Our mission is simple…to get veterans out of the clinical environment for a relaxing day of fishing. Everything is provided including equipment, food and drink. After that, things take care of themselves. Take A Vet Fishing was established in 2007 and at the start of our 2017 season, we celebrated the milestone of having taken 5,000 veterans out fishing!
Fishing Opportunities
Fishing Opportunities
Have you ever thought about what veterans do to heal? For many of them, fishing is a huge outlet.
Many veterans go fishing to escape reality for a bit and to de-stress from mental struggles. In fact, there are a number of programs specifically designed to help disabled or wounded military service members struggling go fishing to deal with the issues and stress they face returning to daily life.
Project Healing Waters, Inc. (Trout Unlimited)
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc. (PHWFF) began in 2005 serving wounded military service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. Since then, PHWFF has expanded nationwide, establishing its highly successful program in Department of Defense hospitals, Warrior Transition Units, and Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and clinics.
Project Healing Waters brings a high-quality, full-spectrum fly fishing program to an ever-expanding number of disabled active military service personnel across the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, in Military Hospitals and the Warrior Transition Command. We focus our resources wherever the need is greatest and expand our partner base in the process. PHWFF has become recognized as an innovative leader and model in the field of therapeutic outdoor recreation for the disabled, through its successful application of the sport of fly fishing as a rehabilitation tool.
Hooks for Heroes - Connecticut
Started in 2010 Hooks for Heroes Connecticut, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) all-volunteer, charitable organization supporting seriously wounded or injured. service members and Veterans suffering with PTSD and TBIs.
Heroes on the Water - Western Connecticut Chapter
HEROES ON THE WATER
Western Connecticut
Heroes on the Water is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides no-cost therapeutic kayak fishing experiences to veterans, first-responders, active-duty military members and their families. Our volunteer-led chapters hold regularly scheduled events that improve lives while supporting our heroes.
Connect by Email or Facebook:
- Western.CT@Heroesonthewater.org
- Chapter Facebook Page
The Maj. Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program - Connecticut
The Maj. Steven Roy Andrews Fishing Outreach Program Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit program that was started in 2008 out of a need to help veterans and at risk and needy kids. The purpose of this program is to get veterans and kids hooked on fishing. For veterans it gives them a way to deal with issues from their service, be it mental or physical ones. Kids find a new hobby they can get involved with and make better choices in life as opposed to hanging around on the block and getting into trouble.
Joe Kowalski takes a vet or kid out on the boat for a day of fishing. “It's a lot like a one day fishing lesson. I try and teach them all I know about this great sport,” explains Kowalski. Each vet or kid receives a rod and reel and a tackle box full of the latest baits. This is theirs to keep free of charge. Also included are contacts for local fishing clubs in the area they live so they can continue on if they wish or they can call Joe anytime with questions.
Rivers of Recovery
OUR PROGRAM
Each Rivers of Recovery trip hosts up to eight combat veterans on a four-day, science-based, experiential rehabilitation program focusing on confidence building, outdoor activities, and talk therapy. Trips are conducted in a relaxed, positive environment using proven techniques on the self-management of symptoms, stressors and responses.
Multiple peer-reviewed studies have proven ROR’s system provides profound benefits: the fly fishing and hunting instruction processes increases self-confidence, the resulting skill-improvement builds empowerment, and the resulting achievement facilitates enthusiasm and resiliency. Being immersed in an outdoor environment accentuates these positives. The social interaction among participants reinforces a sense of success, empowerment, and a reconnection to self.
All fishing and hunting therapies are conducted with professionally licensed guides. The program is low-impact and requires very little walking – making it possible to serve as many veterans as possible.
Through philanthropic contributions, Rivers of Recovery trips are free to the participant, with $2,500 covering airfare, lodging, guiding/instruction, meals and research study.
Hooks for Heroes - New York
Mission
Hooks for Heroes is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that gives back to American Veterans & First Responders by providing them with free of cost fishing trips to help cope with the physical and mental injuries sustained during their service. We encourage a positive outlet for these heroes and offer them a day off to relax, unwind and have a chance to catch “the big one!
If you wish to contact Hooks for Heroes you can do so by writing to :
Hooks for Heroes
PO Box 176
Island Park, NY 11558
Or email us at
info@hooksforheroes.org
If you are a Post 9/11 Veteran be sure to register with the Wounded Warrior Project . There is an amazing amount of assistance and support available.
Warrior Registration
If you are a veteran or active duty service member of
the U.S. armed forces and suffered a physical or mental injury, wound, or illness during your military service on or after September 11, 2001, you can register below. Once verified, you’ll have access to our programs in areas like mental health, financial wellness, physical health, and peer and community connection.
Family Support Member Registration
Warriors aren’t the only ones who face challenges after transitioning back to civilian life. Wounded Warrior Project understands the importance of a strong support system and we’re here to serve
those who support the transition and recovery
of their veteran family member.
Connecticut Veteran Resource Page
ctveteranresourcepage@gmail.com
New Haven County, Connecticut
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Project New Hope, Inc. has supported Veterans and their Families for fourteen years. Sully’s food and baby pantries provide basic needs, retreats provide healing opportunities, and the assistance program helps to “connect the dots” for those struggling to navigate current government systems. We partner with a wide range of military and government programs, with one goal, to support the Veterans where the other programs falter. Veterans deserve our nation’s gratitude, and, more importantly, a place to rebuild with honor.
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