Let’s Go Fishing Boats out of Bayport Marina Association!
“Bringing Natures Healing and Well-Being to Seniors, Veterans, and the Disabled”
Over 150,000 guests served! Visit the main LFG site here, and the St. Croix Chapter website here.
On their website www.lgfscvc.com you can:
- Schedule a trip
- Sign up to become a Volunteer
- Become a Sponsor or Donate
Cost: The trip is FREE! You may make a donation on board, or on this site if you wish.
Who They Serve: Seniors (55+), Persons with Physical or Developmental Disabilities, All Military Members & Families of deployed, Veterans, and Intergenerational Youth. Staff members from facilities are allowed if they are assisting the guests. Those individuals need to be identified in advance of the event.
Each 2 Hour Outing is Designated as Either: A fishing trip or an excursion (leisurely cruise on the river).
What Does LGF Provide? LGF provides the pontoon boat, Captain and crew; life jackets (which have to be worn by all people on the boat), fishing poles, bait, and water!
Questions? Please Call Mary @ 651.457.1481
Go and “Like” their Facebook page HERE!
All photos courtesy of the Let’s Go Fishing Facebook page.
Fishing program gets seniors out on the river
A new Stillwater chapter of a volunteer group will be providing free fishing trips this summer for up to 1,500 people over 55 on the St. Croix River.
“Trying to add a little fun to the lives of seniors, a new Stillwater chapter of a volunteer group will providing free fishing trips this summer for up to 1,500 people on the St. Croix River. The “Let’s Go Fishing” program matches individuals with guides who provide the boat, gear, bait, and everything else needed to get fishing, the Star Tribune reports:
The Stillwater chapter, new last year, will hit the water as many as 10 times a week through October to take seniors, the disabled and veterans aged 55 or older out fishing — at no cost to them whatsoever. A crew of “captains” and “mates” will help anglers on the pontoon boat with anything they need to make the fishing a memorable experience.
About 50 volunteers take turns guiding the excursions, said chapter spokesman Rick Fields.
“When you get seniors out on the water, it just seems like magic happens,” he said. “People get out of their element, their routine, they mix with other folks, they’re on a beautiful river, they’re relaxing, it brings back lots of childhood memories. When you’re on the water, the whole world seems right.”
The Let’s Go Fishing organization, a nonprofit, was formed in Minnesota in 2002. They seek to promote volunteerism, while noting that it isn’t just about catching fish:
Fishing and boating is such a common past-time for Minnesotans and we may often take for granted how easy it is for many of us to enjoy our state’s beautiful lakes and rivers. LGF returns the outdoor experience to those whom might not otherwise have the opportunity to fish, boat or enjoy time with friends on the water. Since our inception in 2002, we have served over 50,000 seniors, youth, veterans and disabled adults. Today 27 LGF chapters exist throughout Minnesota.
The Stillwater chapter’s website provides more information about the trips:
Our trained staff of captains and crew with the 25 foot customized pontoon are ready to provide fishing or cruising trips. The boat is designed with three pontoons, higher guard rails, wider door access, and 12 captain chairs for our guests and staff. Chairs can be removed to accommodate wheel chairs.
Let’s Go Fishing accepts tax-deductible donations as well as volunteer help with everything from guiding fishing trips to fund-raising. Check out its website for additional information.
Article by GREG SEITZ |
