Every year, Lake of the Woods becomes a place of healing, camaraderie, and honor as veterans gather for the annual Pay It Forward Veterans Event. This year, 90 veterans participated in the 11th annual event, and once again, the experience was filled with unforgettable moments and connections that went beyond fishing. The event was captured in video by Midwest Outdoors TV and aired this past Veterans Day.
Since its inception in 2014, the Pay It Forward Veterans Event has aimed to honor, recognize, and celebrate all who have served. Organized by Lake of the Woods Tourism and Fishing For Life, this event offers two days of fishing on charter boats, meals, lodging at local resorts, and engaging speakers. While many might expect this event to cater solely to those who were injured in combat, Pay It Forward is dedicated to all veterans—whether they served overseas, stayed stateside, or supported the armed forces in any role.
This inclusive approach means that every veteran, regardless of their service experiences, has a chance to connect with others who understand the unique challenges and sacrifices of military life. Veterans often feel that events like these are reserved for those “more in need,” yet the true magic of Pay It Forward lies in how it uplifts all who attend, creating moments of healing, joy, and renewed purpose.
A highlight for many veterans is, of course, fishing on Lake of the Woods. For two days, veterans joined licensed charter captains on the lake, where they enjoyed outstanding fishing. Many veterans caught their limit of walleyes and saugers, with exciting catches of pike, bass, and perch adding to the experience. The thrill of pulling in trophy-sized walleyes over 28 inches added to the adventure, making the fishing a memory they won’t soon forget.
This three-night, two-day event with meals and accommodations is provided at no cost to veterans, thanks to generous donations from Lake of the Woods area resorts, guides, businesses, organizations, and individuals.
If you’d like to learn more about Pay It Forward, apply for the 2025 event, or make a donation to support this incredible cause, please visit the event website at www.PayItForwardLOW.org. 100% of the donations to this event go towards this event.
Media Contact:
Joe Henry
Executive Director, Lake of the Woods Tourism
Joe.Henry@LakeoftheWoodsMN.com
320-260-7727
Pay It Forward is an event under the 501(c)(3) organization, Walleye Master Charity Events | PO Box 42 | Baudette, MN 56623.
