Post by: silverdalesauer on June 06, 2021, 10:58:31 PM
Today, my work as an associate with an organization called the Paraclete Mission Group is mostly comprised with walking alongside pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders, and their families to encourage them, coach, consult, and invest in their professional and personal lives. Much of what I do is built around giving them opportunities to rest, relax, recharge their "batteries" as they serve others and care for people who are often suffering or struggling with life's challenges.
So, one of the things I love to do is provide mentor hunts, mentor fishing trips, or send them on getaways to restore themselves.
The HUNT-WA members have been amazing people who have been investing in my work over the last 2-3 years, donating both hunting and fishing gear to my cause so that I can re-invest in ministry leaders. When you invest in a pastor, his kids, and marriage - you invest in the whole community around you because they're often the first ones to respond when crisis hits and will do whatever they can to comfort and care for the needs of others.
So, this thread is going to be a place for me to brag on you HUNT-WA and the fishing donations you've made to allow me to take pastors, missionaries, ministry leaders, and their families fishing.
I have another thread dedicated to hunting trips and donations for that too (read about it here: https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,260522.0.html).
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First Time Fishers
Kitsap County, June 5: I had the wonderful opportunity to take a pastor and his two sons out on a fishing trip to a nearby lake. Thanks to the folks on this forum, we were able to outfit the boys with a tackle box and all kinds of tackle. As well, someone made a very nice financial donation allowing us to purchase 3 brand new rods and reels for the father/son group to use and take home. The boys were stoked.
One of the boys, when asked "what kind of fishing intrigues you the most?" answered, "all these amazing things in these tackle boxes...how do we use them and when?!" Their eyes widened when they realized that someone donated all the gear.
My youngest son, Nate (15), came with us and became the resident naturalist, fishing guru, and netting master. He explained the variety of knots used to tie on hooks, showed the boys how to set up various rigging, explained the importance of depth and water temperature, and helped them learn how to remove a hook from a fish's mouth. He was my right-hand man.
Over the course of 4 hours, the kids and dad successfully brought in nearly 40 fish (bluegill, perch, sunfish, bass, and trout) through various means. And in the end, after a lot of laughs, smiles, and high fives, the boys said to their dad "we ought to go fishing more often!"
As we packed up the boat, piled into the truck, and headed down the road, the boys laughed and joked about all that had gone on. Who caught the largest fish. Who caught the smallest. Who caught the most. Who barely caught any (me). Then, one spoke up and asked another question.
"Nate, what's the biggest fish you've ever caught?" Levi asked Nate.
I looked in the rear view mirror to see him mulling it over. He's caught a lot of fish in the last 12 years, heck, he's always put fish in the boat when on the water together. But I knew which one he would share... one that wouldn't have happened without a Hunt-WA member getting involved in his life.
Nate spoke up, "A white sturgeon on the Columbia River. It was over 7' long and weighed easily over 100 lbs. It truly was a beast." Levi was amazed.
Zach jumped in, "How long did it take to reel in?"
"Well over an hour... my arms were exhausted. But man, what a rush! I was only 13 years old, but I'm totally hooked." (What a memory, thanks to M.W. on this forum, who helped us back then get to where we are now. It's our turn to pay it forward and help others too.)
After a few pictures by the boat, Nate and I pulled out of their driveway and headed home for dinner. It was time to clean some fish, unpack the boat, and tell some stories. What a great adventure. One we hope to do over and over again.
Fishin' with first timer pastors and their kids is something I hope will catch on. Take your pastor out on the water. Invest in his family. Teach him something new, make him a hero to his sons and daughters, and release the cares that they carry... and the community around them will flourish.
Post by: MADMAX on June 07, 2021, 05:53:47 AM
:tup:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on June 07, 2021, 06:57:50 AM
Post by: Alex4200 on June 07, 2021, 08:35:24 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on June 07, 2021, 08:48:33 AM
Post by: PolarBear on June 07, 2021, 09:01:36 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on June 07, 2021, 09:13:14 AM
Thank you for what you are doing.
