A Tale of Two Buddies ...

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Once upon a time as these tales go ...

I'll let Marc do the talking:

Marc's application letter-

To The good folks at Anchor's Aweigh:

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you on behalf of the disabled people that still enjoy fishing, but have too many obstacles to pursue this activity. Back in 2004, my friends and I met in Miami for a fishing trip. As fate would have it, the following February I had an exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis which has left me pretty much immobile. I was forced to retire prematurely and basically have had to make changes in my recreation life as well. My dear friend Michael promised me we would get out again on the water. He was searching the internet and came upon your site. He sent it to me and I was overwhelmed. Michael is flying down to Atlanta (my home) from New York (his home) to drive me in my handicap vehicle to Florida to fish, once again. Between his efforts and your offering I can realize my passion. I can not thank you all enough for returning a smile to my face.


Marc & Mike joined us on Sunday, Feb. 8, and Florida treated them to some of our best warm February weather. The water was like silk as we headed out to sea, approximately 20 miles off shore. Being the mate, I estimated that between the two of them, they pulled in close to 100 fish.



Marc wasn't too happy to find out that the fish on the left had to go right back to where it came from, as it was caught in International waters and the rules required it's release. I'm sure that the fish was happy to hear that however.

After an exciting trip, we received the following email from Marc's buddy Mike. Mike sent this email to all of his friends and family-


Dear Friends who know me and maybe my buddy Marc,

As many of you know I took a road trip this past week with my buddy Marc down to Florida to venture into fishing, (once again). Somehow while searching the Internet under 'disabled fishing', I found an unbelievable married couple who make the dream of fishing for adults and children with disabilities a reality. I cannot express to you all what a wonderful time me and Marc experienced thanks to Capt Steve Hair and his first mate Joe. The captain modified a beautiful 36 foot fishing vessel with a door that opens from the side allowing a person in a wheelchair or scooter access to the beautiful bays and ocean off of Amelia Island Florida. He has adapted fishing poles over these past 10 years to accommodate people with missing limbs. He takes out veterans who have become disabled defending our great country. He takes out children who under normal circumstances would never have this kind of opportunity out on the water, because of their disability. Believe it or not, they do this for FREE.

My friends all know about Marc. He played guard in High School way back when. We all felt safe running around with him in his prime as he was not a guy you would want to mess with. Diagnosed in his late 20's with a disease such as MS has humbled Marc now in what should be his midlife. He doesn't look for sympathy or pity. He is one of the strongest persons of character I know, and thank God he met a wonderful woman in Marsha to be at his side. All this being said, the people involved with Anchors Aweigh brought a smile back to his face, and a day I know that I will never forget.




Changing Channels ...

Chips Ahoy y'all! I'm a half mast mate on the good ship M/V Ye Ole Pirate, Anchors Aweigh Charters on Amelia Island, Florida is non-profit and provides fishing charters FREE of charge to those with physical disabilities, in a wheel chair, the BLIND, the DEAF, the BLIND & DEAF, the BLIND & DEAF in wheel chairs, those folks who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and people who have developmental disabilities. Guide/Service dogs are welcome aboard. No requirement to be a Florida resident.

I have no financial ties to Anchor Aweigh Charters. I volunteer as a mate when I can. I sign American Sign Language (ASL).  My ASL name is Sailor.

"Boogity! Boogity!
Let's go fishing boys and girls!"

[seanr8w]

Hey DreamsFloatJoe.... that is an awesome article. Good work! Thanks for being an exceptional Human Being! 

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Hey DreamsFloatJoe.... that is an awesome article. Good work! Thanks for being an exceptional Human Being!

Thank you very much for your kind words Sean.  I work with really great people, get to meet really great people, and get out on the water enough to keep me happy.

[brijones1]

Great post, thanks for all that you do and making a difference 

[Luna Sea 5]

 

[Uncle Luna]

Great post and story. Kudo's to the capt. and crew for keeping people with disabilities out
on the water doing what they love to do.

[bassnblues]

Great story.

It really hits home with me because I also have a disability which keeps me from doing many of the things I used to enjoy.

Although I'm not in a wheelchair, I wouldn't be able to do half of what I do now whithout the help of family, friends and some good understanding charter capts...

On the other hand, I think I enjoy every catch more. I'm not obsessed with getting a 30lb striper or a 10lb fluke. Being able to get out and get a few is just fine with me now...

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Great story.  It really hits home with me because I also have a disability which keeps me from doing many of the things I used to enjoy.  Although I'm not in a wheelchair, I wouldn't be able to do half of what I do now whithout the help of family, friends and some good understanding charter capts...On the other hand, I think I enjoy every catch more. I'm not obsessed with getting a 30lb striper or a 10lb fluke. Being able to get out and get a few is just fine with me now...

Ahoy Bass and Blues!  Wheelchairs are not a requirement.  Anyone with a permanant disability/handicap/terminal illness can apply.  Each application is reviewed and evaluated on a case by case basis.  If the persons paperwork doesn't fit into a pre-approved category, AAC will contact that person for clarification before any decision is made.

May you be blessed with all your heart desires
and may all of your dreams come true.

[Hotrod]

Great stuff!!.  Please feel free to post your Link in your signature.. I'll work up a banner for you also and run her on the site and add it to your Signature.

Rod

[PeggyLee]

Sir, You and the Good Captain have my respect !
Its a wonderful thing and personally rewarding I'm sure.
Been through a whole lot of stuff myself, but some how keep working,fishing and help others.Its the only way !!!   Thanks AJ.            

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Great stuff!!.  Please feel free to post your Link in your signature.. I'll work up a banner for you also and run her on the site and add it to your Signature.  Rod

Rod, ...

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Sir, You and the Good Captain have my respect!  Its a wonderful thing and personally rewarding I'm sure.  Been through a whole lot of stuff myself, but some how keep working,fishing and help others.Its the only way!!!  Thanks AJ.

Thank YOU very much AJ for your kind words.

Great group of people in the Sandy Hook United States Power Squadron (USPS) and surrounding area.

AJ, wishing you oceans of love and fortune,

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Great post and story. Kudo's to the capt. and crew for keeping people with disabilities out
on the water doing what they love to do.

Uncle Luna!

[Bucktail]

Great going DFJ!

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Great going DFJ!

Thanks Bucktail!

Gotta love fishing Forked River!

[Fishin Dude]

Great story, made my night.    <'((((><

[dreamsfloatjoe]

Great story, made my night.

Hellooo Brick Fishin Dude!

It's a small world after all!  Over the years, I've had the pleasure of fishing with some fine members of the 'Over The Rail Gang' at Manasquan Inlet.  The stories I could tell ... naaaah, you would never believe me.  laughing  Never Mind!

Love your avatar, nothing wrong with Fish Tails, (oops, dangmcdabit, wheres the spel check moderator when you need one!) I mean Fish Tales, of course.  LOL Out Loud!

Best of Luck with your chartering this season Captain!