The Inaugural War Heroes on Water Sportfishing Tournament was held Aug. 16 -19th, 2018. The event, held in coordination with Freedom Alliance, hosted 27 combat wounded war veterans and gave the Southern California sportfishing community the opportunity to display their immense gratitude and respect for those who have sacrificed so dearly for the United States of America. Twelve yachts participated in the event, including two from the world-famous Bad Company sportfishing fleet. The yacht owners graciously donated their boats, captains and crews to give the veterans the opportunity to catch 10 species of California fish—including Bluefin and Yellowfin tuna—off the coast of Santa Catalina and San Clemente Islands. At the Tournament’s conclusion more than 208 qualifying species weighing in with a total of 1,287 pounds of fish were caught including: 92 calico, 88 rockfish, one yellowtail, eight Bluefin and 15 dorado. Said loanDepot CEO Anthony Hsieh, who was inspired to create this event, “Our goal was to give these brave and selfless heroes the weekend of a lifetime, but as it turns out, that’s also what they gave to us in return. I am confident that every person who participated in this Tournament returned forever changed in a profound way. The event was at turns uplifting and joyful and yet deeply emotional, it was that special.”
