Big Brothers Big Sisters of Manitowoc County

August Match Event

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

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The Northeast Wisconsin Great Lakes Sport Fishing organization hosted its 30th Annual Fish Derby for children and Big Volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters on August 2nd, 2008 at Seagull Marine in Two Rivers. A total of 46 Bigs & Littles boarded 19 boats an hour before sunrise leaving from both Manitowoc and Two Rivers harbors to enjoy the experience of fishing the big lake for Salmon and Trout.

It was a beautiful sunny day on Lake Michigan. Boat Captains and their crews used their fishing and boating skills in the 2 to 3 foot seas to catch that once in a lifetime trophy fish for the kids onboard. A total of 19 captains volunteered their time and equipment to make this a memorable event for the children and their bigs. A total of 31 fish were caught for a total weight of 180 pounds. The largest fish caught was a 14.5 pound King Salmon, which was caught by Little Brother Mike Hamilton aboard the Anticipation II captained by Will Boness.

After a challenging morning on the lake, Bigs, Littles, Captains and their fishing crews gathered at Seagull Marine in Two Rivers for a great shore lunch compliments of M&M Lunch and NEWGLSF.

Prizes including a Bike, fishing rods, tackle boxes, fishing hats and CD players, were awarded to each of the children participating in the fishing derby. Prizes were donated by NEWGLSF, Ernst Reel Marine, and Cabela’s.

Captains and their Charter boats donating time and equipment include: Don Bonfigt on the Don Ho; Will Chase on the Renegade; Jack Gilbert on the Dough Boy; Scott Habermann on the Dolphin; Leon LeClair on the Whitecap; Mark Sloma on the Southern Belle; Doug Weissholn on the Kari Anne; Dan Abts on the Family Fun; Chad Scheinoha on the Chinook Express; Will Boness on the Anticipation II; Mark Ziegler on the Alluvion; Craig Newby on the Seven C’s; Dale Laurin on the Fish Hook; Mike Martell on the Green Crawler; Joshua Wittmann on King Me; Steve Bergner on Rainbow Chaser; Steve Zimmer on Seaduction;Art Jagemann on Zoo Keeper; and Tom Kocourek on the Bo Chaser.

There is a unique human interest aspect to this story. Thirty years ago at our 1st Annual Kids Great Lakes Fish Derby, two brothers, then Littles in our mentoring program, went out for their 1st Great Lakes fishing adventure with their Big Brother Marty Scheck. The Little Brothers, Dave and Dan Abts boarded the Charter Fishing Boat Instigator, Captained by Bob Schuh.

Little Brothers Dave and Dan Abts were amazed by Captain Bob Schuh’s ability to set fish lines and detect fish hits long before anyone else on the boat noticed. What made this ability even more intriguing was the fact that Bob Schuh was then and is now completely blind. Captain Bob’s unique skills managed to get the Little Brothers a good catch of fish on that 1st trip. Littles Dave & Dan Abts were immediately hooked on the Lake Michigan fishing experience for life and requested the opportunity to fish on the Instigator each year there after. But this story does not end here.

Little Brothers Dave and Dan Abts went on to graduate from the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program and both decided to give back by becoming Bigs for other Little Brothers. It wasn’t long and Dave and Dan Abts purchased their own Lake Michigan fishing boat named “Family Fun”.

Dave and Dan Abts spent many years mentoring Little Brothers from the BBBS mentoring program. They also annually offer their boat and fishing skills at the Kids Fish Derby so Littles in the BBBS mentoring program can experience the thrill of catching a trophy Trout or Salmon on Lake Michigan.

Big Brothers Big Sisters thanks everyone who pitched in the help make a positive difference in the lives of these children. Special thanks to Linda of DJ Magic for providing the public address system and photos for this event.

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.