First Wounded Warrior/Military Appreciation Day of 2013 Held at John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center
Jan
17
Written by:
1/17/2013 2:49 PM
By Al Kittredge
FAYETTEVILLE (Jan. 16, 2013) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center, located in Fayetteville, opened its doors for Fort Bragg’s Wounded Warrior Transition Battalion, the North Carolina Handicapped Sportsmen and military personnel and their families for the first Wounded Warrior/Military Appreciation Day of 2013. The event was held at the center from 1 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 9.
Commission staff stocked trout in two of the center’s ponds back in December for folks who want to fly fish, and there was a variety of different fish in the other ponds too.All fishing is on a catch-and-release basis. We offer basic fly-tying instruction as well. The Pechmann Center provides all equipment for these Wounded Warrior/Military Appreciation Day events; however, participants are encouraged to bring and use their own gear. If you’re not into fly fishing, we have spin cast outfits and bait for use on the catfish ponds. A North Carolina fishing license is not required for these events. The Commission provides the venue, and local volunteers, many of whom are veterans themselves, provide the instruction.
Fly tying is a favorite of many of our Wounded Warriors and retired military. We have been told by military doctors that the thought process involved with fly tying,coupled with hand and eye coordination, is very good for those suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury, which is the “signature injury” associated with our War on Terror.
When not tying flies, participants were trying to entice the elusive trout down at the ponds. Not sure what is
happening but so far this year, the bite has been “off.” Only a few trout were caught but we’re hoping they get hungry before our next regular fly-fishing clinic on Jan. 19.
Not to worry though, the catfish always can be counted on to bend your rod. These events make for some quality family time.
The next Wounded Warrior/Military Appreciation Day is scheduled for Feb. 13. Just remember, the clinics are scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month from 1 to 5 p.m. We had just about as many volunteers as participants this month. We need to increase attendance or this wonderful opportunity will not be offered.
[Editor’s Note: Kittredge is a volunteer fishing instructor at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center and winner of the 2011 Volunteer of the Year presented by the N.C.Wildlife Federation.]