There are a few things Bassin’ in the Boot will always support. Children and Veterans are at the top of that list. At Bassin’ in the Boot we love bass tournaments no doubt but when you put one on that benefits those who made tremendous sacrifices to protect our freedom and way of life, well we think that is just outstanding. Joey Stein and Westside Bassmasters have done just that.
Westside Bassmasters will be hosting its 5th Annual Veteran Open Tournament for the Wounded War Heroes (WWH). The tournament will be out of Doirons Landing in Morgan City, Louisiana. This year’s event will be on July 17th and the participants will be able to fish the Spillway or Belle River Basins but may not go south of HWY 90.
Westside Bassmasters is a singles club that was founded in 2016 by Michael Himel and Darren Hernandez based out the Plaquemine/Brusly area. Westside started off as just a bunch of guys just wanting to fish competitively against their peers at different venues across the state. We have 7 regular season events and a classic. We start in January and end with our Classic in October. Because Westside is a B.A.S.S. Nation affiliated club, members have a chance to qualify to fish the Bassmaster Classic.
Joey tells us, “I can promise if it is your dream to fish the Classic it can be done!” This year he told us, “Westside’s very own Blake Sylvester qualified for 2021 and fished on the biggest stage in bass fishing “THE BASSMASTER CLASSIC!”
Westside Wounded Warriors
July 2021, Volume 127
Continue Reading Below.
Continue Reading Below.
This is Westside Bassmaster’s 2nd year teaming up with the Wounded War Heroes. Thirty percent of the $150 tournament entry fee is donated straight to the WWH as well as 100% of all raffles and silent auction item monies. This tournament continues to grow every year and has turned into a great event headlined by a $2000 guarantee for 1st place based on 50 boats.
The highest placing veteran receives a handmade wooded American Flag. Our 2020 event had 109 teams compete and raise over $9000 for WWH. The cool thing is that 32 veterans fished the tournament. The veterans can choose to fish for free, meaning if the team consist of 1 veteran the entry fee is $75 and if team consist of 2 veterans the entry is waved.
Westside Bassmaster’s partnership continues to grow with Wounded War Heroes and is proud to see the money go to a great local organization!
Wounded War Heroes is a local nonprofit organization located out of Geismar, LA, which was founded 10 years ago by Emeric Watson. Wounded War Heroes was founded to show appreciation to the men and women who have been wounded while in combat. Wounded War Heroes provides therapeutic outdoor experiences upon their return home from fighting for our country. The sole purpose is to show these veterans they are not forgotten. That the courageous service to our nation did not go unnoticed and they are very much cared for and appreciated.
Wounded War Heroes' pledges that these gallant men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country and sustained life-altering wounds in the fight for freedom are distinguished for their courageous military services and sacrifices. Our passion for the outdoors and desire to give generously to demonstrate everyone's appreciation by supporting the Wounded War Heroes' Vision.
Wounded War Heroes has over 225 Veterans in the organization and host many outreach events throughout the year. Over 20 veterans commit suicide each day in this country; 1 is too many! Please come out and support our veterans! It is only through their sacrifices for this great country that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
All Tournament information can be found on the Westside Bassmaster’s Facebook page or website www.westsidebassmasters.com. If you are interested in making a donation in the form of cash, raffle item or door prize donation please contact Westside Bassmaster’s Club president Joey Stein at steinbopper@aol.com. Working together we can help our veterans enjoy the great outdoors.
Continue Reading Below.
2017 1st Annual-1st place Blake Bourque(V)/Darren Hernandez
2020 4th Annual-1st place Austin Legendre/Jason Deselle
2018 2nd Annual-1st place Raymond Knapp(V)/Steve Fontana
2020 4th Annual Highest placing team with Veteran-8th place Toby Leonard(V)/Josh Simpson