BigBendFishing.Net

Hey guys,

Every year the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association puts on an event called Hands Helping Anglers. The goal of the event is to take handicapped folks for a day of fishing. Some are physically handicapped (some associated with Wounded Warriors) and others are mentally handicapped. This year's event will be June 23rd and we need as many volunteer boat captains as we can get. Local Rotary clubs provide the transportation for the anglers so all you have to do is show up at the dock ready to put your anglers on some fish. The great thing about this is that you can go fishing where you feel comfortable as the Rotary members will meet you wherever you tell them. The local Rotary clubs also provide food, bait, ice, drinks, and snacks so all you'll have to bring is your boat. Several site members have participated in the past and I'm sure will share their stories from the event. I'd be more than happy to answer any questions you may have here on the site and can also be reached by email at tcaseycook@gmail.com or by phone at 850.228.8559. I promise that if you help out with this event once, you'll be hooked for life. Also, if you can think of non-site members who may be interested in helping out, please refer them my way!

Thanks,
Casey

Casey,

Katie and I will run a boat. Thanks for organizing again!

This will be the first one in 6 years that I will have to miss. I will be in Missouri for my Mom's funeral. I am in Frostproof at this time but will be returning to Tallahassee on Thursday. I have had the same couple every year and they are great. No transportation issues, they have always met me at Shields at what ever time we agreed on. They both do have MD issues from a physical stand point and the wife generally will need to remain setting in a substantial chair. The husband gets around pretty well and likes to set on the front deck of my Carolina Skiff when he fishes and hangs one foot over the side. I will try to contact them when I get back to Tallahassee and my regular computer. I would really appreciate someone picking them up if they want to go this year. Drop me a PM if you might be interested and I'll try to hook you folks up with them. Thanks.

Man, I hope we have more captains than Casey, Brian and me. Come on folks, donate a half day fishing trip. I've participated the last two years and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Both years, the anglers and crew had a great time. We had great days on the water and were able to find a few fish. Most of these folks get to fish very little if at all. I'm sure there are some out there that could use some good karma, dig deep y'all.

HEY BUD, DID NOT KNOW THAT YOUR MOM HAD DIED, SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, YOU AND FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS.
EARL

Casey, it's jay, count me in. Sorry i havent called you yet. David had mentioned something about pontoons from shields? I have no problem bringing the alumacraft, however seating would be at a premium. It's hard to believe that so few people would be willing to donate a day to change the life of somebody else.

I am in. Got my fishing partner, lookin forward to a great day of fun on the water. Pay it forward, folks
CaptRT

Count the Johnsons in. I have a 27' pontoon. I'll try to call you, Casey, but don't hesitate to call me first. My number is 443-7300.

This might be a dumb question....do you have to have a captains license to participate?

No, you are not being hired as a guide. Also, Shield's normally waives the launch fee, and the FWC will not require a fishing license from your passengers.

- Steve Stinson

Oh snap, it is an official party when capt RT shows up. I'm not sure if he will put his anglers on fish(he probably will), but he will most certainly put them on the best food. It looks like a pretty decent outgoing tide. Should be a good day of fishing. I look forward to seeing y'all there

I will be the first mate on my buddies boat again this year. Looking forward to it.

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the responses. Just a quick update, we had close to 60 anglers sign up for the fishing event. The great news is that we've got over thirty boat captains signed up to participate and we've been able to place all of the anglers who signed up to fish. We are looking for a few backup captains just in case we have last minute cancellations from captains. If you're interested in helping out, send me your information and I'll add you to the list. Just wanted to thank those folks who have volunteered to help out this year...I promise you won't be disappointed!

Casey