Fishing with Military Veterans, Hosted by the Marina Del Rey Anglers and Larry Brown

Giving Back by Derrek Stewart 5/16/24

When I heard about the Marina Del Rey Anglers hosting a fishing excursion for local military veterans, I was immediately filled with a strong desire to be a part of it. I believe in the power of giving back, and I can't think of a group of people who deserve that more than America's Veterans.

Participating in this event is not just about my personal interests and experiences. It's about using my passion for angling, my life experience, and my positive attitude to make a real difference for a very special group within my community. As a photojournalist, an accomplished angler, a member of the MDRA fishing club, and a veteran, committing to this cause was an easy choice.

On May 16th, 2024, twenty-two U.S. Military Veterans and VA support staff, five volunteers from the Marina Del Rey Anglers, and six crew members of the Betty O sports fishing boat united for a powerful fishing event to honor the dedicated service of our nation's esteemed military men and women.  

The Betty O

The Betty O is a respected member of the Marina del Rey sport fishing fleet, owned and operated by Mike and Patty Reinsch. The boat has been serving anglers for over a century. The event began in the morning in the heart of Marina del Rey, California at Dock 52. Before boarding, Captain Mike provided an orientation covering the day’s event aboard the Betty O.

Captain Mike, standing next to the left center palm, reviews important safety tips, rules, and the exciting agenda for the day.

All Aboard

From left to right, Ellwyn / U.S. Army, Mike / U.S. Marines, Topper / U.S. Marines, and Gill / U.S. Marines catching up and swapping stories as the Betty O heads out of the Marina towards Santa Monica Bay.

Deckhand Tyler skillfully demonstrates tackle and rigging methods for the attentive audience under the cool, cloudy skies as the boat heads out into the fishing grounds of scenic Santa Monica Bay.

As we gather around the bait tank, deckhand Marty enthusiastically demonstrates the art of securing live sardines and fresh squid strips to our fishing hooks.

Captain Mike and the Crew of the Betty O

Captain Mike at the helm.

Captain Mike and the Betty O’s Crew are simply outstanding. I’ve been on many a sports fishing boat, and there isn’t another operation I know of who could have done a better job than these professionals. 

Including Betty O’s lovely Galley Boss, Patty. Everyone was provided delicious breakfast burritos and hamburgers for lunch. Being out on the water and fishing always drives an appetite for me, and there is something special about a Boat Burger.

Patty in the Betty O galley making tasty boat burgers!

Dropping a Line, Time to Fish

The Betty O proprietors provided ready to go, prepared rods and reels for the veterans. Captain Mike positioned the boat on productive spots during calm seas. At each location, the veterans eagerly baited their hooks, wasting no time dropping down to catch a variety of biting fish.

Sergio / U.S. Marines gets thing started with an excellent Sculpin Rockfish.

MDRA volunteer Jim, left, with John / U.S. Army. Several veterans with sight issues found joy in simply hanging out, sharing stories, and enjoying the companionship.

Ray / U.S. Marines boats a colorful Honeycomb Rockfish.

A happy Mathew / U.S. Army with a sculpin would go on to win the big fish award with a Vermillion Red Rockfish, not shown.

Mike / U.S. Marines, his partial sightedness didn’t keep him from catching several fish, including this nice Whitefish.

Richard / U.S. Army, also partially sighted, is this day’s most fish caught champ, displaying a superb Salmon Grouper.

The lady veterans are keeping pace with the action. Fabulous Deck Hand Fred, left, also a U.S. Air Force vet., assists Darcinia / U.S. Army with a spectacular Ling Cod catch. MDRA’s Fisherman Phil, right, is joining the celebration.

Another Salmon Grouper, this time Jonathon / U.S. Army, with MDRA’s Phil, is the successful angler.

Fred assisting with MDRA volunteer Linda’s Salmon Grouper. The Betty O’s deckhands are fantastic with their infectious attitudes; check out Tyler in the background.

VA Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center Staff Member Claudia with a beautiful Brown Rockfish.

U.S. Army Veteran and West Los Angeles VA Therapist Stephanie enjoying the angling action.

Dave / U.S. Navy with an exceptional double catch, two Starry Rockfish.

Gill / U.S. Army on the rail as the boat moves to the next fishing stop. When Gill wasn’t catching fish, he shared his fantastic stories during his tour of duty in Vietnam and his current professional life.

Dave on the left and Phil on the right, MDRA volunteers, taking a well-earned break from the action.

I, the author, a U.S. Army Veteran, and MDRA volunteer participated actively throughout the event. After helping, photographing, and providing an enthusiastic spirit, I wet a line successfully catching a beautiful Vermilion Red Rockfish.

Headed to the veterans’ grills to be enjoyed while sharing stories about the day’s good times, the crew prepares fillets as the Betty O heads back to port.

Heading to the dock, Mathew, U.S. Army, proudly displays his Betty O cap for big fish honors. Richard, U.S. Army, seen above, also received a cap of honor for catching the most fish. The U.S. Army wins both prize divisions, challenging the other armed forces branches for the next MDRA/Larry Brown Veterans Fishing Adventure.

Support

Topper / U.S. Marine and VA Blind Rehabilitation Therapist ‘Liz’ enjoying the event from the stern.

Elizabeth Greco / Recreation Therapist at the Blind Rehabilitation Center VA Medical Center Long Beach, California - "This fishing trip is a highly favored activity amongst our Blind Veterans and Blind Alumni.  Numerous times, I have coordinated with our admissions coordinator, who asks about our fishing schedule because the Veterans want to be able to attend our fishing trip when they come to our Rehab program, so they try to time their admission around the fishing schedule."  

"Some of our veterans used to be avid fishermen and are elated to go fishing again and reminisce about old times before their blindness.  What I especially love about the trip is I get to be the 'bait hooker" and help them take the fish off the hooks.  I tell them that if they need to be encouraged to attend the event, I can be their hook-baiter."  

"I love to see the smiles on their faces when they know they caught something as they reel the fish in, especially on the trip home, talking on the bus about their fishing experience. Our proud anglers love to come back to the BRC and brag to their fellow Blind Veterans about the BIG fish they caught. There are always stories to be shared and laughs to be admired."

Phil Bell / MDRA-Larry Brown Veterans Fishing Trip Coordinator - “It’s a great blessing to give back to these veterans, and what better way to do that than through fishing.”

Larry Brown / MDRA Veterans Fishing Event Title Sponsor - “Outstanding work. Thank you, Fisherman Phil, MDRA, Captain Mike, and all concerned. And thanks to our veterans for sharing your time with us fishing. Best to all.”

Larry Brown, Phil Bell, and Elizabeth Greco, have eloquently expressed their thoughts, encapsulating the essence of this remarkable event.

So many wonderful, dedicated people have come together to provide their resources, time, assistance, and professionalism. Without their support, this simply wouldn’t be possible. I know that everyone this event touches is highly grateful.

This was the first of three annual Veterans Fishing Events. If you want to become involved, provide support, donate, or sponsor future Marina Del Rey Anglers Veterans Fishing Events click here https://mdranglers.com/page-18149

Back in port, the crew and volunteers assist everyone safely disembarking, across the dock, and up the ramp onto shore.  

“For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do,” – Unknown.