Hands Helping Anglers

[Sir reel]

Here is a reprint and update from the multiple threads so far. Check back on THIS thread for any future updates. We can still use more Captains.

Hands Helping Angler # 17

DATE: Saturday, June 30, 2007

PLACE: We encourage you to leave out of St. Marks area (Shields, Shell Island Fish Camp, Lighthouse, etc.)

COST: No registration fee, just bring your boat and tackle ready to fish

WHAT YOU GET: Food and Drinks for your boat (pick up at Jerry's), a plaque and a bunch of satisfaction in helping others less fortunate than we are. In addition, it's my understanding that FWC has been made aware of our activity and none of the guest anglers are required to have a license. As part of the packet you receive at Jerry's you will receive a ribbon/streamer to fly from your antenna or other location on your boat. This will be the indicator to FWC that you are participating in the HHA event.

John McBride has come out of retirement this year (at the last minute as well) to help make sure HHA happens this year and we all have a bunch of fun taking some folks fishing.

Somewhere, somebody is sitting around dreaming of this once-per-year event to do some fishing. Let's not let them down.

Sir Reel will be rounding up as many boats as possible and I will line up the handicapped anglers, food, logistics, etc. Please email or PM SR for the sign up form and he will instruct you in how to return it to him..

This year, Scott Paterna is letting us distribute sandwiches and drinks from Jerry's Bait and Tackle as you are heading to the St. Mark's area. I will be there at 6:30 am on the morning of the event ready to feed and water the troops.

Watch this thread for more updates.

If you would like to reach John directly, his contact information is as follows:
John McBride
email john.mcbride@dbpr.state.fl.us
Cell 570-3467

Current skipper list

Mr. and Mrs Sir Reel
Capt Reggie
CAPTAIN CHARLIE
Steve Stinson
Rodbow
Mike and Elena Scibelli
Jumptrout51 (still needs to send contact info)
Sea Gurl (a maybe)

[Jumptrout51]

Did my reply work this time?

[Sir reel]

nope.

[Capt Reggie]

Did my reply work this time?

Come on...get in here and help us out you old seadog!

[Sir reel]

Jumpy is offically in the mix

Thanks Steve

[Sir reel]

I just got off the phone with John McBride. He ask me to pass on the following information.

First of all he wanted me to express his appreciation for the support the forum has provided in the way of Captains volunteering their time and resources. He also wanted to offer an apology for what he sees as the less than adequate communication to the participants.

These are the major points he wanted me to pass along:

1. It is planned that baring any last minute conflicts, each Captain and each guest will be contacted tonight.

2. Any request for a specific guest to accompany a Captain will be honored providing the individual is still in the area and the contact information is still good.

3. Transportation, in the past, has been a difficult issue to adequately provide for. Captains, in many cases, were ask to stop by a Publix parking lot and pick up both the food and the guest anglers. It is not unusual for many of the anglers to not be able to provide their own transportation. This year John feels they have acquired commitments enough from the community to provide all the transportation (both to and from!)without using Captains.

4. We can still use more boats and Captains. John has a listing of potential anglers developed over the past 3-4 years that contains approximately 60 names. John told me this morning that he feels he can fill all the boats we can supply. If you think you can participate please let me know or send your information directly to : blan@comcast.net
and let me know so I can add your name to the current list and include you for the drawing of the Laptop.

Current Captains List

Mr. and Mrs Sir Reel
Capt Reggie
CAPTAIN CHARLIE
Steve Stinson
Rodbow
Mike and Elena Scibelli
Jumptrout51
Sea Gurl

[Sir reel]

SEA GURL is now a confirmed Captain ... Thanks Jackie

Some of you big brave guys who are hesitat'n to get involved... take HEED! She can back'em and boat'em with the best.

[Capt Reggie]

Okay, Captains, I'm going to make one more appeal to all of you and then, I'll shut up and fade into the back of the forum! Hands Helping Anglers need more boats & Capt's! Come on, Capt's, we had a better response for the troops during the Classic.

Think about it. You could be that handicapped person sitting in a wheelchair, somewhere, someday, praying someone will just take you fishing ONCE A YEAR! Free food, one day a year, & meeting a new person in life (believe me most of these folks are really cool). The last time I did this (years ago) I met a gentleman who was a WWII vet, blind, in a wheelchair, and we caught some mighty fine fish together. It developed into an annual relationship for three years until he passed away.

So, there you go. Let's go! Sign up - NOW!