Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County

August Match Event

Little Moments equal Big Magic for both "Bigs" & "Littles".

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Northeastern Wisconsin Great Lakes Sport Fishermen’s organization recently hosted their 31st annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Kids Fish Derby at Seagull Marina in Two Rivers. A total of 45 Bigs and Littles participated in this year’s event. Boat crews were greeted at 5:00 a.m. with 4 to 6 foot seas due to a brisk southeast wind. With rough conditions and a number of Bigs & Littles battling the Lake Michigan flu, most boats returned to port by 7:30 a.m.

A total of 29 fish had been caught in the short 2 1/2 hour trip for a total weight of 197 pounds. Fish weigh-in took place at Seagull Marina where a shore lunch was served to participants, boat Captains and their crews.

The 18 Captains and boats volunteering to take kids fishing on Lake Michigan included: Leon LeClair on the Whitecap, Scott Habermann on the Dolphin, Don Bonfigt on the Don Ho, Jerry Hudson on the Git-R-Done, Jack Gilbert on the Dough Boy, Chad Scheinoha on the Chinook Express, Will Boness on the Anticipation II, Dan & Dave Abts on the Family Fun, Doug Weisshahn on the Kari Anne, Will Chase on the Renegade, Dale Laurin on the Fish Hook, Josh Wittmann on the King Me, John Endsley on the Oops, Steve Bergner on the Rainbow Chaser, Steve Zimmer on the Seaduction, Roger Meyers on the Toy Box, Bob Kulis on the boat Uncle Bob, and Tom Kocourek with Brian Robinson on the Bo Chaser.

The largest fish was a 19.22 pound King Salmon caught by Little Brother Kameron aboard Jerry Hudson’s boat Git-R-Done. The Boat bringing in the largest catch of the day was the Whitecap captained by Big Brother Leon LeClair with his Little Brother Sam with a total weight of 40.92 pounds of fish.

With the completion of lunch, children participating in the event received prizes donated by the Northeastern Wisconsin Great Lakes Sport Fishermen’s organization (NEWGLSF). First place trophies donated by Manitowoc Trophy were awarded to the child with the largest fish and the boat Captain with the largest catch. Volunteers assisting with food or prizes included Roger Puls, Roy Berres, Two Rivers Auto Wash, Jane Bonfigt, Mike Martell, and the Sandpiper Bar & Grill.

This is a great event for children in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program who otherwise might never have a chance to experience the thrill of charter fishing on the great lakes. This experience also teaches children to respect and appreciate our abundant natural resources in the Manitowoc County area. It is our hope children who participate in the kids fish derby will get hooked on a great new hobby that will positively impact their lives in the future.

Go to the How to Volunteer page if you are interested in putting some "magic" into the lives of kids, or call us at (920) 684-7445.