The 5th Annual Fish United Tournament, presented by Reflections, was another incredible day of fishing, connection, and community impact!
Thanks to the generosity of anglers, sponsors, volunteers, donors, and supporters , this year's event raised more than $27,000 – with additional donation still coming in - to support vital programs and services throughout our community.
The funds raised through Fish United help United Way invest in local nonprofit partner agencies that strengthen our community every day. From emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy services through Tubman, to age-specific recovery support offered by Silver Sobriety, to food, clothing, and essential resources provided by Valley Outreach, every dollar raised helps ensure our neighbors can access the support they need when they need it most.
This year's tournament welcome 38 registered boats, brining together anglers from across the region who believe in the power of giving back. While friendly competition was part of the fun, the true spirit of Fish United was evident in the connections made both on and off the water.
Tournament Winners – Congratulations to our top five teams:
- Jared & Bruce Wang
- Matthew Nelson & Levi Burton
- Josh & Tom Schwintek
- Darrin Emmeck, JP Hartman & Wylder
- Cory Viertel, Jim & Caiden Kuettel
Creating Memories for the Next Generation
One of the most memorable moments of the day was the Youth Fishing from Shore experience. Thanks to the incredible support of Walleye Willy's, Lakeview Hospital, and River Runner Guide Service, local youth had the opportunity to learn, fish, and create lasting memories alongside parents, grandparents, and volunteers.
Walleye Willy's donated 40 fishing rods, with 32 of them used during the event, and every child who participated was able to take a rod home with them. It's moments like these that remind us Fish United is about more than fishing - it's about investing in the next generation and strengthening community connections.
Thank you to our community.
This year's tournament also surpassed its sponsorship goal, a testament to the generosity of local businesses and individuals who believe in building a stronger community together.
To every angler who registered a boat, every sponsor who invested in the event, every volunteer who donated their time, every silent auction bidder, and everyone who joined us for the wrap-up celebration – thank you.
For five years, Fish United has brought people together around a shared purpose: supporting local nonprofits and creating opportunities for our neighbors to thrive. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year's tournament a success and look forward to seeing you on the water again next year.
