Think about it people, a boat, a pole, some bait, the lazy hazy daze of summer – we go out early, come in late often smelling much worse, and we are abuzz with stories of the big one that got away.  

It’s fishing…good friends and the lure of the lunker  

That’s all… right?  

Just FISHING 

 Wrong!  

Well, okay, yes it is just fishing, but there’s a lot more to it for a whole lot of people in this community – this community, one that will spend in excess of 40 BILLION… (did you notice the “B”?) that’s right BILLION dollars on “Just Fishing” this year alone!  Everything from fuel and boats, Rods and reels, worms and whatever impassioned anglers happen to be into that moment. 

But to some, it isn’t just fishing, it’s a marketing tool, a marketing tool for good.

There are actually people out there who have used the sport we love to make a difference to those who may need it.   

Communities (it’s just FISHING!)  

Neighbors (it’s just FISHING!)  

STRANGERS (it’s just FISHING!) 

It is a testament to our sport and the people who participate in it when you hear of certain INDIVIDUALS stepping up, working, sacrificing their own precious time, money and heart to help. 

 Risen from Tragedy

After losing his own mother to cancer, Fishing Funny Man and BassMaster Elite Emcee Dave Mercer, (host of Facts of Fishing the Show) stepped up and is working to help.  His charitable organization called Casting for a Cure raises money for cancer research thru the sport of fishing.  

FISHING!?  

This, coming from a guy who has made a very successful career out of being… well… GOOFY. 
But Dave got dead serious, he had to! He continues to be a leader in our sport on the water and off!  Even people who hold non-related fishing tournaments find it appropriate to donate any winnings/profits to his very worthy cause. 

Hat’s off Dave! Support Casting for a Cure at www.factsoffishing.com/castingforacure 

Risen from the Wind  

At ICAST 2011, I was working away at the Sundog Eyewear booth when a familiar silhouette caught my eye.  He, and his hair were walking toward me, he was backlit, I couldn’t see his face, but I knew immediately who it was. Though I had never met him,  I walked toward him and warmly extended my hand. 

 “Don, good to finally meet you!” I extended.  “I want to introduce you to someone”   

I then took the world class outdoor writer named Don Barone over to my friends at Sundog Eyewear to introduce him.  We got to talking and he informed me of his latest effort to Step up, and Work to Help.  

"To the children of Joplin, please know, all of this was given to you by people from all over the world who care about you.  Who want you to know that every storm in life will someday pass, and that the world is still filled with magic wands...and love." Don Barone  

Pretty powerful stuff…

Joplin, MO devastated by wind and in a way, fixed by FISHING?!?!  The Wands? fishing rods!  

It’s just FISHING… right?  

Wrong  

www.tacklethestormfoundation.org is a group who has simply replaced the fishing gear of the 400 some kids in Joplin (and are now working all over) who have been touched by Mother Nature’s wrath. Fishing tackle, solely responsible for returning smiles from sadness, laughter from powerless silence, friendship from loneliness.   

Such a simple act.  It’s a movement that has taken off!  

It’s just FISHING Right?  

These are but 2 examples of how the sport of Fishing is participating in changing our world.    Fishing is the medium, but the heart, the drive and the passion comes from guys like Dave Mercer and Don Barone!  

Next time you’re on the water, remember it is just FISHING!  And it can make a world of difference!  

Melnyk