Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran’s Free Fishing Charters

How it all started

A few years ago, when Captain Rich Wood’s Air Force nephew Brett was stationed in Iraq for six months, Rich decided he wanted to do something to say "thanks" to the veterans of our country.  To say “thanks” for the sacrifices they and their families made so that we, back home, could enjoy our lives and liberties.

Out of that came one day that went on to become an annual event where both charter boat Captains and recreational boat owners donate their time and boat to take veterans and their family members out for a half day of fishing in Cape Cod Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The first two years saw about 25 boats participating, half of them being charter boats and the other half recreational fisherman.   The boats range in size from twenty foot center consoles to thirty-six foot sport fisherman.

This whole thing is made possible simply due to the exceptional generosity of the boat owners and captains who volunteer their vessels and their time.  

Cash donations are added to the proceeds from the raffles for fishing equipment and these funds are donated to "Cape Cod Cares for Our Troops".   We’re able to provide some of you in Iraq and Afghanistan a little care package, courtesy of Cape Cod!

It is but a small token of our appreciation to you and your family for the sacrifices which you make every day!

Sunday, June 8, 2008 - McMillan Pier, Provincetown, Cape Cod, Mass. 

With volunteers donating either time, food, beverages, items for raffle, or cash in support of this event, over 70 veterans and 100 of their better halves and kids from all over New England were treated to a very memorable day.   All were very, very happy.

The biggest concern of the day was the weather, but we were blessed with a warm, sunny day, and light winds. The day started at around 7, when we set out coffee, juice, milk, and water along with a bunch of breakfast goodies donated by various bakeries in Provincetown. The first families took no time in showing up and registering, and each family was given a small canvas bag with a bunch of donated fishing goodies. A lot of the families actually stayed here for the weekend, as some motels gave a 50% discount to the participants. We had a total of twenty boats volunteer, eleven of them being regular charter boats and nine of them being recreational boaters who donated their time. The boats ranged in size from 38 feet down to 21 foot center consoles. By 8 a.m. everyone had registered and the boats took off, with instructions to be back by 11:30 or noon at the latest, as we had a big lunch planned.

At around 11, the vets and their families slated for the afternoon trips started to arrive and register, giving them a chance to watch the morning crew come in. The catching in the morning was a bit slow – the boats which headed down toward Truro in the Bay caught some nice fish, while those who ventured toward Race Pt. had slim pickings. 

Lunch was great – all the folks from the morning trip mingled with the folks going out on the afternoon trip, and all feasted on pizza’s, sandwiches, wraps, and grinders. The vets then presented us with an American Flag which was flown over one of their headquarters in Iraq, in appreciation for us putting the event on. The flag is displayed at Nelson’s Bait and Tackle should any of you wish to see it.

The afternoon crews did great – all the boats headed down Truro way and scored real nice striped bass up to 25 pounds.

All in all it was a great event, the vets and their families were the best and most appreciative.  But again, it was because of all of the volunteers and the boat Captains that made this event possible – so thanks again, and be proud of what you did.