I will be putting together a package for you in the near future!
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 07, 2021, 03:24:58 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210607/bbcb6c92e46fc6d43e5d78a31e6ab972.jpg)
Levi getting a lesson from Nate.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210607/f4ead75b8d2cd9113d58555188d9926e.jpg)
Zach getting in on the action too.
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Post by: Birdguy on June 07, 2021, 05:59:08 PM
Post by: jackelope on June 07, 2021, 06:12:15 PM
I'd have to figure out how to get it to you though.
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 07, 2021, 06:43:25 PM
Sent a pm. I've got a fly rod and reel that will work for someone if that's something you'd be interested in.
I'd have to figure out how to get it to you though.
I'll send you a reply PM. Thanks!
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 07, 2021, 06:58:32 PM
Absolutely Awesome!
Thank you for what you are doing.
I will be putting together a package for you in the near future!
Awesome. Thanks!
Post by: Axle on June 07, 2021, 07:09:57 PM
The best pastors out there are the ones that fish.
Aint none better!
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 19, 2021, 06:04:04 PM
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Post by: silverdalesauer on June 21, 2021, 03:22:15 PM
We were on the water at 5:15am and within moments of setting lines in the water, both boys were reeling in their first fish. They caught a couple of Blackmouth Chinooks that had to be released, but they were thrilled to have notched a salmon in their bucket list. Unfortunately, the Coho were elusive today. But much fun was had as they learned about downriggers, how to read sonar, how to use various types of terminal tackle, and more. We had a lot of laughs, made some memories, and enjoyed a hot McD's breakfast on the way home.
The boys were stoked when I pulled out a couple frozen fillets from previous catches and handed them a recipe that they could cook up for dinner with their families. I know of 2 new salmon fishermen that now want to go out again. And I'm pretty sure their dads will be joining us next time. :)
Thanks for supporting this work. Keep donating gear if you can! It'll get used.
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 21, 2021, 03:32:09 PM
Pretty freaking cool Jeff!! You and Nate are making it happen. Love it. Those are some special times sharing that forst time experience with others. Bet Nate carries these memories in a special place!
Thanks, Dave. Yep, pretty cool stuff. I keep meeting pastors who've never fished or hunted. Looks like I'll have a full plate this summer trying to get them out on the boat. I'm really enjoying this.
Post by: silverdalesauer on July 02, 2021, 02:04:41 PM
Jack (12) went salmon fishing and crabbing for the first time. He’s the son of a Sr. Pastor, who’s shared a desire to learn how to become a solid fisherman.
And Levi (11) went salmon fishing and crabbing for the first time too. He’s the son of a Children’s Pastor.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210702/1bfc78b6b96016ff08372f706fd8a96b.jpg)
Then, today, we switched gears and took out an Associate Pastor and his two little kids for their first time fishing.
What. A. Blast.
The 2 year old and 5 year old were thrilled when they opened their new tackle boxes filled with gear (donated by many HUNT-WA members), got their own fishing rods and reels, played with worms, and of course, landed their first fish.
The dad, explained how he hopes to learn more about fishing and give his kids more meaningful memories like today with each other.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210702/3501c7dbb3919c2512994f082aad19c9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210702/ce109619739fe2c2da16674c5a163869.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210702/3e657a00f85af927b07f079473407485.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: silverdalesauer on July 18, 2021, 08:39:51 PM
If anyone has more tackle or gear available, just let me know. I'll be busy filling up tackle boxes this week. On the docket, I'm taking out:
- Monday - a pastor's son and my son
- Wednesday - a ministry director and his two 9 year old twins (never fished before)
- Thursday - the same ministry director and his 14 year old daughter (never fished before)
- Friday - a ministry leader and wounded warrior that struggles with PTSD (never fished from a boat before)
It's gonna be a good week!
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 27, 2021, 12:32:54 AM
What an adventure. The smiles. The laughter. The high-fives. The shock on a person's face when they catch their first salmon or when they see the sunrise on the horizon.
