Taking returning soldiers fishing

[Nalu]

To my Salty Dog friends-

This is only in the initial stages, but in order to get a idea of what I have to work with, I'm putting this out there.

How many of you that operate a boat would be willing to offer an open seat or 2 or 3 to a member of the military, and possible a family member that is returning from deplyment in June? This would be an unpaind, no-reimbursed trip for bottom fishing, or perhaps salmon fishing if it falls within the time frame. It could also be for a river fishing trip, bay crabbing, etc.

I have already volunteered my boat, and I have talked with at least 2 other operators of large charter boats that have agreed to help out as well. If this was able to work out, the designated day would most likely be a Friday to relieve the big operators of doing it on a weekend.

I was fortunate to be able to do this previously for just one group, and I can tell you that I feel I was the lucky one.

The group that is returning is made up of our local heroes in the Oregon Army National Guard. I was contacted by one of the Sergeants that is currently stationed with his group in Afghanistan. As luck would have it, I had already started discussions about doing something like this back in February with a few people, but had thought perhaps next year would be the year to start. So here we are.

I do not know yet all the details, but if you are interested, please respond. If you are interested in volunteering your boat and time, please understand that with that goes a responsability to safety. Any person that offers an open seat will need to be aware that discussions of their equipment and craft will be mandatory.

If this comes to fruition it will be organized, and not intended as an open seat thread for all military though they all deserve our gratitude. In order to try an accomplish this one thing, I am intending to work through one military person at this time with his specific group.

Who knows, maybe we can make it happen.

I have set up a specific e-mail for this event. welcomehome@nalucharters.com If you are interested, or to send me info, please do so there.

Nalu- 4-Depoe Bay
fyshndad- 2 or 3 out of Depoe
Seelicious- 3 out of Garibaldi
Tuna Time- 3 out ofGaribaldi
SecondSeason- 2, Illwaco
Reef Diver-1, Newport
No Wishin Just Fishin- Columbia River fishing
pijon- 2 or 3 CR estuary sturgeon
Odin- Out the CR- (hand grenades optional)
Bajadan- 2 out of Newport/Depoe
greenbuttskunk-3, Garibaldi
InPursuit-3, Newport
Ron M- 2, Newport
Grady252- TBD
KevinsDriftboat-2 river fishing
Weather or Knot- 2, Charleston/Winchester Bay
John H-2, Brookings
As yet Un-named- 2, Klamath Basin
tailchaser-2, South Coast
HiTekRdNek-2, Newport?
Waytogo-2-3, Winchester Bay
SecondSeason- 2, Ilwaco
hookup1- 1, Brookings
Terry H- 2-3, Illwaco
Deeman-3, Coos Bay
Pilar-2, CR for TUNA! late summer
Skein- 2- Newport
Keith-4- Charleston
Danno-1or 2, Bay crabbing or B10

[fyshndad]

Mike my boat might not be big or fancy but it is a SAFE boat and if it qualifies I would be happy to take 2 or 3 out of Depoe Bay for salmon/bottomfishing and possibly crab all in one trip
And I can do a Friday trip with some notice

[Seelicious]

Tuna Time and Seelicious are available to help this worthy cause...just let us know what you need.

Great idea!!

[SecondSeason]

i have no problem with this on my boat. any idea how the liability issues are worked out on non-chartered boats?

treb

[Reef Diver]

I would be grateful to take our local heroes in the Oregon Army National Guard Bottom fishing , Salmon fishing, crabbing. It's the least I can do to thank them!
Just let me know the details

PS: I can take 2 out of Newport

[No Wishin Just Fishin]

Put me down for CR trips

[StickFish]

No salt boat here, but will volunteer to increase my deck hand knowledge and help defray your fuel bill and help the heroes get their fish

[pijon]

Trailering to Depot would probly not be doable but in June I could take 2 or 3 sturgeon fishing in the columbia estuary. My first mate is retired army so I am sure he would be glad to help out. The only safety equipment I am lacking is radar. Keep us posted.

[Nalu]

Originally Posted by SecondSeason

i have no problem with this on my boat. any idea how the liability issues are worked out on non-chartered boats?

treb

Treb- This would be just like open seats offered on the standard board. I would expect anyone that offers an open seat to discuss their rules and expectations for those who would be fishing with them for the day. Since it is clear up front, this would be no different then taking a friend, or an open seat filler from the board.

I am asking the Sgt. to compile a list, including people that may not wish to go in the ocean.

