ESCANABA — The second-annual Bay Area Veterans Fishing Derby is happening today in Escanaba.

The group is fishing in the morning and then, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern time, will meet at the Karas Bandshell in Escanaba’s Ludington Park.

They will eat lunch and prizes will be handed out to the veterans at about 1:15 p.m. Prizes will be valued from $50 to $500.

Organizers are expecting 40 veterans to be fishing on 20 separate boats.

Jeff Sierpien and his wife, Rachel, are the lead organizers. The main sponsor of the event is the Bay De Noc Great Lakes Sports Fishermen. Other sponsors are U.P. Whitetails, VFW, Marine League, city of Escanaba and numerous other businesses and individuals.

“There is absolutely zero financial cost to veterans,” Sierpien said. “All boat captains are volunteers who are donating their time and boats for this great event.”

For more information on the event, email to bayvetfishing@yahoo.com or call 703-678-5100.