Date and time

Name

Comments

200605232217142

Janet Lowell

Hello-

I read about y'all in article that has been circulating 

around--made it to the San Diego Union Tribune here in CA.

Happy to hear there are some happy diversions in your neck of the woods. 

Stay safe and warm regards.

200611090535154

Norway

Some out of the ordinary fishing adventure for you guy`s. Although I do not support the US for going in to Iraq, I support you guy`s for doing your job. Enough politics... Keep on fishin` !

200611061227314

BUD RUDDERFORTH

Hello folks my son Joshua Rudderforth is in the air force getting ready to return to Baghdad for the 3rd time sometime soon. This would be great for him to do since he and I go fly fishing in West Virginia and in Florida when we get together. Tell all of your service friends that I'm proud of them all and thank them for there service, God Bless you all.

200611060454021

Teuta Pervizaj

GOD BLESS YOU GUYS

200610241227314

Skip Johnson

I just stumbled into your site, I’m glad a few of you are getting some
positive days out of the B.S. that’s going on over there!
looking at some of those pics I’m ALMOST envious, some nice looking fish you
guys are catching, you will bring back some positive life long memories and
it put a smile on my face knowing the guys are making the best of it over
there, fishing is a great escape from reality.

I’m a civilian member of American Bass Anglers/ military Bass I invite you
all to check out ABA when you get home, you don’t need to own a bass boat,
there’s more boaters than co anglers and the organization is in almost every
state with many states having many districts so odds are you will be able to
fish close to home!

Good luck and play it safe

200610220910140

Brad

Lots of fun to read and view your pix! Thanks for posting them.

Be safe, and thanks for the job you're doing for us in Iraq! 

Please know that a lot more of us (U.S.) are with you than are 

kicking up a fuss about So-Damn Insane's rights!

God bless and keep you all!!! 

200610211227314

Mark

just ran across your school by way of a Google 'alert' on fly fishing that directs

any newspaper or magazine story about fly fish to me thru email.

This is a hoot but at the same time a  truly great idea. Do you have any type of civilian patch or button for the school?....If you don't you should. This is such a great idea. Joel had one GREAT idea with this school. I am in the Norfolk, Virginia area and have been FF for some 38 years My thoughts are with all troops in the area. Stay safe and good fishing.

200610190714354

Stan "Buster" Cowton

Hi Joel,

How are things with you?  It seems like a lifetime has passed 

since I left Baghdad.  I enjoyed the site in case you haven't 

figured it out yet, the goldfish sized fish near the top of the 

page is a species of barb.

Buster 

200610101200432

Charla K Staples

some big fish!! Living here in East Texas and having a boyfriend that taught me to fish and love it, I enjoyed looking at these pics and reading your stuff! He's over there...working. Robert Reddell! All I know is he works at a desk and has something to do with accounting. cost specialist i think :) Keep fishing. I know he's gonna try to go or would like to.~~~Charla

200610092016181

paula ricker

this is nice my daughter is in iraq now thanks

200610041227314

andrew hadfield

Hi to all the guys in Iraq,

 just been reading your site, nice to see you having fun when your not avoiding bullets, i do a lot of fly fishing, carp fishing and sea fishing and used to work in the tackle trade so i will ask around and try to get some kit sorted out for you, i have some mates who have served over there but are now back in England, i got your web address from the anglers mail paper which had a full page about you guys, is there any English guys fishing with you??? by the way who is the good looking lady in the picture section???

 Take care and tight lines.

200610012036450

Ol Bill

Bill

200609301227314

John Colburn

I knew about the Baghdad School of Fly Fishing through talking with some of the patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center who were wounded in Iraq.  It's a great idea.  I wish someone had thought of it when I was in Korea in 1952-53.

 I teach fly tying as therapy to the patients with hand and arm wounds and injuries at Walter Reed as a part of Project Healing Waters.  Fly tying for those with "normal" hands and arms will be taught other instructors.  Others in PHW teach fly casting and take patients on fishing trips in the Mid-Atlantic area, Maine, Montana, and other places.  All of this is done by volunteers and paid for through donations of equipment, material and money.

 Through the Federation of Fly Fishers and Trout Unlimited clubs and chapters, similar Project Healing Waters programs are being started at military and Dept. of Veterans Affairs hospitals around the country.  I'm sure that BSFF "alumnae" would be welcome at these programs as students or instructors.

 Even though you aren't in Iraq now, your work is a real benefit for the troops who are there.  Thank you. 

200609281456074

SFC Anthony D. Jones

Great sight.  I have been trying to catch one of those BIG ones for a month now but I guess I should just catch your pics.

200609281227314

Donald Douds

Greetings Fellow Fly Addict,

 I am curently deployed in Baghdad with the 329 Med Co out of Erie Pa ( God I miss the steel head run ) and could not for the life of me figure out how to get my T3 here.  I guess it doesn’t matter because sounds like you all have the equipment necessary to enjoy a little of home here in Iraq.  Where are you located and how can I help.  I am a fairly intermediate fly fisherman ( have not started tying yet but in the process of learning when I got deployed ) and can single haul to cruising stripped bass pretty well with a 7 to 8 weight.  If you need help or can give me some info it would be greatly appreciated.