I'm closing out fishing with first-timers with some more photos of more adventures. Thank you to everyone who donated fishing rods, reels, tackle, tackle boxes, and money to buy licenses, etc. If you'd like to give and keep this going, please send me a DM.
Enjoy these photos with folks who enjoyed a day on the water with my son and I.
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 27, 2021, 12:38:22 AM
Post by: Angry Perch on August 27, 2021, 08:18:39 AM
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 27, 2021, 09:14:52 PM
Good stuff, man! A refreshing read and great pictures of memories being made!
:tup:
Post by: silverdalesauer on March 10, 2022, 05:50:38 PM
If you'd like to donate rods, reels, tackle boxes, tackle, lures, bait, etc. or donate to the cause, please send me a PM. I'm expecting it to be a busy spring/summer helping pastors, ministry leaders, and their kids get on the water.
Post by: silverdalesauer on May 17, 2022, 11:08:25 AM
Thanks!
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 26, 2022, 12:44:12 AM
If you'd like to help sponsor a trip, please contact me for more information on how to donate gear or a trip. All financial gifts are tax-deductible.
The first picture is with a Youth for Christ director and his 17 year old son. They've never fished with my son and I before. We had a great outing this past Wednesday getting some time on the water chasing trout. They've already requested any open dates in the future to hit the water for bass, perch, sunfish, or salmon.
The second is a picture of the same director watching my 16 year old as he teaches the father/son pair how to bait the hooks. Nate (my son) is my right-hand man helping me provide these trips.
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 26, 2022, 12:52:34 AM
The pastor, "J", said "this is a real treat - especially since we can't get out on the water on our own...without a boat or the gear needed, we'd never have much success catching salmon. Even more, we never get time to do this together - ministry life is so busy, I'm thrilled at the chance to spend some time with my son fishing."
The day was epic. We began catching fish as soon as we hit the water and the father/son duo went to work reeling in fish. What a blast for all of us as we all caught a limit of coho.
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 26, 2022, 12:57:18 AM
Post by: HntnFsh on June 26, 2022, 07:09:47 AM
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 27, 2022, 11:08:27 PM
Very nice Dale! Your ministry is incredible!
Thanks. But my name isn't Dale. :)
Post by: HntnFsh on June 28, 2022, 06:28:12 AM
Very nice Dale! Your ministry is incredible!
Thanks. But my name isn't Dale. :)
It is now! :chuckle:
I was thinking about that after I posted it. Don't know where the name came from.
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 28, 2022, 11:48:01 AM
Very nice Dale! Your ministry is incredible!
Thanks. But my name isn't Dale. :)
It is now! :chuckle:
I was thinking about that after I posted it. Don't know where the name came from.
Haha. I'll allow it just for you.
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 28, 2022, 11:52:20 AM
Pastors and their families are people too, ya know. They have dreams and desires just like everyone else. The thing is, often times they're so busy taking care of other people, they sacrifice the time that they could give to their spouses or kids.
That's why I do what I do with the Paraclete Mission Group. I'm coming alongside ministry leaders every day to help them thrive in both professional ministry and personal life.
If you'd like to learn more, please contact me. I'd be glad to connect. And if you'd like to sponsor a 1-Day Restoration Retreat to take a pastor or ministry leader fishing, I know a guy.
To make a tax-deductible donation or to give fishing gear - send me a PM.
Post by: silverdalesauer on June 29, 2022, 06:55:19 PM
The dad shared, "I've been looking forward to this day my whole life. My father never took me fishing - he was usually too busy or out of it completely so I never got the chance to learn this kind of activity. And now, I'm doing something I've always dreamed of... and better yet, I'm learning it with my son, who's never fished before either!"
We went after panfish today, setting our sights on perch, bluegills, sunfish, and so on. We caught a lot, kept a few, and threw back most. We hooked into a few bass too, but they went right back in. I plan on taking the pair back out next month for some trout action, then salmon and crab. Who knows, maybe one day they'll be teaching other dads and sons how to fish.
