This past weekend we put on an event on Richland Chambers. I was intorduced to Sand Bass fishing by Bob Wilson and had a blast chasing birds. He informed me (and showed me) that it is a blast and doesn't require a whole lot of skill as far as fishing goes. Not saying anything bad about it LOL just that it was simple to catch fish compared to Bass fishing.

I have been asked to organize a schedule to take out wounded soldiers on a monthly basis to different lakes around Ft. Hood.

I would set up a schedule of lakes ranging from Alan henry to Sam Rayburn, DFW area to Choke Canyon. In General keeping it within a 5-6 hour drive time max. We would do one close then one far and so on.

What I need from you:
What would be an incentive to get enough boaters on the water to handle 40 soldiers at a time?
I had an idea - just an idea - that if we had a 2 day event and a boater fished both days we could pay for the gas the second day. Or offer a free room to boaters to help offset the cost for the boaters. I understand that no matter how patriotic you might be, your wallet is still louder in your ear. You still work for a living, have families and need to conserve gas or expenses.

Please let me know your opinions and thoughts on this. I am going to print this out so that my command understands the needs of the boaters and hopefully we can come to an agreement and take some soldiers fishing! thanks for your time. Mike

Proposed lakes and dates:
MAY 31 - BELTON
JUNE 28 - GRANGER
JULY 12 - SAM RAYBURN -motel
JULY 26 - RAY HUBBARD -motel
AUGUST 9 - BELTON - TASF SOLDIER BENEFIT TOURNAMENT $60 ENTRY AND 2 NON PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS - ETCBA
AUGUST 30 - LEWISVILLE -motel
SEPTEMBER 13 - RICHLAND CHAMBERS -motel
SEPTEMBER 27 - FORK TASF - LINDALE BASS CLUB -motel
OCTOBER 11 - ALAN HENRY -motel
OCTOBER 25 - RAY ROBERTS -motel
NOVEMBER 22 - GRAPEVINE -motel

Shoot, just set up a day or two at Belton. I know at least 10 folks who'd have 4 seats for America's finest. I don't think any of them would even consider taking gas money. Bring um on!!!

I'd even be willing to offer up some weekly trips. Tuesdays or Thursdays after 1600. Let me know what I can do.

Belton is in the works MrG. I will let you know. If you want to organize something and give me a total number of soldiers you can take out I will see about filling them. It doesn't have to be big with sponsors and all that. Just a day of fishing. Simple. Let me know. Later Mike

I will drive to Belton for this and take one soldier. I may know a few more guys that will do the same. I will do it for nothing.

Also I would like a collaborative effort of a list of 12 lakes - one for each month- to fish. Looking for lakes that produce numbers so these guys have a trip of a lifetime. If the program is a success in the beginning amongst the soldiers they will keep coming back.
I am not trying to "bribe" boaters. It is not my intention. You may want to fish all of them and we want to ease your expenses. I need to know what would make it easier on you.

I am sure eventually we will get to your neck of the woods to fish so you wouldn't have to travel as far. later Mike

Belton should be great for the next sixty days. After June it's kind of hit-and-miss. TSA tourney is May 17 and the Belton Bunch fish fry is May 31. Any date(s) other than that and I'm in.

I'm on board. Just give me dates and will do my best to make a monthly trip to whatever lake it is being held at. I can handle two individuals safely in my boat. I could handle three if I do not have a family member with me. Depending on the injury and limitations, a family member could/would assist me in trying to provide an enjoyable experience. I have milled this very idea over in my head for quite some time. I am happy to learn you are making this closer to reality.

As will I, if you can get the guys up this way I'm sure we can put 'em on fish on some of our local lakes as well.

Don't do much white bass fishing but I'm sure a few of the Granger Gang would be more than happy to put our finest onto some Crappie @ Granger. I can take 2 in my boat. Thanks for what you do.

I would be honored to be involved in such a program. If you were to set one up here at Lewisville or Ray Roberts, I am sure "the regulars" would help out up here.

I'm in on Lewisville. I could handle two.

I'm in for Belton.

It does not take much to get me to fish so I will participate in any in a 100 mile radius of FTW

HERE IS A LIST OF PROPOSED LAKES AND DATES:

SEE 1st POST!! for lakes and dates

The dates are the last Saturday of each month based off some of the lakes you suggested. Let me know what you guys think. Time of year, type of fishing, best lakes for which days and so on.

INPUT INPUT INPUT I need it all so I can present this to my commander.

I then need someone to Adopt the event and be the "guy on the ground" for setting everything up for when we get there along with my help. It can be more than one person but it needs to run smoothly and seamlessly. Some of these distances are a long ways from Ft. Hood. Also if there are people at each lake that can accommodate a couple wheelchairs. You guys are going to be what makes this happen not me. I can plan the trip and get the soldiers there but I don't know the area like you guys do. We might even be able to rent the entire motel for Friday and Saturday and I would think some owners would offer a discount during the slow months. Think about it and let me know. THanks Mike

May 31 is our Belton Bunch fish fry. We have the pavilion at tlp reserved. I'm definitely open for that morning. Come noontime it's time to EAT. Whaddya say BB?