Although this was the NJ HOW Chapters third time hosting an event at the Port Monmouth venue it was my first time running one as the Event Coordinator.
Managing an event like this helps you appreciate how much work actually goes into the event and the time it takes to make the event successful. Then the great feeling once the event has concluded and to see the smiles from the people we do it for.
Its priceless and worth every second of my time. Its also great to hang out with fellow volunteers whom spend their time making these events possible.
The Port Monmouth Event at the Bayshore Waterfront park is one of the best bay events as the spring time this area typically has very good Fluke fishing. Its scenery is also extravagant on a clear day as you can see the New York City sky line along with the Navy Earl Ammunition Pier & Waterfront Complex which is located about a mile south.
The sandy beach provides a nice drop in besides the soft sandy walk down. It becomes a true test for kayak carts of all shapes & sizes on the way back up after the day is over.
My day started at 4:30 AM as i arose from my slumber. I was out of the house by 5:00 Am to pickup a coffee and a bite to eat. After that it was off to the bay shore. Stopping on the way for 5 dozen Dunkin Donuts and 5 boxes of coffee for the event.
Arriving at the park at 6:15 some volunteers had already arrived. Sean redneck pointing to his watch as if I was late. Begun to unload as more volunteers showed up lifting plastic boats from their car top cradles and trailers. As they geared up their boats the trailers eventually showed up with the HOW gear and the volunteers were quick to unload and create a rig tying group a kayak unloading group and group to make up separate cups of bait for each veteran kayak. The land crew eventually came and the event direction signs were set up and a light breakfast was set up. Bagels Donuts and Coffee was on the menu.
Soon our Heroes arrived! The men and women whom were wounded while fighting for us. It was to be their day!
9:00 PM headed up a captains meeting and a quick launch as the wind was already starting to get strong by this time. After about 2 hours i heard over the radio that one of the Veterans Gene had landed a 26″ fluke (pictured right)! Nice fish!!
I heard of a few fish caught but the drift along with the wind was a challenge. One of our tandems ended up being blown way south and we had to pick up the duo by car. With the winds at 10-15 and lunch being cooked by Ed Danberry and Civic Duty Partners a charity group that supports Heroes on the water NJ Veterans and guides began landing on the beach.
Lunch was incredible consisting of Burgers Dogs and the famous sausages with all of the fixings paired along with cold sides and cookies for dessert. Great Job done by CDP once again!
After lunch concluded everyone was pretty much done fishing. This was completely understandable as it was most likely more paddling than fishing. All the volunteers again grouped together to get the cleanup and pack up done. It went flawless. One of the volunteers had set up a whole cleaning station for gear boats and tackle. Everything worked like a assembly line in reverse from the morning.
Im glad the vets had a great time despite the windy day on the water. I would like to tank all of the volunteers who attended the event. You all did an amazing job and I could not have asked for better!
See you all at the next event!
