Aboard the Black Hawk II in Long Island Sound last week, more than 20 veterans stood on the side of the boat and quietly concentrated, waiting to catch a fish.

The Niantic-based fishing boat had already tried several fishing spots without much luck on the September afternoon as the sun beamed down on the dark waves.

But the quiet on board the vessel was soon broken.

“Here we go!” Brian Mullarney, who was assisting on the trip, shouted elatedly as a veteran reeled in the first bluefish.

Within minutes of each other, the veterans one after another reeled in fish, shouting, yelping and cheering each other on.

This jovial mood is why many say they participate in the annual fishing trip for veterans hosted by the Black Hawk and the Northeast Saltwater Fishing Club. Residents of the Rocky Hill Veterans Home, as well as other veterans, join the fishing trip each year.

Suha Altsman, a rehab therapist with the Department of Veterans Affairs who helped on the trip, said she loves watching the veterans’ enjoyment.

“They have a blast every year,” she said. “I just love to be a part of it and see how happy they are.”

The veterans ended up catching close to 100 fish, though the sunny and relatively calm day wasn’t at first predicted to be the best for catching fish.

David Carlson, an organizer of the trip and a member of the Northeast Saltwater Fishing Club, said he conceived of the idea about four years ago as a way for the club to give back to the community, show appreciation for veterans, and share the enjoyment of being out on the water fishing.

Carlson said the best part of the trip is seeing “the smiles on everybody’s face, from the minute they get off the bus to the minute they leave.”

Before the veterans departed, Captain Greg Dubrule gave the veterans a quick lesson on fishing using the reels with diamond jig lures. In addition to the Black Hawk and fishing club, Peter Pan provides bus service, and Mr. Trophy of West Hartford donates trophies. The group also holds a second trip for veterans and their families.

Jim Wells, a U.S. Air Force veteran, said he decided to join the trip because he likes to be around other veterans and outside for leisure activities through the veterans home. He said he planned to give any fish he caught to a family he knows that is in need. 

Thelma Issri, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, said she decided to come at the last minute – and was glad she did.

"It's a peaceful ride coming out, and it's exciting catching the fish," she said.

Maureen James, who served as a first lieutenant with the U.S. Air Force, said she was thankful for the kindness of those that sponsored the trip and the staff. 

"That's what you need," she said. "You need kindness in this world."

At the end of the trip, veterans gathered for trophies. Charles Davis won for best smile, Larry Cruz won for best dressed, and Yolanda Cruz won for most excited and biggest fish.

Yolanda Cruz, a veteran of the U.S. Army, hugged Carlson when she received the trophies.

“I’m excited,” she said in an interview. “I had fun. The people are wonderful. I love it here. I love it.”

Despite being left-handed and using a right handed reel and struggling with the challenges of reeling in the heavy fish, Cruz said she caught three bluefish and two bass and was excited to bring the fish to her mother.

When Cruz returns home, she said she will tell friends and family that she won for the biggest fish, the most excited, and “the happiest woman in the world.”

k.drelich@theday.com

Twitter: @KimberlyDrelich