California Veterans, First Responders Experience Memorable Trout Fishing, Camaraderie
Thank you, veterans! As we celebrate those who have served, take a look at our November cover story on a special fishing trip. The following appears in the November issue of California Sportsman:
By Logan Sebela
Few answer the call of service to this country. While the reasons for signing up vary, based on each individual’s motivations at that moment, all have done so voluntarily for the past 53 years.
As one of these veterans, I can honestly say that recognition and hope for commendations had nothing to do with my ambitions. Serving my country was the primary reason for joining, as it was the reason for many vets just like me.
I am encouraged by the number of veterans organizations that have been formed over the past decades with the sole purpose of providing positive outlets and camaraderie for our US veterans. Elite Veteran Outfitters is one of those organizations. For the past five years, EVO’s mission has been simple but powerful: honoring the sacrifices made by the men and women who have defended our freedom through cost-free hunting and fishing experiences. EVO also recognizes the sacrifices that our first responders have made by including them in the organization’s operation.
Having been on the receiving end of one of their trips, I can say they execute this mission well.
THIS PAST SUMMER, I was invited to participate in a three-day guided Wyoming fly fishing trip. While I had fished before with fly gear, being guided in a drift boat while enjoying the stunning backdrop of the upper Green River landscape was going to be a treat.
Three other gentlemen joined me on this excursion, including an active-duty Southern California police officer, an Air Force vet and an active-duty Los Angeles firefighter. The trio was an interesting mix of guys for sure, but all shared he common bond of service for their communities and country.
We four arrived at Salt Lake City International Airport at about the same time and made the drive up to Pinedale, Wyoming, the next day. We were cordially greeted by Tim Scott, the coordinator of this event. A veteran himself, he quickly got us settled into our rooms and ready for our first meal at his house.
Tim and his wife made sure that we all felt at home and were well fed. An abundance of excellent food would be a theme for the entire trip. Tim had guided for many post-military-career years, and he was excited to pass on the knowledge of his craft. We shared our experience levels over dinner and talked about what the next few days’itinerary would hold. We were all excited to get on the water.
THE NEXT MORNING, IT was clear that many in the town of Pinedale were excited to be hosting us vets and first responders. Kathy, the owner of the Heart and Soul Cafe, started us off with a hearty breakfast and packed our lunches for the day. We enjoyed several meals there, and she went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of.
Later on in the trip we were honored by Kathy by signing an American flag she proudly displayed in her restaurant with all the past EVO participants.
Without delay, we were on the water with our guides. Most of us had very limited fly fishing experience, but our guides quickly put us at ease and expertly maneuvered the drift boats to accommodate the skill levels of the fishermen. Bites were hard to come by, but by the end of the first day all members of our party felt confident enough to make casts and were ready for the next day.
Our destination for day two was the headwaters of the Green River. The weather looked promising as we made the drive north. Partly cloudy skies and gentle winds seemed to be awaiting us as we made our way towards the boat launch.
As we made the final ascent, the winds strengthened and we were greeted with whitecaps at the Green River Lakes. A group of Boy Scouts camping for the week scrambled to get their canoes off the water before they filled to the gunnels with water. With our plan A not working out, our guides quickly pivoted to make sure our day was not wasted and had us on the water in short order.
The views alone were stunning – with Squaretop Mountain to our rear and the meandering Green River below us – and reason enough to want to return to this area and drift down the rivers.
Casting proved difficult, but our guides expertly positioned the boats to give us the best chance at not only getting strikes, but landing the fish.
Persistence paid off, as Josh Krylo, the Los Angeles firefighter, hooked a trophy-class rainbow on a dry fly and was able to get it into the boat. We shared high-fives and snapped abundant photos as we continued on our journey down the Green.
By the evening of the second day, all members of the trip started to bond, leading to deeper conversations about life, faith, parenting and careers in service. In talking to EVO cofounder
Bo Sisarica, he stated that those conversations that organically come about are something highly valued by his organization. The vets and first responders are able to experience authentic conversations with like-minded individuals in settings that disarm them and allow them to open up.
While fishing and hunting are at the forefront of honoring these vets, many participants experience the therapeutic benefit of deep conversations around the campfire or on the deck of a cabin.
This trip was no different.
organizations that have been formed over the past decades with the sole purpose of providing positive outlets and camaraderie for our US vets.” (LOGAN SEBELA)
THE WEATHER SOFTENED ON the last day of the trip and we were greeted by a gentle breeze and calmer waters. Since this was the final day, all of our casts were hitting their mark now that we had several hundred reps under our belts.
Once again, Josh was the big stick of the day with a great representation of the brown trout found on this section of the river. The views continued to impress. Eagles, hawks, deer and antelope punctuated the landscape and reminded us why people come here year after year.
As we came around the last bend in the river, we made our final casts and reeled in our lines. The boats gently glided to a halt on the shore as our adventure arrived at its natural conclusion. A bit of sadness always accompanies the end of a trip of this caliber. The food, guiding, accommodations and views were top-notch features of this adventure.
The amount of attention and detail put into honoring we vets and first responders felt a bit overwhelming and undeserved. I think that is part of the makeup of those who serve. Our missions are consistently focused on helping others, and often, little time is spent thinking about ourselves. But that is what EVO does so well, making the veterans and first responders feel seen and letting them know how much
their past and current sacrifices matter to their community and country. I am excited to see EVO carry out their mission and continue to honor those deserving of such attention. CS
Editor’s note: For more on Elite Veteran Outfitters, check out the organization’s website, eliteveteranoutfitters.org.
Krylo and the others who traveled from California to the rugged Green River got a lot more than great food and epic trout fishing. “Many participants experience the therapeutic benefit of deep conversations around the campfire or on the deck of a cabin.” (LOGAN SEBELA)