This will not be an extravagent or complicated matter. These men and women will be returning home, and most will have a couple of weeks of paid leave before they return to their "normal" life. During this time a number of them have expressed interest in spending some time enjoying what they love about Oregon, the outdoors. If we have safe boaters that are willing to share their time and their boat during this time it could be a great thing.

It is important to note that open seats are always going to be a bit of a mystery. Anyone willing to open their boat up to someone should take the time to talk with the person going. Talking dockside for the first time is not prudent. Your safety is just as important as the safety of the seat filler. My intent would be that as this is filtered through the military side, some pretty good assurances of how the individuals would act would be set.

[Nalu]

With regard to helping offset fuel. That sentiment is very much appreciated, and on an individual level if you feel like doing that one on one with a skipper, then feel free.

Another thought would be to offer to purchase a day license for someone, or even a season fishing license. As I mentioned, my goal is to keep this simple and fun. People going fishing with other people.

[Seelicious]

Mike, for these folks, Dick and I will cover what ever costs are required...they don't get paid near enough for the effort and sacrifice they have been forced to make.

Once again, good job putting this together!

[Nordic Sun]

Mikey
Give me a call list for CR fishing (ocean).

I would ask that they bring any hand grenades they may have for short stop on the south jetty (mamal dispersment project).

[bajadan2000]

I would be honored to take two brave defenders of our country fishing as guests on my boat. Depoe or Newport launch.

[Nalu]

Thanks all- I am going to start a list on the top of this with potential rides so I can keep it straight. If for any reason you change your mind, please let me know and I'll remove right away.

The current date I am shooting for is for Friday, June 15th. I will update this if that is feasible or not. One of the things I like about pairing people with open seats is that once you are hooked with a set person/family then if the weather is bad you could always re-arrange if it works for you.

Another thing to consider is some of these people would like to take family/kids. I will not offer up seats on your behalf. Once this gets a little further along I will figure out the best way to pair people up.

[HOGGEMIN]

Thats a awsome Idea there Mike Get "er " done buddy.......................

[greenbuttskunk]

I'm in! For sure Mike.
Wy's Guy take 3, out of Garibaldi.

[InPursuit]

I'm in for sure out of Newport. As a former Marine with two boys in the Corps now, I will help out any way I can. I can take up to 3.

G-Dubb

[ron m]

Silverfish can acomodate two adults out of Newport. Two cause I'll want an experienced deck-hand to help that day. They will need licenses, but I'll provide gear for bottomfish or salmon and/or crabbing. One note though, Silverfish is a no-alcohol vessel. Silverfish hasn't been inspected yet, but that's coming and hopefully soon.
ron m

[Grady252]

Count me in... depending on the dates and time it may be with some of my other fishing friends, but I would love to support this worthy effort.

Thanks for taking the time to gather names and organize this process.

[KevinsDriftboat]

And you know us driftboaters are standing by with lots of seats for those that want to go Steelheading, Springer, or trout fishing in a smaller river. And if someone wants to bring small kids we can hit the lakes too.

Good Job, I am all in with what Ive got.

[Weather or Knot]

I noticed there are a lot of guys up north so I would be more that happy to help on the the central to south coast( Winchester bayfor crabbing or for salmon , Charlston for bottom fish, crab, salmon). Im newer to the salty dogs but have experience and a 2005 26' stripper with twins, radar, gps, and the required safty equipment. Again anything I can do to help. If I need to come up to Newport that would be fine also. Fridays can be arainged with short notice.

[PaulS]

If you have any guys from the puget sound area I can take a few out!

[John H]

I would be honored to take some out. The boat is in Brookings however, if that is not too far south.

[Nalu]

Dogs- This is a great response. I will keep tabs, and keep everyone updated.

I really appreciate the input from people that are in different areas. I don't know the group, but I imagine that they are from all over Oregon. Not sure, but I'll find out.

[KevinsDriftboat]

And a reminder for this overnight Kayak trip for returning military this August on the Deschutes:

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthrea...light=military

[Myles]

My son is due to leave Baghdad this month and be out of the Army in ~July time frame. I'd like to get him in here if possible, although he may not up for it, he's pretty good at chumming . I'd pay my own way of course but I'd like to at least be able to offer it to him to show that people do appreciate what they're doing.
Myles

[As yet un-named]

Mike,
I know it's the "poison water", but I'd be more than happy to take 2 on Upper Klamath / Agency for some Redbands.

My son is in the Navy currently stationed at Whidbey Island, so if there's any Dogs up that way that wouldn't mind I know he's really having withdrawls.. Haven't had him fishing on the salt for over two years...

