Fishing with a Veteran Tournament - Project Gallantly Forward

November 7, 2026 at Holly Circle Boat Ramp

Join us for a memorable day of camaraderie and competition at the 2nd Annual Fishing with a Veteran Tournament hosted by Project Gallantly Forward (PGF). At this event, fishermen are paired with Veterans to see which team can bring in the biggest catch.

More than a friendly competition, the tournament paired local anglers with Veterans to see who could bring in the biggest catch while creating space for camaraderie and connection. Time in nature has been shown to support healing for those navigating PTSD, and this event offered exactly that: a chance to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, swap stories, and build genuine relationships.

PGF is thrilled to host this tournament and provide Veterans the opportunity to connect with fishermen and other Veterans while enjoying the natural beauty of Chickamauga Lake.

“Last year I was in a dark space in life and I reached out to Lucas Lewis the founder of PGF and he invited me out to a work day with other vets. That day was pretty special. Working with other vets was calming and just a great experience to be back with military family. I found a purpose in life again. Fishing has always brought calmness to me…Getting out on the water and nature is a natural calming. I spoke to Lucas Lewis, Founder and President of PGF, about having a fishing tournament for Veterans as an added program to PGF and he gave his blessings and Fishing with a Veteran Tournament was born.” – Gary, Tournament Organizer

When: November 7, 2026

Location: Holly Park Boat Ramp (11606 Holly Circle Soddy Daisy, TN)

Veteran Participants: To ensure a great experience for everyone, we can only accommodate as many Veterans as we have boaters. Veterans will be contacted prior to the tournament to confirm their pairing. If we are unable to match a Veteran with a boater, their registration deposit will be fully refunded. Veterans who register with a boater are guaranteed a place in the tournament.

Details:

Each Veteran and boater team will have a 5 fish limit.
- Boater registration fee is $100.
  - If the boater is a Veteran, the boater is still responsible for the registration fee.
- Veteran fishes for FREE!
  - Veteran registration does require a $25 deposit. Deposit will be reimbursed after participation in the tournament or if cancelled at least 30 days prior to the event.
  - If you need financial assistance for the registration fee, please reach out at lucas@projectgallantlyforward.org
- Determining the winning team: The boater and Veteran will work together and bring their 5 biggest catches to weigh-in. The team with the highest collective weight wins!
  - Fish must be kept in a livewell.
  - Dead fish must be weighed in, no culling. Penalty: 1lb per dead fish.
  - Large mouth, small mouth and spotted bass are the only species to be weighed in. Hybrids are permitted.
- Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place. Prize will also be awarded for biggest fish.
  - For the winning team, boaters will receive cash prizes and Veteran will receive prizes donated by sponsors.
  - Boater Prizes:
    - $80 of each registration fee will be split between 1st, 2nd and 3rd place boater (With maximum prizes being $500 for 1st, $400 for 2nd, and $300 for 3rd)
    - $20 of each registration fee goes toward the big fish winner, with no cap on this prize.
  - Veteran Prizes: TBD
TWRA Rules apply – all fisherman must have a valid fishing license.
Must Register in Advance
Registration closes November 1, 2026 – one week prior to the event

FAQS:

As a boater, can I ask to be paired with a specific Veteran?
- Yes! There’s a question asking if you have a Veteran you preferred to be paired with in the registration.
As a Veteran, can I ask to be paired with a specific boater?
- Yes! There’s a question asking if you have a boater you preferred to be paired with in the registration.
What if I am a boater or Veteran but don’t have a team?
- You don’t have to register as a team! Just register and we will pair you up.
I thought it was free for Veterans, what is the $25 charge?
- This is simply a deposit so we can be sure of the number of participants. The deposit will be reimbursed after you attend the event.
I’m a Veteran who owns a boat, do I still have to pay the boater fee?
- Yes, the boater is responsible for the boater fee, even if they are a Veteran. The registration fee ensures that boaters can win some awesome cash prizes!
If I’m a Veteran who is the boater, what prizes do I qualify for?
- Whoever registers as the boater receives boater prizes (cash), and whoever registers as the Veteran gets the Veteran prizes. All Veteran participants in either role will get a swag bag.
Do both the Veteran and the boater fish?
- Yes, you both fish and bring in the biggest catches you can as a team.
I am a Veteran and have a boat, but want to bring a non-Veteran with me on my team. Can I do that?
- One member of your team must be a Veteran. Have the non-Veteran sign up as the boater. Whoever registers as the boater will receive cash prizes, and whoever registers as the Veteran will receive Veteran prizes.
Do I need to show proof of Veteran status?
- Yes, a DD214 that matches your driver’s license or Veteran ID card can be shown the day of the event.
What if I need to cancel my registration? Fees will be refunded if cancelled 30 days prior to the event. Veteran and boater registration will not be refunded if cancelled less than 30 days prior. All Veterans who attend the event will have their $25 refunded within a week of the event.

Find out more about our mission and programs at www.projectgallantlyforward.org