Hello Chris

[Prov2025]

Chris,
Just had a chance to get back on the computer after some hectic work. I was reading your post about Ford River, and you nailed it. Its not about how many you can catch its about the fun you have while on the water. I read the reports everyday for the year I was deployed. I not only read this one, but also Saginaw Bay, The Sall-Mars, Walleye First, and Walleye Central. When the days where rough, and I assure there where many the postings by you and all of the other fisherman gave me a chance to separate myself from all of the stuff that was going on even if it was just for a few moments of time. The family and I had a great time while we where up. The walleyes didnt cooperate very well but the small mouths in the big bay did. I have so many pictures that I can look at for many years to come. My son Jackson asks me everyday when are we going back. It maybe another year before we can get back again, but each and everyone that reads this post needs to understand that you live and fish in an area that many others can only dream about. I hate to see and read about people that call themselves sportsman fight over simple stuff like how many fish are kept or giving out to much information about certain fishing spots. Everyone needs to realize that there are bigger things in life to worry about. For example my sister battalion here at FT Bragg lost 10 heros in the last 2 weeks to IEDs in Afganistain. So like my 1st platoon sergeant told me many years ago "Keep it simple Sapper". Thanks for all you do, and I look forward to reading your post for many years to come.

1SG Steven Tetreault
738th ESC
FT Bragg, NC

[Ashman]

Steven, Thank You for serving.

We all are indebted to you.

[Squeezebox]

Members, we should read this post every day and put our lives in perspective. Thanks so much for serving, and helping us keep our heads on straight too!
M Prokopowicz

[YooperTroll]

I've never believed that big-lake sport fishing is a danger to the resource...there are other thing that are a danger to sport fishing, yes, but I don't see any statistical reason for us to be overly anal about what the average Joe does or doesn't do vis-a-vis catch-and-release on the big water.

Besides, if God wanted us to throw back walleyes, he wouldn't have made them taste so good ;)

[duckiller2]

Thank-you for taken the fight to them. I do not like to have to send men and women to war but it is required some times to do so. That being said I always say "If we have to fight them lets make sure we do it over there and not here" What would we do if IED and the such were going off here every day? Thanks again and Shoot Straight "Don't spare the ammo" we'll make more.

[DooFighter]

Steven, Thank You for serving.

We all are indebted to you.

x2, well said

[lee]

Thank you for serving our country!

[Captain Ahab]

First off... Mr. Tetreault, thank you and your family for doing what you do.

Second... Squeezebox, you nailed it.

Third... Funny how Steven wakes up every day and reads the posts while he's fighting for his country only to see us fight over whether our freedom of speech should include disclosing fishing locations. He fights so we can fight... stark irony there, boys.

Fourth... I'm very jealous. Between work, preparing for exams next week, a family reunion this weekend, and my sister's wedding the weekend after, the only fishing I've been doing is for the last pickle in the Vlasic jar. Go get 'em, boys, and keep posting so I've got something to keep me sane between my weird relatives and the real-life episode of Bridezilla.

Take care and tight lines!
-Mike

[slammer]

Steven,
I can only hope most of us realize just how lucky we are to have what we have because of people like you and all the other men and women serving for us.
We are forever indebted to you!!!
Indeed if you are ever up this way in the winter , please feel free to call upon me for an Ice fishing trip on LBDN for you and your son or family . It would be my pleasure to take you and show you a good time on our little piece of heaven here in the U.P. Thank You again to you and your Family!!!
Dale

[RudyG]

Puts it all in perspective dont it!

Thanks "Top" to you and your family for all you do!!! And to all who serve and to those who have given all.. and their families....
Thank You!!!!

[QuackHead]

As an American and as a fisherman, I stand and salute you Mr. Steven Tetreault. Thank you and your family for the sacrifice you all have made.
Bless you and your family!


p.s.
Welcome home!

[schmutzomatic 5000]

You made all the fishing argument's ever posted here seem really trivial. Every day you risk your life for our freedom and we appreciate it more than we can ever express. May God bless and protect you on your journey's and make every day for you a slow relaxing troll on the pond..
Thanks again ,
Greg

[BloodyNose]

Stay safe Steven. This board is honored to have you a part of it.

[mecosmo]

Steve, My prayers will go out to you, your Sister, your Son and the rest of your family! I think that I can speak for all of us here on this site, Please post a line or two every now and then for us and let us know that your doing ok. Thank You, your Family and fellow soldiers for all you do!
-Cosmo

[Prov2025]

Just wanted to say thanks to all of you that posted a reply to my thread to Chris. I have been in the Army for 22 years as of October 10th of this year, and plan on staying until the day it isn’t any more fun. I have what I think is the best job in the world. I get to come to work every day and coach, teach, mentor, and take care of 123 of America’s sons and daughters. Some times it’s a pain in the ass, but more often than not it’s truly a pleasure. These young American’s are some of the brightest and bravest Soldiers you will ever see. It takes a special person to get into an MRAP and go on a route clearance mission where the thought process is not will I get blown up today, but how many time will I get blown up. My Battalion just returned from a year in Iraq and thank god we didn’t lose anyone. This is not the norm, as you seen by my other post. Soldiers are dying every day, and they are doing it because they chose to go and support the interest of the United States of America. I thank all of you for your posts, and if I am coming back to the UP I will let you know. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and support of America's Soldiers, Sailors, Airman, and Marines.

1SG Tetreault
ProV2025

[The Bait Shop Guy]

Hi Steve. Thanks for chiming in. Hope you didn't mind me using that story in the original post. People may not know it, but we get comments at the shop all the time, thanking us for all the good information that the regular posters and myself put on here. Yours however was the first one that really got to me. Having a brother that's been the service for nearly as long as you, your words really hit home. All I can say again is "Thanks!"

Glad you guys had such a great time up here. To those reading this, Steve and his crew had what could only be described as a "smallmouth bass trip of a lifetime" over on Big Bay. All I can say is that Bay View Bait is now well stocked with Zoom Trick Worms! :)

Catch you guys next time around.