Category: Fishing

Vet Info – A Journey Forward

“Vet Info: A Journey Forward” is more than just a video — it is a look into the heart of our mission to help Veterans find purpose, connection, and a better quality of life. Through powerful pictures and moments captured along the way, this short presentation highlights Veterans moving forward together through recreation, camaraderie, healing, and support.

At Vet Info, we believe that every Veteran deserves opportunities to reconnect, rebuild, and thrive. Whether through golf, fishing, the arts, community events, or simply being surrounded by others who understand the journey, our goal is to provide hope and purpose one step at a time.

This video is a glimpse into that journey forward.

Free Sunshields Sponsors Vet Info. Protecting those who protects our nation.

Protective sunwear.

Vet Info is proud to be sponsored by Free Sunshields — a small, family-owned business based in historic St. Augustine, Florida, delivering serious protection with a personal touch.

Built on the spirit of resilience and strength, Free Sunshields creates “Fortified Performance Gear” designed for those who work hard and play hard outdoors. From custom UPF sun shirts to neck gaiters and headwear, their high-quality gear keeps you protected, comfortable, and mission ready.

But what truly stands out? Their heart for our military community. ❤️

Free Sunshields is committed to honoring the men and women who have served — and continue to serve — by supporting active lifestyles and giving back to Veterans.

🎖 10% Military Discount


As a thank-you for your service, use code MILITARY at checkout at 👉 www.FreeSunshields.com

When you support businesses that support Veterans, everybody wins.

Cast Off 22 Kicks Off the New Year in Classic Style with U.S. Air Force Veteran Kipp Williams and Family.

Vet Info kicked off the New Year in style aboard the Cast Off 22 with our first Veteran trip of the year. In partnership with MWR Miami and in support of those who serve in the United States Military, we were honored to begin 2026 with a Family Veteran Fishing Trip.

U.S. Air Force Veteran Kipp Williams, along with his wife Ruka and their son Max, spent the day together in the Florida Everglades fishing for bass—and whatever else decided to bite. Although we didn’t catch many fish, the experience was unforgettable as we encountered nearly 50 alligators throughout the day, adding to the excitement and uniqueness of the trip.

At Vet Info, our mission is to enhance the quality of life for those who have served and continue to serve our great nation. Under the guidance of Capt. Bill Watts, the day was filled with laughter, relaxation, and lasting memories made aboard the Cast Off 22.

U.S. Southern Command Fishing Club Saturdays Hosted by Vet Info

Fishing Club Saturdays – A Reel Success!
On October 18th, Vet Info, in partnership with U.S. Southern Command Garrison, MWR, and the BOSS Program, hosted Fishing Club Saturdays at the facility. The event was a big success, giving service members and their families a chance to enjoy the outdoors together.
Children and adults alike had the opportunity to learn fishing techniques from Vet Info staff and Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff Captain Bill Watts. While not everyone landed a catch, smiles were abundant and memories were made!
We’re excited to continue this fun and educational event into 2026 — helping even more families get hooked on fishing.

🎣 All equipment is provided.
Please note: Participants must have a valid ID card allowing entry through security.

Hope to see you at the next Fishing Club Saturday!

Vet Info reaches a Major Milestone with over 100,000 unique site visits.

In the first week of June 2025, Vet Info hit a powerful milestone — over 100,000 unique visits to our website in a relatively short time! This surge isn’t just a number — it’s a reflection of a growing community committed to one mission: improving the lives of U.S. Service Members and Veterans, both Active-Duty and retired.

Since launching in 2020, Vet Info has connected with over 10,000 Veterans, Active-Duty members, families, and supporters. What makes this even more meaningful? We’re a 100% volunteer-run initiative — no major corporate funding, no flashy overhead — just real people giving their time, energy, and sometimes their own money to make a difference.

We’re not here to claim we’re the biggest. We’re here because 22 Veterans a day is a number we refuse to accept. Suicide prevention and intervention aren’t side projects for us — they’re at the heart of everything we do.

Our leadership and volunteers are on the front lines of support, working daily to bring hope, help, and healing to those who’ve served. Every visit, every message, every conversation could be the one that changes — or even saves — a life.

This is more than traffic. This is momentum. And we’re just getting started.