[tailchaser]

I'm in, got some open seats on the S.Coast for anything that's biting. Just have to give me some advance notice, so I can schedule it.

tc

[Aqua-Holic]

FYI.......free fishing weekend is June 9th and 10th

http://www.dfw.state.or.us/free_fishing/

[PaulS]

Originally Posted by As yet un-named

Mike,
My son is in the Navy currently stationed at Whidbey Island, so if there's any Dogs up that way that wouldn't mind I know he's really having withdrawls.. Haven't had him fishing on the salt for over two years...

PM me if you want me to take him out. I have a 22 Proline Walk with all the fixn's and the Puget Sound is where I do my fishing.

[HiTekRdNek]

Count me in. I will be able to take 2 guests and my Firstmate Stickfish.
So Ted quit slummin' for a ride. You already got a job.

[fyshndad]

Originally Posted by HiTekRdNek

Count me in. I will be able to take 2 guests and my Firstmate Stickfish.
So Ted quit slummin' for a ride. You already got a job.

Mike good to see you stepping up to the plate

I think Ted is looking for some overtime seems he hasn't enough things going on to stay busy

[Waytogo]

Mike,my boat will handle 2-3 out of Winchester bay would love to show my appreciation . no radar but have all the rest including extra gear. Just need a couple days notice. --Mike--waytogo

[SecondSeason]

lets not forget our washington heros either. count me in from ilwaco.

[Nalu]

All of you are very generous to volunteer!

I do have to make this clear once again..... There are many, many heroes, and deserving service men and women that we could take out. I am sure that we could take out people every day of the year and still have a list a mile long of people that deserve to be thanked with a fishing trip, or a day on the water. Unfortunately, it just isn't possible to accomodate every person.

I have received several PM's about a person to consider taking out, and without doubt, it would be great if the Salty Dogs could accomodate them, but right now there is no way to know. What this specific list, and this specific goal is shooting for is a group that is returning the beginning of June. It might be 10 people that want to go, it might be 100, it might be all 1000, I just don't know. Until I find out the parameters, and what space is available where, this one group is the sole focus. Fair? Heck no! Every person that has served our country is owed a debt of gratitude that cannot be paid by an open seat, or anything else. But I was contacted by an individual, and my efforts are focused towards that individual, and the group he represents. Let's see how this plays out, and perhaps we can accomodate others, I'm willing to bet we can find a way, but the first objective must be met prior to the next step.

[hookup1]

I can take one or two, boat is in Brookings

[StickFish]

Originally Posted by HiTekRdNek

Count me in. I will be able to take 2 guests and my Firstmate Stickfish.
So Ted quit slummin' for a ride. You already got a job.

Several actually - too bad only one of them pays - Oh your PINK rod should be spinning the first coat of finish tonight - all wrapped up PINK as H E double tooth picks. :ohboy:

[Terry H]

Mike, I'm in. Thed boat will be in illwaco about mid June. We're good for salmon --ocean---just depending on conditions. Got room on the boat for 2 or 3 plus myself.

[Nalu]

For those of you who have volunteered to date: Again, THANK YOU!

Here is what is needed next. Hopefully this will not be too big of a burden, but to do this right I will need some information. The reality, is that this will actually be a good exercise.

I will need a picture of your boat, and a short blurb that states your experience and safety equipment. It is up to you how much or how little.

Any of you that will be fishing in the OTC, this will go towards identifying your craft so we know who you are. For others, this is a great backup information for those that are on land if you ever need assistance.

Photos and files can be sent to me at welcomehome@nalucharters.com. This is set up for only this event.

Thanks,

Mike

[MYRTLE BEE]

NALU, my daughter will come home in may from the war, I will take all milatary personal fishing in Cabo free as time permits!!

[pijon]

There are several hundred thousand soldiers, sailors, and marines who are serving our country at any one time. Add to that the families and you are easily into the millions. What Nalu is doing is just a start. A beginning.

In 1991 a friend of mine, Jim Olsen, formed C.A.S.T.S. He would sign up the bass fisherman to take handicapped and disadvantaged kids for a day of fishing. With the help of the Wash. State federation of Bass clubs and B.a.s.s. affiliated clubs around the country it has grown into a nationwide event or series of events. Nothin fancy, just people signing up thier boats and time to share thier day with a bunch of kids. Google CASTS For Kids and you will see what it has grown into.

