Welcome to
Hook, Line, and Warriors
A nonprofit Veterans Fishing program in South Jersey
Our Mission Statement
The mission of Hook, Line, and Warriors is to enrich the lives of veterans, first responders, and their families by bringing them together through fishing, friendship, and the healing power of time spent on the water.
We provide opportunities to step away from the pressures of everyday life, connect with others who share similar experiences, and enjoy the camaraderie, peace, and sense of purpose that come from a day spent fishing together. Whether from a boat, or the beach, our goal is to create an environment where friendships are built, stories are shared, and no one has to navigate rough waters alone.
Rooted in our love of fishing, our respect for service, and our pride in our country and community, Hook, Line, and Warriors is committed to giving back to those who have given so much. Through fishing experiences, community outreach, charitable activities, and fellowship, we strive to support the mental, emotional, social, and physical well-being of those we serve.
At Hook, Line, and Warriors, our mission is simple: to serve those who served, strengthen the bonds of community, and help our veterans and first responders reel in calmer seas.
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, 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 activities while deployed. But now and again, they would share some of their experiences. Usually, the lighter side of military life and their sillier exploits.
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I learned about a lot of those experiences while out on fishing trips, mostly with my father. My dad would get together with some of his friends and head out, usually in his friend 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, docks, 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 joining 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 the ocean and fishing, for giving him the 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. His sharing that with me changed something in me. It brought back conversations overheard while fishing with my dad. The power of fishing. The healing a day out on the water can provide.
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That experience inspired me to form 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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