Roast and Reel 2025 ( Pig Roast and Fishing Competition )

🎣🔥Roast & Reel 2025: A Day to Remember at U.S. Southern Command! 🔥🎣

On May 29, 2025, Vet Info teamed up with MWR at U.S. Southern Command to deliver a one-of-a-kind event: Roast & Reel — a pig roast and fishing competition like no other, with support from the Pig Roast Bowl Series!

👨‍🍳🔥 The Roast:
Top chefs from police departments across Miami-Dade County went head-to-head in the Military Edition of the Pig Roast Competition. Five elite teams battled it out for the title of “Best Roast” — bringing the heat and the flavor for our service members and their families.

🎣🏆 The Reel:
Vet Info also hosted the Commander’s Cup Fishing Tournament on-site, where nearly 60 participants competed for awards in:

  • Biggest Fish
  • Most Fish Caught
  • Smallest Fish

It was a close call, with rods in the water and smiles all around — a true celebration of community, camaraderie, and competition!

👏 A huge THANK YOU to all the service members, veterans, civilians, and law enforcement teams who made this event unforgettable.

💻 Want to learn more about Vet Info and how we support active-duty military and veterans?
Visit our website and fill out the Contact Us form. We’d love to connect!
👉 [www.vetinfo.org]

#RoastAndReel2025 #VetInfo #SupportOurTroops #PigRoastBowlSeries #MilitaryCommunity #FishingTournament #USSouthernCommand #MWR #VeteransSupport #MilitaryLife

Vet Info Establishes Fishing Fridays at Southern Command.

As Part of the Cast Off 22 Program Vet Info has established Fishing Fridays at U.S. Southern Command. This will be an on going program over the next 12 months to give the Active Duty and Veterans who work at the Installation a chance to learn how to fish or increase their skills with Bass Pro Shops Pro Bill Watts and the Vet Info Volunteers.

Fishing Friday at Southern CommandDisplaying the Vet Info No Veteran Left Behind T-Shirts and Headquarters Toyota shirtsVet Info Volunteer Isabelle posing with service members Prepping for the eventMark and Staff MemberI caught one!Proudly showing off the fish she caught. Relaxing in the SunFish on MarkBass Pro Shops Pro Staff Capt. Bill Watts

The Benefits of Fishing

Fishing offers numerous health benefits and provides an opportunity to connect with nature, find peace, and enjoy the water. Here are some of the key health benefits associated with fishing:

  1. Stress reduction: Fishing provides a tranquil and serene environment that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. The calmness of the water, the sound of nature, and the rhythmic casting and reeling can all contribute to a sense of peace and well-being.
  2. Physical exercise: Fishing involves various physical activities that can contribute to improved fitness. Walking or hiking to fishing spots, casting, reeling, and landing fish all require physical effort, which can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance coordination.
  3. Vitamin D absorption: Spending time outdoors while fishing exposes you to sunlight, which is a natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones, regulating immune function, and supporting overall well-being.
  4. Mental well-being: Engaging in outdoor activities like fishing can have positive effects on mental health. It offers a break from daily routines, allows for contemplation and mindfulness, and helps reduce anxiety and depression. Being in nature has been shown to improve mood, increase creativity, and boost cognitive function.
  5. Social interaction: Fishing can be a social activity, providing opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Sharing the fishing experience with loved ones promotes bonding, strengthens relationships, and enhances social connections, all of which are important for mental and emotional well-being.
  6. Cognitive stimulation: Fishing requires focus, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Observing fish behavior, assessing weather conditions, and selecting the right bait and techniques all engage the brain and can contribute to cognitive stimulation and improved mental acuity.
  7. Connection with nature: Fishing allows you to immerse yourself in nature, whether it’s a river, lake, or ocean. Spending time in natural surroundings has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, increased happiness, and an overall sense of well-being. It also provides an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the natural world and develop a deeper connection with the environment.
  8. Patience and mindfulness: Fishing often requires patience, as waiting for a bite can be a slow process. This aspect of fishing can teach you the value of patience, mindfulness, and being present in the moment. Learning to appreciate the small joys of fishing, such as the sound of water or the beauty of the surroundings, can help cultivate a more mindful and peaceful mindset.

Remember to check and adhere to local fishing regulations, practice responsible fishing practices, and prioritize the safety and well-being of yourself and the aquatic ecosystem while enjoying this recreational activity.