WVBowhunter
10-01-2008, 07:22 AM
Well with the event a little less than 3 weeks away, I'm sure each and everyone is looking forward to taking our guys, gals and their families out for a really great day of catfishing. I've been hearing of a few nice fish being caught so the action is picking up. Hopefully we'll have a typical mid October day with cool mornings, warm afternoons, low winds and sunny skies. Most of you know what to expect as you have done this a time or two before, but as a reminder try to fly the American Flag on your boat so you can be easily identified by the VDGIF, other skippers, reporters. If you have a livewell fill it with some water to hold the fish until someone can swing by for some photos of your warrior and their catch,,,if not then a quick photo op with your guests and their fish. Remember to upload some of your favorite pictures to WWP-Catfishing - Page 1 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting (http://s212.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/WWP-Catfishing/) The username is WWP-Catfishing and the password is Catfishing and of course you can tell your story and share with others on Mastercatters.com or your home fishing site like the VCA and Tidal Fish.
I'll advise the warriors to wear approbriate clothing for the weather, but things like poncho's, blankets etc will be appreciated for those that dont have them. PFD's it's always a good idea to wear yours and I would suggest that you urge your crew to wear them. If you have additional pfd's especially for children it's a good idea to bring them along and share with another boat for those that cant find any prior to the event, althou I did ask the warriors to secure their own ahead of time,,,but just like us, they will run off without them and things. Alchol,,I will recommend against having it on your boat as it may intefer with there meds, but sharing of water and softdrinks will be ok. I'll be telling them to bring their own snacks and drinks,,but sharing some jerky or snacks is always a good ice breaker. Keep an eye on your guest if they are turning green from sea sickness head for calmer waters and return them back to the marina if need be,,also we have had a few in the past that needed to return early because they are still to weak while recovering,,let em know that its ok and no problem in doing so. Most of the wounded will share their story with you, but let them do so on their own.
Many of us will be out before daylight to catch bait and share with those that wont have a chance or no means by which to obtain any, so if you have gill nets and throw nets you will be helping out by providing a few extra for those in need. Bring along a dink pole so the kids can share in the fun too. I have asked the VDGIF to have an extra officer or two on the water to keep the big boats from waking us.
I just spoke to Tina Locklear (wounded warrior activities coordinator) a little while ago and they are getting quite excited and looking forward to the event. Also she said there will be no problem signing up 50 for this event. Now that we've done this a couple of times and the guys and gals have seen how much fun this is they are eager to battle a brute. The vast majority of you are accomplished catters, but a few are just coming along or are from out of the area so I may give you a shawdow boat to stick with you and let you help keep them out of trouble on the water and put them on some fish.
later
Jim
PS: I'll be down the entire week prior on my vacation so if you need to call me my cell is 240-344-1722..if I dont answer leave a message -- I'm fighting a fish or running to the next one :)
I'll advise the warriors to wear approbriate clothing for the weather, but things like poncho's, blankets etc will be appreciated for those that dont have them. PFD's it's always a good idea to wear yours and I would suggest that you urge your crew to wear them. If you have additional pfd's especially for children it's a good idea to bring them along and share with another boat for those that cant find any prior to the event, althou I did ask the warriors to secure their own ahead of time,,,but just like us, they will run off without them and things. Alchol,,I will recommend against having it on your boat as it may intefer with there meds, but sharing of water and softdrinks will be ok. I'll be telling them to bring their own snacks and drinks,,but sharing some jerky or snacks is always a good ice breaker. Keep an eye on your guest if they are turning green from sea sickness head for calmer waters and return them back to the marina if need be,,also we have had a few in the past that needed to return early because they are still to weak while recovering,,let em know that its ok and no problem in doing so. Most of the wounded will share their story with you, but let them do so on their own.
Many of us will be out before daylight to catch bait and share with those that wont have a chance or no means by which to obtain any, so if you have gill nets and throw nets you will be helping out by providing a few extra for those in need. Bring along a dink pole so the kids can share in the fun too. I have asked the VDGIF to have an extra officer or two on the water to keep the big boats from waking us.
I just spoke to Tina Locklear (wounded warrior activities coordinator) a little while ago and they are getting quite excited and looking forward to the event. Also she said there will be no problem signing up 50 for this event. Now that we've done this a couple of times and the guys and gals have seen how much fun this is they are eager to battle a brute. The vast majority of you are accomplished catters, but a few are just coming along or are from out of the area so I may give you a shawdow boat to stick with you and let you help keep them out of trouble on the water and put them on some fish.
later
Jim
PS: I'll be down the entire week prior on my vacation so if you need to call me my cell is 240-344-1722..if I dont answer leave a message -- I'm fighting a fish or running to the next one :)