Florida Veterans Return to the South Holston : Project Healing Waters

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Florida Veterans Return to the South Holston

04.08.25

Bay Pines/Tampa

Florida

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By Beccy Fortin, Regional Coordinator – Florida

PHW Bay Pines – Tampa returned to the South Holston River Lodge for their fourth year. They traveled from St. Petersburg, Florida to Bristol, Tennessee, on the banks of the famous South Holston River. This trip, as always, was the result of a lot of hard work. The participants spent months perfecting their casting techniques and it paid off in fish, fish, and more fish. Once again some of their participants were catching their first fish on a fly rod, some catching their first fish ever.

Excitement started to grow as the trip got closer, having new participants joining in on the fun. Not knowing what to expect made this trip extra special.

The first evening, we all settled into our space and met up at the Main Lodge for dinner, served promptly at 18:30. We had a ziti dish which as always, the food is absolutely fantastic. Chef Zac goes above and beyond to accommodate every aspect of our dietary needs. After dinner, the group headed over to the May Fly to tie some flies.

Day One

The South Holston weather was sunny with slight overcast, temps in the 40’s and the river was clear.

As you might imagine, we have the “hurry up and wait” down pat.

Day Two

Another great day of fishing the South Holston. The weather, however, was not agreeable at all. It was 37 degrees and pouring down rain. Although we were given the option to call it a day at lunch, seven of us continued for the second leg of the trip. We were absolutely soaked and frozen – it took a great deal of time to thaw out.

Day Three

On day three, we ventured over to the Watauga to fish. It was cold and raining, but we braved the weather and continued with our mission of catching the biggest, smallest, and most fish.

Patrick caught a total of 50 fish and this was the first time he had ever fished!

Most Fish: Patrick Barr

This particular fish Patrick also caught on a fly he tied the night before.

Patrick Barr's Fish

Brian caught a 22″ Brown Trout

Biggest Fish: Brian Shroyer

Brian Shroyer Big Brown

Andy has now earned the title “FISH STICK”

Smallest Fish: Andy Metcalf

Andy takes the weight of the title off Lucky’s shoulders – Lucky was happy to pass the burden!

Andy Metcalf Smallest Fish

On our last evening prior to dinner our host Jon Hooper took some time out of his busy day to sit for a couple hours and tie flies and talk fishing with the participants. This man always exceeds any expectations we may have.

A special thanks goes out to Jon Hooper, Host at the South Holston River Lodge, and his guides who donated their time and expertise: Brandon Barbour, Aden Blackburn, Shane Griffith, Preston Vance and Andrew Bright.

We would also like to thank all our generous donors who have supported PHW Bay Pines-Tampa over the years.