Welcome to
Hook, Line, and Warriors
Our Mission Statement
Hook, Line, and Warriors seeks to enhance the lives of veterans and their families in our community and throughout the region, through social, educational, and charitable activities we initiate and/or participate in. Our fishing and military backgrounds, and American pride motivate our organization to answer the call of volunteerism and community service.
The Hook, Line, and Warriors organization exists to serve as a beacon of hope to those who may need help, whether it is mental, emotional, social, or physical, and to lend assistance to those that do. We, as an organization, plan to fight for those who gave so much and challenge others to do the same.
donate today
Your contribution helps us provide life-changing fishing experiences for veterans and their families. Every dollar directly supports our mission to promote healing, camaraderie, and community for those who have given so much. Together, we can make waves of positive change.
Reel In Hope, Healing, and Connection
Hook, Line, and Warriors is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. We provide free activities to veterans and their families to help promote camaraderie, socialization, and positively impact their mental health through structured fishing outings.
All of the funds we receive go toward helping veterans. 100%. There are no hidden salaries or agendas here. All monies collected pay for events, trips, merchandise to give to veterans, or help raise funds for them. So please consider making a donation today. Either here on the site, or through PayPal or Venmo.
Thank you!
Our Story
I have always admired and respected our nation’s veterans. They give and sacrifice so much for all of us. I grew up with veterans; my father, who served in Vietnam, his father (my grandfather), who served in the European theater during WWII, and my mother’s father, who served in Korea. For the most part, they were reluctant to discuss their exploits. But now and again, they would share some of their experiences. Usually the lighter side of military life and their silly exploits.
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I learned about a lot of those experiences while out on fishing trips, mostly with my father. My father would get together with some of his friends and head out in Carl’s boat—an old tri-hull. We often fished the Delaware Bay. I loved fishing with my dad, and to be invited along with his friends was always a treat. They would goof around, talk about work, wives, and a variety of other topics that guys discuss. But at times, the conversation would turn to feelings about their experiences in Vietnam, or dealing with the VA, or nightmares. They’d laugh, yell, and once in a while, even cry. Carl had some really exciting stories. He was a door gunner in a Huey. He saw and did things beyond what any man should be asked to do. They all did. But they did their job, as was often stated.
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What I learned from these outings at an early age was that fishing can be a powerful tool. It can help you to open up, share, discuss, and heal. And these grown men sharing their pain, frustration, fears, trials, accomplishments, and more, showed me the value of talking to one another. The power in exposing your feelings, even when it hurts, and allowing yourself to heal, little by little.
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My father and I fished together often. From Carl’s boat now and again, but mostly from the local jetties, groins, beaches, and sod banks. I miss our conversations. The funny stories. The shared moments between father and son. I will never forget those moments we shared.​
As I neared my graduation from high school, I began looking into going into the military. I visited the various branches trying to decide which branch would be the best fit. I really wanted to fly. I had the ASVAB score, but there were no guarantees. When my father caught wind of my intentions, he told me in no uncertain terms that I was not to join up. He stated that he would break my legs while I slept to make certain I could not join. I was to attend college and make something of myself, as he put it. So, I listened.​​
​​​We continued to fish through the years. I became a teacher. I decided along the way to get my charter, OUPV, license. What better way to spend the summer than fishing and getting paid for it?
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As a charter captain, I have taken thousands of people out fishing. You show them how and where to fish for various species. You share all sorts of stories and hear all sorts of stories. It’s probably one of the best jobs out there. It’s never dull, boring, or bad. But every now and again, you get someone who comes along and touches your soul.
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In June 2020, I had a back-to-back charter scheduled with Troy and his family. The first day we went out on the boat. The following day we fished the surf. Troy was a super nice guy, down-to-earth, and very inquisitive. He asked loads of questions regarding how we were fishing, why we did certain things, and so on. I love people like Troy, as I love sharing my passion for fishing with others. Both days, he gave me exorbitant tips too, which just struck me as odd. We had a really nice time on both trips and parted ways. Troy left a glowing review on one of my booking services. Then, a few days later, I received a call. Troy thanked me for showing him the beauty of fishing, for giving him an experience he had always dreamt of, and for saving his life.
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I was blown away. Troy went on to explain that he suffered from PTSD. He struggled daily. He had been driving an armored personnel vehicle and drove over a mine. It was a miracle he survived, as he was badly wounded. But, in the explosion, he lost several of his brothers. He felt that he cheated them by surviving. He had planned on rectifying that over the weekend after fishing. He brought the gun with him. By the grace of God, our little fishing adventures changed something in Troy.
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That experience inspired Hook, Line, and Warriors. We strive to bring that same healing and solace to all our veterans. Together, we can help them reel in calmer seas.
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