Veterans fishing trip

[John C]

Anyone know of any boats that take Veterans out on Veterans Day for free or give a discount
thanks in advance

[Capt. Debbie]

Perhaps GoFundMe could help?


Seriously never heard of totally free. Only Vet & Senior discount fares on a few boats.

[tautog]

Most boats have discounts. Some other boats do some free trips during the year. Since Veteran's Day is a day off for a lot of people, few boats could afford to give up all those fares on what is essentially a weekend.

[NJ Dave]

Years back the Canyon runner offered free tuna trips for veterans on Veterans day

Originally Posted by tautog

Most boats have discounts. Some other boats do some free trips during the year. Since Veteran's Day is a day off for a lot of people, few boats could afford to give up all those fares on what is essentially a weekend.

I've known too many families whose son or daughter came back from serving physically or mentally scarred for life, or worse didn't come home at all. I'd assume most can say the same. I thought the whole concept of honoring and thanking our Veterans on Veteran's Day was to make it meaningful for them, not convenient for us. Don't think anyone is going to break the bank offering a few or half dozen free spots on a party, charter or private boat on Veteran's Day or any day for that matter to thank Veterans for their service and sacrifices. Personally I think every boat, for profit or private, can afford giving up a few spots to thank and honor Veterans and pay tribute to their colleagues who were willing to risk their lives or gave their life for this country. If not, what's Veteran's Day really about?

Before I get any push back for my opinion, I'm not coming at anyone specific with my comments. I just think it's a sad commentary if we think we all can't do something special for people in many cases who come back broken, or not, from serving this country on a day dedicated to them intended to recognize and honor their sacrifices and efforts.

[Pennsy Guy]

What a novel idea. I think most of us are satisfied with a "Thank you for your service"; I know I am.....just sayin.

[tautog]

It is not uncommon for 20 veterans to be on a party boat on Veteran's Day. Giving them entirely free fares would be a loss of 1500 dollars. Given that most boats are paying 1 dollar more per gallon than last year and about 40 dollars more per day in bait, it is very hard to write that money off. Party boats at least are not doing well enough financially to take this hit.

[dales529]

Thanks to ALL Vets for your service!
Check out the below
https://heroesonthewater.org/chapters/new-jersey/

Originally Posted by tautog

It is not uncommon for 20 veterans to be on a party boat on Veteran's Day. Giving them entirely free fares would be a loss of 1500 dollars. Given that most boats are paying 1 dollar more per gallon than last year and about 40 dollars more per day in bait, it is very hard to write that money off. Party boats at least are not doing well enough financially to take this hit.

Who said anything about 20 veterans? Most boats will be already sailing for stripers on Veteran's Day so there really are no additional costs involved. If you sail with 40 paying fares or 4 more veterans by invitation, fuel would essentially be the same. How much more would bait cost since most boats are snagging bunker or using plastics.

What's lost is revenue ONLY if the 4 veterans displaced 4 paying customers. It's unlikely that would happen but either way please tell me that's not the level we're at with this discussion.

How great would it be for a Captain to have a roll log of all military veterans on board that day, paying or not, and announce on the way out their names thanking them for sailing with them while acknowledging and honoring them for their service. Would be a nice gesture and means of saying thank you.

Military Veterans are a proud group, some of the most proud and honorable people on the planet. I agree 100% with Pennsy Guy, people who served aren't looking for handouts or charity. They'd settle for a little appreciation, respect and gratitude. How awesome would it be to show that gratitude and make them feel appreciated on Veteran's Day with a trip on the water.

John C, if your a member here, please send me a pm with your information and I'd be honored to help out getting some Veteran's out for an enjoyable day on the water on Veteran's Day. If your not a member, please reply to my post and I'll figure out a way we can connect and discuss options.

A person asks a simple question regarding how we can recognize a few Veterans and show our appreciation with a fishing trip on their special day and aside from Dave's post not one reply offers an option. Pretty sad.

[shrimpman steve]

Originally Posted by Pennsy Guy

What a novel idea. I think most of us are satisfied with a "Thank you for your service"; I know I am.....just sayin.

I truly thank you for your service!!!