By taking a group of returning soldiers for a day on the water, we are starting something. We are showing everyone a simple way to show support and gratitude for the sacrifice they make everyday for us. I want to believe that the vast majority of americans want to do something more for our troops other than just sending money and goodies from home packages. Look how fast and how many people have signed up to help Nalu on this simple idea.
Other groups will follow Nalu's lead. The other fishing websites will pick it up first but it doesn't have to be a day of fishing.
I can't even think of all the activity groups around the country but think hunting, 4 wheelin, hiking, skiing, rafting, diving, etc, etc. It only takes one person to get the ball rollin.

And it doesn't have to end when this war is over. When our young people sign up to serve most of them end up far away from home. Away from friends and families and those outdoor activities they enjoyed doing. For them anything like fishing is a major undertaking. They don't have any gear, no boat, etc. No local knowledge. Hiring a guide or outfitter is a major expense. For most of them, a lot of outdoor activities are just out of thier reach during the time they serve. For us to take one or two along for the day is easy. Not much different than our normal routine.

We must be patient, flexible, and follow Nalu on this one. He is on the right track as I have seen this before. I just wonder if Nalu realizes how fast something like this will catch on and grow?
Thanks Nalu.

[Pilar]

Mike .. 'Kismet' is in. 2 or 3 for live bait TUNA!, CR, late summer, September. Prefer 2 so the third guy can be an experienced TUNA! cowboy.

Same # of riders, early summer Newport or Depoe, June or July. Nearshore Halibut/Salmon/bottomfish/crab.

I'll get the resume together and send it to you.

Support the troops, take em fishing.

[Nalu]

Little bumpity bump.

[Grady252]

Did the returning troops get extended? The media has suggested that all troops were extended three months.

[Nalu]

I'm still waiting to hear, but it is my understanding that the regulars were extended from 12 month to 15 month tours, and those in the Guard retained their 12 month tour and were not extended.

[Sling Blade]

They will be home soon.

[Myles]

Regular army was extended 3 months , I don't believe it affects other branchs.
Myles

[KevinsDriftboat]

Does anyone know or fish with Looney Larry? He has the purple boat with cartoons on it? He might want to help out.

[Danno]

Originally Posted by Nalu

Every person that has served our country is owed a debt of gratitude that cannot be paid by an open seat, or anything else.

Mike, I would like to participate somehow. I will send an email with the particulars but suffice it to say that I'm not ready for a bar crossing but feel comfortable at B10 or in the bays. Let me know how I can help.

-Dan

[KEITH]

We can take 4 30' sea ray moored in Charleston

[KEITH]

ttt

[Airborne]

Nalu, I'm the guy who started the other thread, had no idea that there was a thread started, who is the SGT that you are working with over here? maybe he and I can combine forces over here kinda like wonder twins activate "fishing power" Let me know if you need any help on my end. Thanks for being a great AMERICAN

SSG Howard
5/2-205 RCAG
ETT Team Sergeant
FOB Apache

[1bigfish]

Sorry but I can't do saltwater. However you can feel free to pass my name around to any returning soldier(or family member) who would be intersted in bass fishing on the Willy in Salem or Newberg. I rarely have an open seat but am willing to kick one of my buddies off of the boat to make room.(my friends will understand) The best way to reach me is by PM. I have all the gear they would need for the day.

David
US Army 91-95

I forgot to add this for those who didn't already know this...
Free camping and day use of Oregon State Parks for Veterans with Disabilities and Active Military On Leave. See thread below.
http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=124008

[fish4steel]

If there are any of the Soldiers up towards Ft Lewis, I'll make room for a couple, all gear will be provided. Contact me via PM
Mike

[Maverick Maxcat]

Put Maverick down for 6. A family with kids would be fine if needed.

[KevinsDriftboat]

Hey Airborne,
This boat sounds good for your bunch. Jump on it quick! I know I would, wow, thats a great looking boat and fantastic pic.

Thanks for all your hard work.

Originally Posted by Maverick Maxcat

Put Maverick down for 6. A family with kids would be fine if needed.

[Nalu]

Could someone please sticky this to the top?

[kill2hunt]

do we have to be returning from the sand?????? im coming home from greece here shortly, directly supporting the mission.......... then i will be going over in jan.? would love to get to go out with someone!

[Nalu]

kill2hunt- Of course not.....sort of. In an effort to make a large impact, I have started with one group. There is nothing "official" set up yet, but in order to make this work in a way the benefits the most, I am trying to do this in an organized fashion. We are not trying to recognize anyone as being more deserving than another, just getting a starting place. I already have a lot of responses, and I'm confident that we can match up a lot of open seats.

[Grady252]

Kill2,
When you get back drop me a PM and I will try to get you out on a trip with me and my friends. I am still on board with the other returning troops as well.