JUST ME THINKING - - OMG!
I can’t help much with the where for trout fishing, but I will likely be able to assist with a couple of sponsors.
I have volunteered with Heroes On the Water a few times and thoroughly enjoyed myself. It would be great to put together an outing that would provide additional proceeds to that worthy group.
If the outing takes us to a lake that allows boats, and if we have enough advanced notice I believe Anthony, Portland chapter coordinator, of Heroes on the Water (HOW) would be able to add our outing to his schedule. This would bring us 10 or more ex-military people and or first responders as well as volunteers for their support into our outing. HOW would provide all of the tackle, kayaks, equipment and food for their people.
I have a Ride 135 kayak and an Outcast PAC900 pontoon and PFDs I could bring along and lend to folks in our group for those who wish to get on the water. I would guess there are others who may be able to volunteer a float tube or paddle craft, PFD’s, fishing gear, etc. so some of our boat-less members could get excited about boating which doesn’t break the budget. If there are just a few watercraft it could be best to limit each person’s use to say a couple of hours. The more boats, the longer they could stay out kind of thinking.
I have two sponsors I believe can bring along; Pro-Cure and Hammer Swimbaits. Both make products for trout fishing and I’m pretty sure both would donate some products to the cause. Would we have a raffle?
It also may be possible for Pro-Cure to donate a kayak for the day; however the paddle may have been borrowed and not returned… maybe someone has a spare 230 to 240CM kayak paddle.
Final thought; I’d like to be on a lake that doesn’t allow motors or limits the smokers to 10HP for the member’s safety if they are borrowing a watercraft and paddling for the first time.
A waiver would have to be signed by anyone borrowing a floating device. I can provide copies of the waiver; I’ll borrow the content from HOW (with Anthony's permission).
If this fits into the end game, let me know so I can make the requests; if this doesn’t help that’s okay too I’ll see what I can do to assist after decisions are made.
P.s. If burgers are to be grilled I can bring along 10 or so pounds of fresh ground Elk. No fat added, only chopped onions and a dash of Worcestershire sauce; I’ll even cook them… they come out real tasty! And, for those who care… Elk meat is free from GMO’s. Anyone interested in cold Crab Salad or Halibut Ceviche?