If you've enjoyed this thread, please comment on it and consider donating some fishing gear. I'm beginning to run out of tackle.
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 08, 2022, 01:45:55 PM
I had the pleasure of taking out Sam & his 13 year old son today. Sam's family is new to the PNW and wanted to learn how to fish the region for salmon. He listened and asked a lot of great questions - regarding everything from launching boats, using a downrigger, how to read the tide charts, what bait or spoons to use, and so much more.
He and his son were great listeners and humble. They allowed us to teach them for 4-5 hours and in the end, reeled in their first cohos and chinook. The chinook was wild, but a real treat for the 13 year old who did a standup job reeling it in and sending it on it's way back.
This is why I do what I do. Fathers and sons need these types of experiences today.
At the end of our time, I donated two salmon rods and reels to the pair along with the fresh caught fish that they'd brought in. They're stoked to get out on their own.
If anyone here has any saltwater gear you'd like to donate to my cause, please send me a PM. I need rods, reels, reels with line counters, line, flashers, terminal tackle, spoons, catch coolers, and more.
Thanks!
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 25, 2022, 11:46:52 AM
In this post, I'm highlighting a ministry leader that I took out last year for his first time fishing with his kids. Last year, my son and I introduced them to panfishing. It was a hit.
This summer, the 10 year old son wanted to fish for bass or trout. And the teenage daughter wanted to try salmon fishing. (Neither had ever caught these type of fish and dad doesn't have access to a boat)
So, this Monday, I had the joy of taking father & son out for bass. We struggled to land many, but the dad was just tickled to be out on the water with his boy. And the son was over-the-top thrilled when he landed his first bass. Check that off the bucket list.
Then, on Wednesday, we switched gears and hosted the dad and his teenage daughter for salmon. What a surprise when she hooked into a dandy hatchery King salmon that ran out 200' of line. By the time she reeled it to the boat, she AND the fish were tired. This was her first time salmon fishing, but it won't be her last... dad loved it and wants to take her out more often. I was grateful to be able to pay for his & her licenses, hand them some skills, teach them some tips, and give him a couple of salmon rods to take home!
I love this part of my work - serving those who serve others.
The summer is almost over. I've got more stories to tell. More photos to share. And more ministry leaders that want to fish. If you know of a pastor that likes to hunt or fish, send me their contact info and introduce me. I'd love to help them get rested and refreshed. :IBCOOL:
Post by: Angry Perch on August 25, 2022, 11:56:24 AM
Post by: huntnfmly on August 25, 2022, 12:05:09 PM
Post by: HntnFsh on August 25, 2022, 08:47:30 PM
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 29, 2022, 05:23:54 PM
Also, pictured below, this ministry couple had the opportunity to get out for an evening sunset fishing and sightseeing trip. The wife was the one who wanted the opportunity to fish - as her husband has gone out with me already this year. So, we spent the evening enjoying the sunset while mooching for salmon. We were successful with one keeper coho.
Such a fun summer for these ministry families.
Post by: silverdalesauer on March 27, 2023, 01:43:31 PM
Last summer, I took two pastors (all expenses paid) trip to Alaska. Yep, Alaska. I was able to host these 2 pastors because of financial partners like those on this forum that have donated to the work I do and because of the partnership I have with another ministry that is working with me, called "Refreshed Soul" - check out their website - www.refreshedsoul.org and send your pastor on an Epic Retreat.
This trip allowed 2 "First Timers" find peace, rest, and joy in an Epic Retreat where we fished for salmon, ling cod, and halibut. Let's just say that if pictures tell a thousand words these guys spoke millions of words through their smiles.
Mike - from North Dakota was absolutely impacted by this trip. He's a new man today because of it. When he first came on the trip, he had just thrown in the towel - he was done. Today, he's helping other pastors and leaders get refreshed, like he was.
