James McJunkin and Nick Rizik have launched FLI-95, an initiative devoted to raising funds for our cause and the veterans we serve. They’ll soon be embarking upon a remarkable fly-fishing road trip, traversing the entirety of I-95 and fishing in each state along the way. The trip will take them to 15 states in 10 days, covering over 2346 miles with the goal to raise money and awareness for Project Healing Waters. The trip begins on Friday June 3, 2016 and we’ll be posting the complete itinerary as the dates draw closer! We asked James and Nick to share a bit about this selfless adventure and how you can get involved:“This isn’t your average fishing trip. Outside of the cold statistics (13 states, 10 days, 2,346 miles), FLI-95 means more to us than just an exploration of the amazing fisheries of the East Coast. When Nicholas Rizik and myself, James McJunkin, sat down to plan out this trip, one question kept coming up: Why are we doing this? We love fishing, we love travelling, but both of us were raised to think that the best things in life are best when shared with others. Both of our amazing groups of family and friends have strong contingents of veterans, and among those are veterans who came back from their service with wounds, both internal and external. Therefore, it was only natural that we would look to share the benefits, both experiential and physical, of FLI-95 with the amazing community and cause of Project Healing Waters.
From Houlton, Maine to Key West, Florida, we will be driving the length of Interstate 95, and then some, to wet our lines in the waters of each state we pass through. While catching fish in each of the thirteen states would be the experience of a lifetime, our primary goal is to spread awareness and raise money for the community of veterans which Project Healing Waters serves. Our goal is to raise $5,000 prior to our departure from Maine, and an additional $5,000 during the ten day duration of our trip. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to Project Healing Waters. As such, we are reaching out for any help the fly-fishing community at large can give us. Whether it is a direct monetary donation to the donation portal for Project Healing Waters, a few hours on the water from a guide, an extra 12 weight rod so we can get that final tarpon shot in our video (anyone who supports us in any way will get a shout-out in the professionally-produced video that will be made at the conclusion of our trip), or just a tip for how best to catch a striper in skinny water, we appreciate any and all aid we can get. Follow us on Instagram @fli95fishing and Facebook FLI95 Fishing and share this incredible experience with us. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you out on the water, and as always, tight lines!”
We’re honored by their great support and are totally excited to follow along during this incredible adventure down I-95.
You can make a donation to the FLI-95 Initiative by clicking here