BigBendFishing.Net

PA: (Futchcairo)

I like the idea of a gift rod and reel. Please tell me what you get and I'll try to fine the same for my child.

I'm committed as well.

Good afternoon fellows.

I've been out of town since Sat morning taking care of some things for my Mom and just paying a long over due visit. I was certainly pleased to see all the responses. DON...I have one more potential captain that you can add to the list but needs some additional information and will be calling me. In addition, if you already do not have my name on the list you can add that as well. I know some of you have conflicts and would otherwise participate. That's fine and we know this time of year is pretty jammed. Your all good folks...(did I really say that ) and I know the kids will appreciate this opportunity. Thanks everyone.

PS: SS-342, as far as the gift rod and reel, I've followed PA's example a couple of times as well. A $12 Shakespeare or Zebco combo is all it takes. This is purely optional and not required, necessary, or expected.

HEY BUD, WILL IT BE ALRIGHT TO LAUNCH AT THE LIGHTHOUSE RATHER THAN RUNNING OUT THE RIVER, WE CAN COVER A LOT MORE GROUND BY DOING THIS , THUS GIVING THE KID A MUCH BETTER CHANCE OF CATCHING FISH.
EARL

PA, I believe the Childrens home will be busing the kids to the Fort and picking them up there.

You could launch at the lighthouse but you'd have to run back to pick them up and also bring them back to the Fort. The youngsters will be monitered very closely as they are wards of the Childrens home. You may have a chaperone who has been approved by the Home along with the youngster. Some of our regulars are already approved chaperones such as Don England and some others. The cookout is also going to be at the Fort in the shelter so you would need to bring them back there. I wouldn't worry to much about time on the water. As far as the kids are concerned...its ALL GOOD. If they catch a few of anything... pin fish...catfish...trout...blues...lady fish...shark, (you know sort of the type of catch that JT would haul in) they will be excited with it. Make sure you lend an ear to the stories they tell their friends when they get back. There won't be a one that will be disapointed.

I'll be putting something in Friday's Democrat. That usually gets a few more captains to commit. But still, you guys don't just sit back and let the other guy do it. These are kids that have already gotten the shaft. They need a little fun in their short, bleak life.

I'm in..Talked to Don and SR tonite. Just need to know what all is expected of captains..

Count me in. You know my dads boat Don. 22 Ft Angler, we can handle 2 kids or more if need be. Looking forward to it.

I think that idea of giving the kid on your boat a fishing rod is a great idea. Here's the debate, is it bad to leave some of the the kids out. So some get a rod/reel and others don't. Or maybe it teaches them early the valuable lesson that life on this earth isn't fair. I don't know the answer to that.

But if there's anyone that would like the blessing that comes with giving a rod/reel combo, but you can't make it to the event. I'll volunteer to come pick it up and bring it to the event and make sure it gets to a kid, if you're within a 30 mile radius of Tallahassee.

Lordsfisher has brought up a point that I've also wondered about. I just called Don England and spoke with him about the issue. We are both aware that there have been times where a gift of a rod and reel has been given to a youngster by the captain. We appreciate the though and feeling behind the gift. Here are some of the issues that could lead to a "slippery slope":

1. Some youngsters might receive a gift (rod and reel) while others would not. Some might receive a rod and reel and tackle box... etc. while others would not.
2. How do we define what would constitute the "correct tackle". We all know how many opinions there are on this forum as to what's the "best" gear.
3. If ALL youngsters receive a gift, would that element or cost preclude some captains from volunteering?
4. Once the practice has been started, it would need to be continued as a requirement.
5. I'm sure there are other elements that I haven't listed.

As a result of the troublesome issues that would be encontered if "gift gear" would be incorporated into the event, We are going to EXCLUDE the practice all together. NO gifts of gear should be provided for this year or going forward. Again, we trully appreciate the willingness of forum menbers to provide a gift, but given the resource of equipment, time, and money that you will be contributing, we feel that will make a great day for a youngster. We hope you all understand the need for this step. Thanks

WHAT EVER,
PA
SEMPER FI

What if we give every kid a rod and reel? Individuals could contribute money and Kevin's could provide them at cost. The NFGFC has money set aside aside for stuff like this (part of being a nonprofit service organization I believe). Also, the FWC gives away gear at some of their events. Why not hit them up too? As for teaching these kids a lesson in life's realities...I think they've already had a few. Just my thoughts.

Hey Captains! A lot of discussion going on about gifts to the children. After talking to the house parents at the childrens home, a better option would be to make the gift to the children's home, so that no child will be slighted. FYI...they have a lake on their property where rod and tackle gifts can be used often. Our whole idea is to make every child feel that this is his day on the bay; fishing, sightseeing and enjoying the company of everyone on your boat.

The children will be brought to the Fort around 7:30. Blast off is at 8:00. Everyone should be prepared to have a child's sponsor on the boat. If you want to launch from another ramp, you'll need to pick up your child and sponsor at the fort and be back around 12:00 for the lunch at the pavillion.

Dos and Don'ts: No swimming - No alcohol - Take all the pictures you want, but none can be published - No bad language - No skimpy attire - HAVE FUN!

Guess I'll have to leave the leopard banana hammock at home. Dang

Good morning folks.

I just spoke with Don England and am passing on the most current information we have. First I want to recognize and thank all the BBF and NFGFC members who have agreed to help us out by providing their time an resources for this event. We have a total of 14-15 captains from various sources who have committed to participating. Given the number of youngsters we are expecting, we still need 4-5 more captains to step up. If any of you have been considering helping with taking a kid fishing (many for the first time ever in a boat) please let us know and contact Don by phone or email. (call 850 510 0828 or E mail at doneengland@gmail.com) We know that sometimes an unavoidable conflict may pop up and a captain may need to be excluded. In that event we hope that flexibility will be the solution. We try hard to match a captain with a request for boy, girl, age, etc. but if we need to add or adjust the number or type of youngsters on a particular boat, we hope you will understand. Thanks again.

Group shot (partial) from 2010

Looking forward to it, should be a big time. When possible, I'd love to have an idea of the age(or size) of the youngster(s) that I will be taking. I'll probably have to borrow some pfd's that will fit them. I'd hate for them to have to wear my big orange pfd's. And if anyone has extra pfd's for little guys, that would be a big help. Thanks