Syracuse.com - Annual 'Take a Soldier Fishing' event set for Saturday on Oneida Lake

[HuntingNY-News]

The group launches at about 8:30 a.m. and fishes until 1 p.m., when they'll return for the weigh-in followed by a BBQ style luncheon and prizes.

The following is a news release:

The NY BASS Chapter Federation (NYBCF) announces the 2013 Take a Soldier Fishing event scheduled for Saturday on Oneida Lake with activities based out of Oneida Shores Park near Brewerton.

his marks the fifth year of this event and 135 Soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) stationed at Fort Drum NY are the invited guests of honor.

The NYBCF assembles volunteer boaters from across the north east region from as far away as Ontario, Canada and Maine to take the Soldiers (men and women) out for free day’s fishing.

This year Bass Pro Shops of Auburn NY has committed to donate 135 Rod & Reel combinations for the Soldiers and the Onondaga County Parks is dedicating the Oneida Shores Park for this event.

Along with these great contributions, the Region 7 NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in conjunction with the DEC Commissioner’s office has designated this as a free fishing day for participating Soldiers.

The day begins with participant registration at 6:30 a.m. then a safety brief, followed by pairing of soldiers with the boaters. Soldiers are provided all tackle and life vests for the day.

The group launches approximately 8:30 a.m. and fishes until 1 p.m. when they'll return for the weigh-in, followed by a BBQ style luncheon and prizes awarded for the biggest fish caught in one of five categories:

1) common carp,

2) blue gill/perch/crappie

3) drum/sheep head

4) white bass / rock bass and

5) bowfin

Throughout the day additional prizes are awarded to participants via free random raffle drawings. The entire day is provided free of cost to participants due to generous donations from our event sponsors.

Soldiers can sign-up by contacting their unit chain of command, for additional information call the Fort Drum Family and MWR - Community Recreation Division at 772- 6071 or 772-500.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog