Looking for a fishing charter.

[yak-aholic]

I met a man yesterday who is with the Paralyzed Veterans of America. He is looking for a charter captain who could take out a couple guys at a time throughout the summer for some fishing. The guys who will be going out need the boat to be wheelchair accessible. He mentioned either Grand Isle or Venice. I am sure he would be open to just about anywhere as long as fish will be caught.

If anyone has any information for me to pass along to him I would really appreciate it.

[jallen355]

I remember reading a post on LASportsman about a guide who had just recieved his new handicap accessable guide boat for ishore trips. I can't recall any of his info, but if I remember correctly. he was out of Empire. Call Delta Marina and ask about him.

[yak-aholic]

Thanks, I'll check into that.

[bigredbobber]

You may want to call Wildlife and Fisheries in BR. Somebody there might be able to help you. Just brainstorming.

[yak-aholic]

So far, I have 2 leads. I have the same basic post up in a few other sites as well. Hopefully I can hook something up for these guys.

[revredfish]

Now this is a crazy thought but:

If the vets have use of their arms the possibility of a kayak trip would be there. Obvious issues would need to be worked out - like nice strong helpers to get them in and out of the yaks, however, there are many folks with exceptionalities that enjoy all kinds of outdoor adventures. When I get back from India I would be willing to work with him if there are any that fit the bill - I know some folks that work with special needs that could help us work through all the needs (i.e. training to reenter the yak in case of a spill)- I am sure we could find a few volunteers including a "rescue boat" for the day in case of an emergency.

Any opportunity to put them in a possition of being able to perform just like someone without an exceptionality would be a possitive experience.

[ijuswannafish]

I think that is an awesome idea Rev. I wouldn't mind being involved in that.

[yak-aholic]

He and I actually talked about a kayak trip. The only real concern he had would be getting out of the kayak after the trip, and re-entry if something were to go awry. His thought was to have the disabled fishermen board the kayaks on land then be pushed into the water.

I'd definitely be down with going on a trip like that as long as someone else would be providing the kayaks. I don't have an extra. We need to make this happen.

If you're interested in helping out with something like this post here and if there are enough people and kayaks, I'll get in touch with him.

[revredfish]

I have two yaks that I can lead people in. We would need a couple of extra people for loading and unloading - preferably folks who are familiar with working with that situation. Wouldn't want to do it with too many guys at a time in terms of logistics. Two locations would work well - Magnolia and Golden Meadow.

[GreenWave]

As a veteran and an appreciative citizen, I'd love to help out. I'm the last guy to put someone on fish (I'll leave that to the Rev), but I'm pretty good at lifting heavy things, including people. I'm also a former lifeguard and NCAA swimmer, in case somebody takes an unplanned dip. I have an extra yak as well.

[Choupique]

This is pretty much what “heroes on the water” does regularly. http://www.heroesonthewater.org/
They have there national meeting on grand isle the weekend after PPVII

[theoldcaster]

I am in, I have one exta yak and 82 terry has an extra one so we could help with two soldiers, let's make this happen!

[northshoretiger]

I have an extra boat.

[revredfish]

I leave the country on Monday and am out of town now. But I am in. When I get back (week of PP7) let's pick this up and run with it.

[yak-aholic]

I know it's gonna be a while before we con get this thing going, and the way the disaster in the gulf is lookin ain't too good either.

Just thought I would give a brief update. I found the guy's number and talked to him on Friday. He was raring and ready to go. If the oil doesn't mess us up too badly, he'll probably want to work on getting something together for June or July.