Fishing has become a major part of Forge Through as a conduit to meaningful social engagement, friendship building and mental well-being. As a consequence last year we launched the Forge Through Fishing Program as a means to get veterans and first responders out in the open air learning new skills that will help them create great new memories to replace the old not so wonderful ones. It has been a wonderful year of catch ups and fishing trips that have no doubt had a very positive impact on the lives of those that have been involved. You can never underestimate the value of time on the water with clean air and good company.
On Sunday the 11th of December 2022 we hosted the fifth annual social fishing day for veterans and first responders. The weather was kind to us, and a few fish even came out to play.
With a capped field of 25 boats and 28 veteran/responders fishing it was a very casual day with lots of laughs shared and good times had by all. Lunch was provided by time and resources kindly donated by Wes and Mary Murphy of the Wandering Woodfire Oven. Guaranteed to be the best pizzas you will ever taste.
With some great bags of fish caught during the 5-hour fishing session it was on to presentations and prizes for the different categories. Out of the 25 teams 9 teams managed to hit the podium in different categories to take home some of the amazing prizes donated by our sponsors. We know the day is not about the prizes but this event is supported extremely well by all our sponsors and as a collective we are extremely grateful.
The most sought after accolade of the day though is bragging rights of Champion Team and their name on the FT Fishing Day Trophy, to be immortalised through the ages. This year that honor went to James Rowe and Tim Francis, Jimmy and Timmy for the WIN… Well done gentleman, you put together an outstanding bag of fish to bring it home.
It was a wonderful day to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. I would like to thank all the boaters for donating their time, resources and expertise to their fishing partner on the day and the veterans and first responders for coming out to try something new. I hope enduring friendships were forged but most of all I hope there is a new realisation of the amount of support that is out there for each and every one of you.
I would like to thank the following sponsors in no particular order for the donation of items that make for the best boater/non boater grab bags, the best prizes on the circuit and a raffle table that has allowed us to raise $3050.00 for the Forge Through Program. Also a very special mention to Elizabeth Hoger Photography for capturing the day beautifully in the attached movie.
Daiwa Australia Recreational Fishing Trust NSW
Blue Collar Tackle Braidwood Outdoors
Mako Eyewear Priceline Pharmacy Batemans Bay
Boss Tackle Nowra Super Cheap Auto Batemans Bay
Mc Callums Tackleworld Cranka Lures
Jason Willhelms - Impoundment Barra Mastery Course
Nowra Toyota Skin n Bone Knives
Hurricane Lures Mark Corbin Plumbing
Omni Executive VGI Partners Foundation
Tim Francis Damien Flood
James Brennan X Factor Signs
Fishos Custom Lures Outback Custom Rods
Frogleys Outdoors