Fishing Access Network

[tbeaty516]

I volunteer for these guys and what they are doing is a great thing. They just got started up and need support so I think this is the best place to get their idea out to the public.

Fishing Access Network is a non-profit corporation founded and operated by Veterans to provide our disabled Veterans and others with physical challenges the opportunity to experience the calming and healing qualities of fishing.

http://fishingaccessnetwork.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They built a boat that is wheelchair accessible. They also have rod and reel combos that are electric to reel in and can strap to someones forearm in the event that they have a loss in motor skills in their hands. Its a great opportunity to get people back in the water or into the water for the first time where their wheelchair no longer is a way of getting around but more a really comfy fishing chair.

The boat they built is great. It's well constructed and floats just as good as it looks. When I first saw the pictures of it I thought "why dont they just make a 'party barge' wheelchair accessible?" They answered me by saying that a barge like that, or a pontoon boat, sits on large cylinder floats putting the boat a lot higher in the water. It also does not support a lot of heavy weight in the size they were going for. (some electric wheel chairs weight upwards of 300lbs) So since one of the guys was a carpenter he decided he could make one that is easily beached for access, floats level and lower to the water than a "party barge" and just looks spectacular. And he did... Out back in a chicken coup. And it is one of the best looking boats I have ever seen.

I dont know about y'all but for me, fishing is my happy place. I get out on the water and even in the freezing cold and rain my issues and tensions just wash away. Nothing matters but that fish that I'm going to try to catch. For me my problems and worries stay back at the house when I go fishing. Imagine beeing disabled and not being able to fish or never knowing fishing? I couldn't do it.

But i've said enough. Check out their website even if just to check out the pictures of their boat. Thanks guys and mods if I am in the wrong area to post about this I'm sorry. Just thought it was a good place to start.

Let me know what y'all think. Any support is welcome and as a small side note... They DO have a donations page..

[racfish]

I am on their mailing lists. I've been receiving emails on their progress. It is a very worthy cause. Being a lil HCP. myself I look forward to fishing with them soon.Good job TBeaty for volunteering.

[Amx]

Yes a great bunch of people. That was mentioned last summer, but it's been awhile and is great to have it mentioned again.