WALLEYE FISHING RETREAT AT LAKE ERIE - REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2026

The Bobby Henline Foundation, doing business as Forging Forward is hosting an active duty/veteran military and first responder and Gold Star Family Retreat. This Retreat location will have co-ed lodging available at Camp Perry in Port Clinton, OH. This is an adults-only retreat.

Forging Forward is invested in personal connections to address Suicide Prevention, camaraderie, and social connection. 

The Forging Forward Walleye Fishing Retreat is open to male and female active duty/veterans who can ambulate independently:

• Military
• Law enforcement
• Firefighters
• EMS
• Rescue Squad
• 911 Operators
• Gold Star Family Members (Parent, Spouse, Child 18+ years)

FOCUS: Have fun, learn new skills, socialization, camaraderie, relaxation, and connectivity. 

ACTIVITIES: Two (2) days of guided fishing by Boat Captains who volunteer their boats and have experience on Lake Erie, weather permitting. The Retreat will also have other activities to do as a group in the evening hours such as Remembrance Tag ceremony, Reflective Art, dinner at a local restaurant. Activities are done as a group. We want each person to come away with a new skill, battle buddies, and know there are people who care about you. 

All fishing poles and equipment, life jackets, etc. will be provided by each Boat Captain. Every participant will be assigned a Boat Captain on the day of arrival. Every participant will be assigned a lodging location at Camp Perry on the day of arrival. For those who are chosen to participate, additional emails will be forthcoming regarding weather, clothes and other items to bring, exact location and time to report, etc. 

COST: The Retreat, Activities, and Food are FREE TO PARTICIPANTS. Note: Not everyone who applies will be chosen to attend the Retreat. This Retreat has ten (10) Retreat spots to fill.

ALLERGIES: Various foods will be prepared and served at the Retreat and/or local restaurant. If you have allergies, it is strongly advised you put your health first as there are no medical personnel assigned to attend the Retreat. Please make note of this during your application process. The Bobby Henline Foundation will not be responsible for participant decisions regarding food allergies.

TRANSPORTATION: All participants will be responsible to get themselves to and from Port Clinton, Ohio. Forging Forward will not take responsibility for any mishaps or accidents that may occur to or from the final location(s) or to any activity the participant(s) ride with/drive to with a volunteer or other participant.

Transportation after arriving will be the participant's responsibility, or you may choose to ride with another participant at your own risk. 

MOBILITY: One boat may be able to accomodate wheelchairs, we are not sure just yet. The lodging location does have some steps along with wheelchair accessibility. Please indicate all accessibility needs on the application. All daily living activities must be independent, as there are zero medical personnel/caregivers at this retreat. 

LODGING: All lodging will be at Camp Perry. Shared rooms will be assigned according to male/female. Lodging is co-ed.

ALL APPLICANTS BE ADVISED: The location of lodging is on the shore of Lake Erie, which is within walking distance of Camp Perry. It is often very windy, with a cold water wind blowing constantly. There are lots of bugs flying around and the sun is hot reflecting off the water on the shore and while fishing in the boats. Be prepared to be outside during the entire fishing trip - not all boats have covers - there is no guarantee you will be assigned a boat with a cover. Prepare to bring waterproof clothing that will survive wet/cold weather and keep you warm. In April, the weather will be very cold. You will be on a boat with zero access to shore / relief areas for 7+ hours each day, very early morning until late afternoon. You will be on a boat with a Captain and his/her First Mate and up to 1-4+ other participants, depending on boat size. Breakfast is served before boarding, a bagged lunch will be prepared for lunch, depending on boat size, the Captain may allow you to bring a small, personal cooler. 

ATTENDANCE: It is expected all participants will remain at the Retreat lodging location for the duration. If you have a conflict and know that you will be late arriving or have to leave early, please be considerate and pass on this opportunity.

SERVICE DOGS and UPLOAD OF DOCUMENTS: The application requires the following to be uploaded in the application if you plan to bring a service dog - be aware and prepared. Trained service dogs with current service certificates, updated shots, and good behavior are welcome. Bring a crate for your service dog. However, service animals, if permitted on any boat due to many factors, will not have access to an area for relief. Once boats are in the water, they stay in the water until the Boat Captain decides to come back to shore, which is usually, but not always, when the limit per passenger is caught. Be prepared to be on the boat for 7+ hours. If your service dog is left behind during fishing, there will not be anyone available for pet relief.

File Uploads Required: 

1) Service Dog Training Certificate

2) Current Service Dog Shot Records

3) Photo of Service Dog.

UPLOAD OF DOCUMENTS: The application requires the following to be uploaded in the application - be aware and prepared: 

File Uploads Required. 1) Military Veteran: Upload your DD-214 and a copy of your current driver license. 2) Military Active Duty: Upload your military ID with photo.  3) First Responder Active Duty: Upload your most current training certificate or an image of your badge and a copy of your current driver license. 4) First Responder Veteran: Upload a certificate or other image that will show the review team you are a first responder veteran and a copy of your current driver license. 5) Gold Star Family: Upload an image of your driver license.   

ARRIVAL: April 16 between 2:00-4:00 PM local time to Port Clinton, OH

DEPARTURE: April 19 at 8:00 AM local time, as soon as all participants have loaded fish into their coolers.

ELIGIBILITY:  If you have attended a Forging Forward Retreat in the past 12 months, you are not eligible to attend this event UNLESS there is an open spot after all other applicants have been considered, chosen, and dropped out due to a personal circumstance. Please feel free to apply and we will add you to the waiting list. 

RELEASE OF LIABILITY FOR FORGING FORWARD: Upon arrival and before participating in any activity, participants will be required to sign a RELEASE OF LIABILITY to participate. Please be prepared.