Florida Bass Tournament Raises $3K for Veteran Service Dogs

The Wildwood Police Department turned a Sunday fishing trip into a powerful mission to help military veterans heal.

Their third annual Brave Response Bass Tournament drew 37 boats to Lake Panasoffkee Lodge on March 15. Every cast and catch supported K9s for Warriors, an organization that pairs trained service dogs with veterans struggling with invisible wounds of war.

The anglers delivered an impressive haul. Twenty-five teams weighed in a combined 339 pounds of largemouth bass, creating enough buzz and entry fees to donate $3,000 to the cause.

Danny Tompson and Laramy Strickland dominated the waters, bringing in 28.31 pounds of fish to claim first place. Their prize included a plaque and $2,500 in winnings, but their biggest catch earned them bragging rights: an 11.59-pound largemouth bass that netted them an extra $660.

Second place went to Joe Stewart and Eric Krause with 23.69 pounds, while Clint Combast and Tracey Isabella secured third with their impressive catch. Wanda Kitchens won the Lady Angler competition, proving that fishing excellence knows no gender.

The Ripple Effect

This tournament represents something bigger than trophy fish. K9s for Warriors provides service dogs at no cost to veterans, helping them manage PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and military sexual trauma. Each dog takes months to train and costs thousands of dollars to place with a veteran.

The $3,000 raised moves the organization closer to pairing another hero with a four-legged companion who can help them navigate civilian life. These dogs provide comfort during nightmares, create space in crowded areas, and offer unconditional support when the weight of service feels too heavy.

The tournament's growth tells its own success story. From its first year to now hosting 37 boats, the event shows how communities rally around veterans when given the chance. Local businesses like Lake Panasoffkee Lodge, Nobles' Marine, and dozens of other sponsors made the day possible.

Officer-organized fishing tournaments prove that public service extends beyond emergency calls, and that healing our heroes takes creative community effort.