Each year the NEPVA puts on a number a bass tournaments for paralyzed (or injured) veterans in New England. My father is one of them. This year, unfortunately, they're short boaters. They have 20 veterans and only 9 boaters.
Here's a little blurb about the trail from the NEPVA website:
"Anglers with disabilities are paired with boaters for a day of competitive fishing. The partners compete as a team and the team with the largest weight for their limit takes home the first place trophys. Points are also accumulated at each event towards a year ending TOC tournament. The anglers can compete in as many events as possible. Lunker prizes are also awarded for the largest bass taken at each tournament."
They used to do a tournament a month—six a year, I think—but I guess donations have decreased in recent years and as a result the tournaments have as well. So this year there are just two: June 8, Charles River, Brighton, MA (launch from the Newton Yacht Club) and Sept. 5-7, Lake Winnipesaukee, Moultonborough, NH.
There are no entries fees. Winners receive trophies, not cash. The Winnie tournament is a three-day event, Friday through Sunday, with the tournament on Saturday. Everyone stays for free at Camp Robindel (
http://www.robindel.com) in Moultonborough, NH (safe for smaller, lighter boats, like Trackers). Food is provided, breakfast, lunch (on Saturday) and dinner (burgers, dogs, BBQ, etc.). They have games and a band plays. I'm pretty sure family is also welcome, but you'll have to double-check that. I'm not entirely sure how the lodging is handled, only that the camp cabins are used.
Anyway, this is my first year owning a boat so it's my first year participating. As a veteran myself, it's the least I can do. I've been to a few of the weigh-ins and it's a really great thing to see these guys, many of whom are wheelchair bound, get out there and have a good time on the water.
It'd be really great if all these guys got to fish this year. =)
If you need more specifics or have questions, you can contact Tom Lee at 508-740-9345, or e-mail him at wctek47 AT gmail.com. Or you can just register as a boater here:
http://nepva.org/bass_trail.html
THANKS!