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!

The first event for the New Jersey Chapter of Heroes on the Water was held on May 10th 2014 at Picatinny Arsenal Army Base in Rockaway New Jersey.  There was 79 total attendees registered and others that made an appearance.

The morning started out foggy as volunteers arrived and begun setting up unloading gear kayaks rods and setting up breakfast. By 9:00 AM all of the attendees were present. There was a brief introduction and tank you to the base and Civic Duty Partners for providing and cooking lunch for all.  Rod & reel combos were raffled off and given away to a few participating vets.

Everyone then met up at the boat launch area and the group photo was taken then systematically everyone was divided into 2 groups. They were matched up with guides. Launching the vets and guides went smoothly. Before you knew it the entire lake was speckled with 40 or more bright colored plastic boats.

Fishing was phenomenal. I saw one lady veteran catch 3 pickerel in the matter of 10 minutes! It probably couldn’t get any better than that!

It seemed all of the veterans their family’s and the volunteers had a great day!. I don’t think anyone left without catching fish.

Around 12:30 the wind kicked up. everyone headed off the lake for lunch. The motor boat came and helped a few boats in. Lunch was excellent!  By this time i had to pack up and leave to attend a family obligation. It was a good time to go as the sky was clouding up due to incoming thunder storms.

For the past 2 years Jersey Cape Kayak Fishing (JCKF) a New Jersey based kayak fishing club has organized a Jamboree for kayak anglers to get together have fun while camping and fishing the Susquehanna River Delta at the Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace Maryland. The Jamboree’s format is not that of a tournament but much like the boondoggle except an entry fee which supports a roast pig dinner with sides an event shirt and all funds left over benefits Heroes on the Water Chapters of Maryland, Central Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As always there is a few calcutta’s which are voluntary. The class is Striped Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Catfish, and Slam. Longest catch photo release wins entire pot per category.

This year Jim Dolan president of the Heroes on the Water organization joined us. It was an honor to have him spend the weekend with us and also have a few veterans from previous HOW outings join in too.

Fishing was uneventful for most during the event. The photo of Gary ‘Fishenfool’ on the left describes it well! The lack of fish or fish that were feeding was blamed on the amount of water flowing through the Conowingo Dam and as a result the 48 degree water temps on the flats.  It was expected after a cold winter. A few catfish Large Mouth Bass & Small Mouths were reported. Only four total Striped Bass were reported to be caught and released. Although the Calcutta weigh in board stated one cow was 46 inches.  The raffle was immense this year with many sponsors donating product and swag to benefit HOW.

For me it was just relaxing to get out on the water with a fishing rod for the first time this season. Wake up call was at 4 am. Ended up being the first one out of camp as the gate wasn’t even open yet.  On my way to the park where the decision was made to be the launch I made a stop at Royal farms for coffee and ice. Arrived at the ramp around 4:50 and there were a lot of bass boats showing up. Parked close to the boat ramp and begun to gear up the Big Rig. Being this was the first time taking it fishing I had to figure out where all of my gear was to be stored and also attach a few Ram Mounts here and there. It took me about 45 minutes to figure everything out and finally drop into the water. Must say everything went smoothly. Although missing the sun rise was a bummer.

The Torqeedo on the Big Rig performed well for trolling. I did paddle for about an hour though to get used to the size of the Big Rig. It seems the Torqeedo will run all day at slow trolling speeds. I fished from 7 AM til 12 PM and only used 40% of the battery! I need to figure out how to export the GPS tracks on my Lowrance chart plotter. Trolled 2 rods with Xraps Yo Zoris Bombers Ratl Traps you name it. Should have dragged that tube and worm behind me. Two feet of water 10 feet of water marked massive carp in the channels and also saw them jumping.

It was great to see those that fish these events and meet new people as always! Looking forward to the upcoming mid-Atlantic saltwater season. The Striped Bass should be off the shore and in the back bays of New Jersey soon.

Thanks to JCKF for all of the hard work to put this event on in elite style!