Dane - from New Mexico found Alaska to be a place of refreshing that he had no idea he needed. After 5 days away together, he realized just how weary and tired he had grown from his work.
Thanks to all of you, who, through the years, have partnered with me to help pastors and ministry leaders find rest and refreshment in the outdoors.
I'll be posting a 2023 thread shortly. Hope you'll read it and get involved.
PS - If you are a pastor or ministry leader or you know of one who could use a rest, reach out to my friends at Refreshed Soul and inquire about one of their Epic Retreats today. Go to: www.refreshedsoul.org
Post by: GWP on March 28, 2023, 10:12:18 AM
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 09, 2023, 04:31:25 PM
In this post, I'm highlighting 3 pastors that I took to Sitka, Alaska with a ministry partner that I work with called Refreshed Soul. Folks, this is what dreams are made of for a pastor who can't afford the thousands of dollars it takes to go on a trip like this. 75% of these trips are underwritten and the remaining cost are provided by donors who want to invest in pastors!
On this trip, these 3 Pacific Northwest pastors had the chance to enjoy a 5-day getaway to a luxurious retreat, amazing meals, high quality rooms, and 3-days of fishing for salmon, halibut, ling cod, and sea bass.
If you'd like to send your pastor or a ministry leader on a retreat like this, go to www.refreshedsoul.org to inquire.
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 09, 2023, 04:56:42 PM
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 09, 2023, 05:08:47 PM
The next day he texted me a picture of his first salmon he'd caught on his own. He was stoked to say the least.
Thank You, Donors!
Pictures below.
Post by: storyteller on August 09, 2023, 06:17:10 PM
Post by: 2MANY on August 09, 2023, 06:24:55 PM
Post by: GWP on August 10, 2023, 08:10:03 AM
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 10, 2023, 01:57:54 PM
So, my youngest son and I took him out for a salmon fishing trip. Of course, it was the day after WDFW shut down chinooks. But that didn't matter. He had a great time and together the 3 of us limited on cohos and pinks.
He also happens to be a former Young Life staffer.
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 26, 2023, 12:45:32 PM
I took another first-time fisherman (he hasn't fished in over 30 years and never out of a boat) out last week who's lived in the PNW his whole life. He and his wife made a substantial donation to a church youth group for their mission trip to Kentucky where 23 teenagers and 7 leaders helped rebuild homes destroyed by tornados in 2021.
So, my youngest son and I took him out for a salmon fishing trip. He had a great time and together the 3 of us almost limited on cohos and pinks.
He also happens to be a former missionary.
Let's just say he was very pleased with his adventure on the water.
Also, just a reminder, that if you'd like to make a donation to help me continue to make these introductions to first-timers to fishing, check out the original post. I AM NOT A GUIDE. I am a full-time ministry leader that donate all of my gear, boat, gas, and funds to allow these trips to happen 100% FREE. I specifically try to introduce pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian business leaders into outdoor adventures.
Blessings!
Post by: silverdalesauer on August 26, 2023, 12:50:45 PM
On this day, my son and I took out a teenager who was asking if he could get a chance to fish with us on the boat. He's only ever caught 1 salmon before, but never on a boat. So, we called him up when an open seat was available and spent 4 hours on the water together. Let's just say he left with an armful of fillets and grinning ear-to-ear.
He caught his Personal Best sized fish, a tank of a pink salmon. What a fun day!
Also, just a reminder, that if you'd like to make a donation to help me continue to make these introductions to first-timers to fishing, check out the original post. I AM NOT A GUIDE. I am a full-time ministry leader that donate all of my gear, boat, gas, and funds to allow these trips to happen 100% FREE. I specifically try to introduce pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian business leaders and their families into outdoor adventures.
Blessings!
Post by: cavemann on August 27, 2023, 04:37:59 PM
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Post by: silverdalesauer on June 11, 2024, 06:35:07 PM
If you know of a pastor or ministry leader that would like to receive some help or a grant or some gear or take a trip out fishing, let me know. I'd love to help!