted around the Cleveland Gold Coast area. For whatever reasons, Blue Shiner Bandits were the most effective today with Golden Ticket Reapers turning on later in the morning. The lake’s surface temp read 74 degrees and the barometric pressure came in at 30.95 InHg. We varied our trolling speeds between the 2.0 - 2.5 mph range.
Please join me in thanking Mr. Phil Van Duyn for his dedicated service to our country. And, we look forward to spending time on the water with him again in the future.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More
Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities.
Bucket List Trip for Navy Veteran 97 Years Young
Gene Wright
Today I had the honor and pleasure to share time on the water with Mr. Lloyd Eugene “Gene” Wright Sr. and his Son-In-Law Chris Marinchek.
“Mr. Gene”, who is 97 years young, was honorably discharged from the Navy and proudly served his country from January 1944 through May 1946. He is a retired Ford autoworker, a loving husband of sixty years to his late wife Fonda and a father of three.
On Mr. Gene’s bucket list was to fish for walleye on Lake Erie. His daughter Denise Marinchek reached out to us here at Cast It Forward. We were deeply moved by his story and humbled and honored to make this trip happen for him.
I’m happy to say that Mr. Gene caught a mixed bag of really nice walleye today between 3 and 10 pounds. He really showed us he meant business when he reeled in a 28” long 10 pound trophy Fish Ohio walleye! Truly, it was a day none of us will soon forget.
Thank you for your service Seaman Second Class Mr. Gene Wright. It was an honor and a pleasure to spend time with you today. I hope we can fish together again sometime very soon.
….As a nonprofit organization we survive on the generosity of others. Today’s trip was sponsored by the family of the late Stan Kerka. Mr. Kerka was a Navy veteran and proudly served his country from 1955 through 1957 achieving the rank of SKG3.
He was an avid, lifelong fisherman and had planned to fish with us. Unfortunately, Stan went on to glory before he could achieve this goal. After his passing, his son Thom Kerka and family chose to honor their father by sponsoring a Cast It Forward fishing excursion. What better way to do so than to sponsor a trip for a fellow Navy Seaman.
Please join me expressing our gratitude to both of these great men for their service to our country and their devotion to their families. May God bless Mr. Gene Wright and Mr. Stan Kerka.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water.
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by the family of the late Stan Kerka. Mr. Kerka was a Navy veteran and proudly served his country from 1955 through 1957 achieving the rank of SKG3.
Army Vet & Wife’s First Lake Erie Walleye Experience
Allen and Natalie
Today Cast It Forward had Army Veteran Mr. Allen “Packo” Sanches and his lovely wife Natalie on board for a beautiful morning of Lake Erie walleye fishing and sight seeing.
Originally from Hawaii, Packo proudly served our country for six years as a member of the Army’s Third Infantry Division via Fort Stuart, Georgia. Also included in his service was a tour of duty overseas.
Packo met Natalie on a Halloween blind date that was set up by mutual friends. Today their family has grown to now include two teenage children.
Originally, Natalie’s mom contacted us because she thought their family would enjoy a day of fishing together on Lake Erie. Hearing this, we were happy to make this trip happen for them. Unfortunately, their kids weren’t available for this trip but we plan on taking them fishing at a later date.
The lake’s conditions could not have been more perfect. A light southwest wind and slightly overcast skies had the walleye on the chew and we sent them home with a nice cooler full of fish.
Anti Freeze Reapers, Racy Shad Flickers and Blue Chrome Bandits produced in 35’- 45’ of water 60’- 100’ back unassisted around the Cleveland area. Dipseys at #1 / 35 & 45’ with small Watermelon Stingers rounded out our program. The lake’s surface temp read 75 degrees and we consistently trolled around the 2.0 - 2.4 mph range.
Please join me in thanking Mr. Allen “Packo” Sanches for his dedicated and brave service to our country. And, we wish Packo and Natalie well and look forward to spending time on the water again with them very soon.
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…As a Nonprofit Organization, we survive on the generosity of others.
Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities.
CCH’s aim is to provide their residents with the highest quality of care as well as the most advanced medical and rehabilitative treatment.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to CCH Health Care for their support and for making this trip possible for today’s participants.
Good luck in your fishing adventures.
Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More
Today’s trip was sponsored by CCH Healthcare - a family of Nursing and Healthcare facilities.
Vietnam Army Veterans Fishing Excursion
Mr. Tommy Harris and Mr. Kenn Pekar
Today Cast It Forward had Army Veterans Mr. Tommy Harris and Mr. Kenn Pekar on board for a lively morning of fishing and camaraderie.
Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mr. Harris joined the Army in 1967 and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Pekar, a Cleveland, Ohio native, joined the Army in 1968 and was a member of the 25th Infantry Division. While on tour he earned two Purple Hearts for his valor.
It was a great and enjoyable day sharing time on the water with these two patriots. The fish were cooperative and Tommy and Kenn sorted through a mixed bag of fish from shorts on up to a beautiful seven pound Lake Erie ‘eye.
We fished contoured depths between 37’-42’, targeting fish suspended 10’- 25’ down. Reapers 60’-90’ back, Watermelon Stinger Spoons / Dipsey’s at #2 settings at 45’ back and #11 Flicker Minnows during early morning at 40’-60’ back all kept these gentlemen busy. All told it was a beautiful and productive morning with these two fun, old school characters.
Please join me in thanking Mr. Tommy Harris and Mr. Kenn Pekar for their service to our country. And, Cast It Forward thanks them both for spending time with us today and we look forward to doing it again with them very soon
. ….As a nonprofit organization Cast It Forward survives on the generosity of others. Today’s trip was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's through their Outdoor Fund Grant Program. This is their Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is funded by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s customers who “round up” their purchases. https://www.cabelas.com/ and https://www.basspro.com/
Our heartfelt thanks to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s for making this trip possible for Army Veterans Tommy Harris and Kenn Pekar. Good luck in your fishing adventures. Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's through their Outdoor Fund Grant Program.
Army Veteran Limit Trip
Wayne Swiat
Today Cast It Forward had Army Veteran Wayne Swiat on board. Wayne joined the Army in 1969 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. As a former boat owner who no longer owns a boat, Wayne reached out to our organization seeking an opportunity to again spend some time on the water and catch some Lake Erie walleye. Of course, we were happy to oblige.
It turned out to be a great day on the water. The fish were very cooperative and Wayne went home with a nice cooler full of fish. We fished depths between 48’-56’ feet of water targeting fish between 18’-30’ feet down. Reapers 90-120’ back and Stinger Spoons/ Dipsey’s at #1 and #2 settings 30’ and 55’ back all kept Wayne very busy. All in all it was a beautiful and productive morning.
Please join me in thanking Wayne Swiat for his service to our country. And, we thank him for spending time with us today. We look forward to doing it again very soon.
….As a nonprofit organization Cast It Forward survives on the generosity of others. Today’s trip was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's through their Outdoor Fund Grant Program. This is their Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization funded by Bas Pro Shops and Cabela’s customers who “round up” their purchases. https://www.cabelas.com/ and https://www.basspro.com/
Our heartfelt thanks to Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s for making this trip possible for Army Veteran Wayne Swiat. Good luck in your fishing adventures. Hope to see you out on the water!
Learn More About Our Sponsor
Today’s trip was sponsored by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's through their Outdoor Fund Grant Program.