Fishing With Heroes (revisited)

As the inaugural guest entry, we thought it would be fitting to re-post a blog account of a Heroes On The Water event that was originally posted by Cory Routh.  Cory has had, and continues to have, a tremendous impact on the sport of kayak fishing.  As a founding member of the Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association, he was instrumental with starting the TKAA Kayak Fish For Charity Tournament, which currently is in its 8th year, and he also started the Tidewater Chapter of Heroes On The Water which has grown in size and scope every year.  He is an accomplished outdoorsman, fishing guide, kayak fisherman, fly fisherman, conversationalist, author, photographer, and a true icon in the kayak fishing world.  Take note of his first picture in his account of the day and you will notice his attention to detail in the set up of the kayaks that awaited the marines that he and the chapter volunteers took out for the day.  This was not a posed or set up picture, every outing that Cory led and continues to be a part of reflects his respect for the men and women that have given so much.

We invite all of you to follow Ruthless Fishing Blog , purchase and read Cory's book Kayak Fishing The Complete Guide, check out his guide service http://ruthlessfishing.com/ , and be sure to say hello when you see him at numerous fishing industries shows and on the water.  Thanks Cory for allowing us to take a peek back at September 2011.

Cory's original post...

I had the honor of kayak fishing with 18 warriors from Project Healing Waters and the Marine Wounded Warrior Regiment. This trip was organized as part of the 6th Annual TKAA Charity Kayak Fishing Tournament. Each year the Heroes On the Water or HOW, organizes volunteers and equipment to take these deserving individuals out for a day of kayak fishing.

We had both fly and conventional anglers and every one took to kayak fishing like it was second nature. For the rest of the day we were all kayak anglers.

Some took to the open water solo, while others found a spot with their brothers and enjoyed the day. These Marines found the hot spot of the day.

This particular Marine caught his first kayak fish today, and others even caught their first fish ever..on the kayak. I believe they might be hooked.

I take pride in being able to "give back" to these deserving individuals by sharing my passion. In one way or another I believe we are doing in a day, what it takes the government much longer to do. HOW continues to grow and chapters are organizing nationwide. If you want to volunteer or contribute to the Heroes on the Water, please check out their website at http://www.heroesonthewater.org