Giving Back

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”-Gandhi

When I hear these words, I can’t help but think how perfectly they describe the Whiskers & Vets at the Rock event. Established in 2015 by a local angler, Rocky Scovel, this veterans event was created to share the love of catfishing and appreciation for our Veterans. It all started when Rocky had the idea while fishing at local catfish tournaments on Lake Red Rock in Iowa. How cool would it be to get a bunch of catfishermen together to take some veterans out?! Knowing it would be a win-win, Rocky took the initiative and began creating this amazing event!

Over the years, it has been passed down to others to help keep it alive. In 2018, Midwest Game Fish took leadership. The owner of MGF, Rob Welch, knew this was something that needed to be carried on, so he added it to his local tournament series schedule. Unfortunately in 2022, MGF held their last veterans event when they retired their tournament series. Knowing how much this event meant to everyone, we all knew it had to continue in some way. So when Jimmi (Chasin’ Cats Guide Service) approached Troy and me (Jon Boat Mafia) about teaming up together to continue hosting this, we knew it was a no-brainer. Now, we can happily say that we have just successfully hosted our 2nd Whiskers & Vets at the Rock event!

Throughout the years, Troy and I have had the pleasure of being volunteer boaters. Each year we signed up, we brought a new veteran to the event. Usually, a friend or family member that doesn’t get the chance to fish much. It’s always been fun and very memorable. But to now also hold the role of the host for this event, the feeling of fulfillment is so rich. Seeing how much of an effect we can make not only for our veterans, but our volunteers too is very rewarding! Who knew that just the simple act of taking someone fishing could create such a significant impact on all that are involved.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

To me, this quote shines a light on both our veterans and our volunteers. Our veterans and active duty members have given so much for us all that we will never be able to fully repay. Their service for others is beyond honorable. But with events like this, anglers and volunteers can help spread a little more of that light by giving back to those who served for us. And that is just as incredible.

Many times, this is the one opportunity our veterans get to fish or even be on the water—moments that many of us anglers might take for granted. So knowing we have a responsibility to do our best and make the most of it is something we can all take pride in.

As hosts, we also take pride in who helps represent this wonderful event year after year. Along with so many generous sponsors, Whisker Seeker has shown their support for Whiskers & Vets for several years now. Not only giving back to the veterans, but also giving back to the boaters as well. As we all know, this event would not be possible without our volunteer boaters!

To witness the influence that Whisker Seeker has in this community and to watch it come full circle at an event such as this, is just neat. From seeing the excited faces that open up their WST goodie bag, to the boats that come through the weigh-in with WST rods hanging out the back, and the vets holding their catch with the WST grips is quite a sight. I couldn’t be more proud to represent and support a company that gives back!

While this year’s fishing conditions were a little off with the high water levels, we still had a great turnout! 22 volunteer boaters showed up bright and early at Lake Red Rock to take out 30 vets for a morning of catfishing. The weather was warm, but beautiful. Knowing these cats would be tricky to pattern, these boaters didn’t give up and made sure their vet got a little slime on the line! Or even a white bass or two..or 30..like our boat did! Hey, you can’t tell me that if you had seen them popping the surface, you wouldn't have stopped either! We were like kids in a candy store!

As the morning came to an end, everyone made their way back to the ramp for a Big Fish weigh-in with the help of our local tournament series Mid-Iowa Anglers. Each vet was allowed to bring in their biggest fish to weigh. To see and hear the stories of how these vets caught their fish was so cool. It was pure joy! Not to mention, the quality of the fish that were brought in was amazing! While our boat vet received a close 2nd place, Big Fish of the day was 8 lbs and was caught by a returning Vet!

To wrap up the morning, we all enjoyed an amazing BBQ lunch put on by a local crew! Ribs, chicken, beans, sweet corn, and watermelon. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day! Now, while the prizes, food, and bragging rights are all a major highlight of the event, it’s the camaraderie found in this wonderful group of new and old friends that makes me smile!

As always, a huge Thank You For Your Service goes out to all our veterans and active duty members! And a Thank You to all our volunteers who helped Give Back!