Winston-Salem, NC – Operation North State (ONS), its supporters and volunteers are calling on North Carolina’s People, Places, Products and Pride (especially avid and premier anglers) to host wounded warriors / DVets to quality fishing on the anglers respective boats.
Terry Snyder talks about Operation North State fishing festival at Jordan Lake
Locally ONC is in need of host boaters for Jordan Lake on May 4.
Now in its eleventh season – some 68 Fishin’ Festivals behind us, Operation North State kicks off its 2023 Fishin’ Festival Schedule on Thursday, April 20. This year, ONS will host ten Fishin’ Festivals throughout the state of which six of the Fishin’ Festivals take place this spring on the state’s premier lakes. One of the most important elements of a Fishin’ Festival is the Host Boaters (quality anglers – all types of anglers) to host the wounded warriors / DVets on the water. The Fishin’ Festivals provide a great day of fishing and developing new and much-needed friendships. According to Operation North State’s founder/volunteer, Terry Snyder, “The Fishin’ Festivals are being hosted at the request of the Wounded Warriors / DVets asking to go fishing on North Carolina’s premier lakes and fisheries with experienced anglers. There is nothing else like the Operation North State annual Fishin’ Festivals’ Schedule in the country utilizing ten different venues to treat these Special Americans to a great day on the water. The Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans are excited to have the opportunity to go fishing with some of the state’s premier/tournament fishermen. Likewise, our host boaters tell us how honored they are to be part of this event and giving-back.” Snyder said.
“Host boaters are needed to provide their time, equipment, expertise and create memories and smiles” Snyder said.
“It’s been very difficult since COVID hit to secure host boaters – three years running now. Eight years ago when ONS started hosting Fishin’ Festivals, there were some tournament fish trails and fishing clubs but nothing like today. Competitive fishing and club fishing tournaments have grown 100+ percent. There are now hundreds of college and high school fishing teams; and some of the lakes we fish are often off-limits to some of the professional anglers that fish with us. All this said, the net is it’s tougher than ever for ONS to secure Host Boaters. Operation North State and our supporters don’t want to leave any veterans on the bank. ONS is most fortunate to have well over a hundred quality Host Boaters lending us a hand already and they love their veterans – they have been so good to ONS; but, we just need more Host Boaters as our number of Fishin’ Festivals continue to grow and to meet the requests of the wounded warriors / DVets.
Note: We are turning away veterans like never before – Not the words we want to share but it’s a fact!
Please consider helping spread the word in securing the needed Host Boaters. We are most in need of Host Boaters for Lake Norman (April 20), Badin Lake (April 27), Jordan Lake (May 4) and Randleman Lake (May 23).
Contact Operation North State at mailbox@operationnorthstate.com or call 336.406.3459 to offer your assistance.