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How About Something Unique For Father’s Day?
June 12, 2023
Don’t worry, we’re not about to recommend the next rod, reel, net, fishing vest, fishing pack, or exciting new fly fishing gadget to politely nudge your spouse about for your Father’s Day present. You can sneak that into the garage afterward when they drop their guard after you ask for a book for you and your child to share together…
We know that we’ve got plenty of fathers throughout our organization, including some relatively new ones! So when we heard the story of Patty the Palomino, written by our friend Artie Mabbett and with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit Project Healing Waters, obviously we had to share! A day with a young kiddo can often be full of craziness, but at the end of the day, when you lay down to read a book with the kiddo, that’s a special moment. And if you’re like us, any chance to bring fishing in is a chance we’re going to take.
A few years back, I was on a fishing trip with my best friend and partner (aka my wife) in Colorado. My wife spotted this oddly colored trout and called me over for a look. Sure enough there were a few Palomino trout in the river. Curiously we looked up the story of the Palomino trout over dinner and joked about writing a childrenās book about a special kind of fish. Fast forward two years when we found out we were pregnant with our first child, the book idea didnāt seem so silly. Intrigued by the history of this fish and dreaming of the day when our son could join us on these adventures, Patty the Palomino was conceived.
– Artie Mabbett
And it’s a pretty cool story too, as it helps explain some common challenges to our growing kiddos. So not only can you help your kid learn about what’s so great about being unique, maybe you can inspire them to drag you out for a fishing trip to find some trout of their own! Patty the Palomino is available at a wide range of booksellers, but it looks like Amazon can get it to your door well before Father’s Day, and you’d be helping benefit Veterans’ healing journeys in the process! We’ll call it a win-win-win.
Latest News
- “There’s A Peace You Have Being Out Here.”
- Pennsylvania Veterans Healing Through Fly Fishing
- The Project Healing Waters Spotlight: Marilyn Rogan – Volunteer
- The Project Healing Waters Spotlight: Paul Bohorquez – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
- Project Healing Waters Tennessee Valley In The News: National Casting Champion Earns The Spotlight!
How to Tie a Vietnam Service Ribbon Fly
March 29, 2023
The unmistakable colors of the Vietnam Service Medal Ribbon have been used through the years on a number of fly patterns, from Stimulators to elaborate fully dressed salmon flies.
However, the use of stacked and packed deer hair can be readily applied to reproducing service and campaign ribbons, if you’re ready to commit a bit of time and lose some hair. In this case, Jeff Creamer’s Fido pattern has been shrunk down a bit and simplified slightly to act as the base. Follow along as we tie the pattern, and maybe give it a go yourself!
Materials List:
- 35mm Shank
- Octopus or Stinger Hook of Your Choice
- Ball Bead for Balance
- Deer Belly Hair (Green, Yellow, and Red)
- Strong Thread (GSP or Kevlar preferred)
- Hair Packing Tool of Choice
- Razors for Trimming
- Exceptional Patience
- and/or
- Swear Jar
Latest News
PHW Central Oregon In The News: A Convergence of Fly Fishing and Healing
March 16, 2023
The PHW Central Oregon Program was recently highlighted by their local news. During a trip to the Fall River, Veterans from the program were able to share their stories and the healing aspects of fly fishing. The program’s fly tying nights, and the rehabilitative climate cultivated by those evenings, were also put on display. As noted by program participant Randy Miller, the fly tying nights are a great way to build toward days on the water, even during the winter.
The testimonials noted in the story speak to the critical nature of the program’s (and on a wider national level, PHW’s) successes. And in addition to his poignant quote, Danny also managed to hook into and land a trout in the background of the video, mid-interview. It’s worth a watch!
āThis is the closest thing Iāve experienced to āflow,ā I think, since combat.ā
USMC Veteran and PHW Participant Danny Leifer
Latest News
- “There’s A Peace You Have Being Out Here.”
- Pennsylvania Veterans Healing Through Fly Fishing
- The Project Healing Waters Spotlight: Marilyn Rogan – Volunteer
- The Project Healing Waters Spotlight: Paul Bohorquez – U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
- Project Healing Waters Tennessee Valley In The News: National Casting Champion Earns The Spotlight!