 Sincerely and tight lines to all,

200609262233092

capt john kirby, usnr, ret

ok, we need to visit - great falls has to be mt, and i spent 30 years in big timber - now live on the or coast - send me your email and i'll send you some pics of giant salmon - and you have a free trip in my boat anytime.  let me know!  cheers, john

200609220940335

Linda Sandgren

Hi.  I found your site by googling for Al Faw Palace.  My younger brother just deployed to Bagdhad and is working in the palace for the next year.  He is LTC in the Army.  Thanks for all the pics.

200609220256015

1Ltn. Roberto Nera

I was in South Iraq for two times in Antica Babilonia Mission, I 

have fished the Euprathe river with some friends of 

mine, we have catch some barbs and carps.

It's great to flyfish also here in this war country.....

with my compliments for the site,

Regards Roby 

200609202218153

CPT Chris Curtis

Block leave is over in two days.  Heading back to the MOB station for 

a few days before going to Iraq.  I would love to 

talk with you before going over.    I 

will have a lakefront view where I will work and 

live.

Long Casts, Chris

270-314-9462 

200609180952231

Mama Dangle

Proud mother of 2 American Soldiers.  One is in Baghdad and the other just arrived in Kuwait 2 weeks ago.  Love to all our soldiers and families

200609101456490

Russ Leedom

Hello, My name is Russ and I am a fellow fishing nut from Ne. Thanks for posting all of your fish stories from Iraq. I enjoy reading about different species of fish and their behavior from other parts of the world. Thanks again and Good fishing!!!!

200609071227314

Mendi Njonjo

Dear Bill/ Joel,

I happened to come across your website and I was wondering if the school is still running and if you're still seeking fish flies. We have a fly tying business
(Bien Ltd) located in Kenya and we'd really like to show our support for our troops.

I saw "the list" (!) and would like to send you some flies. Let me know if you're still accepting donations and what you really, really want. I'd presumably send it to the RI address unless you tell me differently.

Keep up the good work!

Mendi

200609061343493

Jim Miller

I was in the house near the draw bridge for 6 months starting in June of 2003.  When we first arrived in country, the lake near the Victory Palace was drained and an engineering company opened up the berm.  We only had a few hooks, so we would strip out the line from 550 cord and wrap it around a brush handle and use canned corn for bait.  All the fish we caught we gave to the locals.

200609021227314

Guy

Stumbled across your site via "Field & Stream" article.  Posted a note about the school at the blog: http://flyfishyellowstone.blogspot.com/ .

I'll post another in a few days to kick the readership in the butt about supplies, flies, etc. The "Field & Stream" note said you were from Montana - saw a RI address. Duty Station?

 Guy

http://flyfishyellowstone.blogspot.com/

guyser1@aol.

200609012127314

Eric Rugila

I live southwest of Detroit, Mi.  I believe in you guys and your mission.  I find it amazing to believe in all of the turmoil and hell you men are facing that you can teach others to fly fish.  I solute you for all that you have done and are continuing to do.  If you or your men are from this area or around, please let me know, I'd love to go wet a hook with any of you.  You are true sportsmen, hero's of the sport and patriots of freedom.   FYI, for Michigan fly fishing   Pmlodge.com, it's an orvis endorsed place, Frank is the owner, and it's by far one of the best places to go get'm.   Hope this helps someone. 

If anyone ends up there tell Frank, Eric sent ya...     Fish On.  Stay Safe, and Let Freedom Ring.  Eric

200609011627314

Mike McQuiston

I'm Mike McQuiston, president of the First Coast Fly Fishers in Jacksonville, Florida.  Our primary fishery is the salt  water marsh that runs north and south of Jacksonville, and offers some wonderful opportunities to target many salt water species, primarily the redfish (red drum or spot-tail bass).  Check out our newsletter and club news at fcff.org.

 We'd like to do what we can to help you guys out.  We have a number of active duty and retired military members of our club, myself included, and we'd be more than happy to take any of  you folks fishing that may be in the Jacksonville area or Northeast Florida.  Send us a list of stuff we can send you, and we'll get our members involved. 

 Joel, you're doing a great thing for our folks over there in harm's way.  Let us know what we can do to help. 

200608301227314

Shelly Ehmer
 

Very cool of you to have something like this for you guys having ot be there!

Fly fishing will keep you a little bit relaxed, if that is possible.

Good luck to you!

www.bigfishhappen.com

200608272210060

RICK LARSON

loved your site!  want to support you people as much as possible.  is there enough rods/reels/tackle over there?  if not i will try to round more up for the leasure.  l luv u folks,  rick   god bless and be careful.

200608221651372

Jeff Bell

Sir, came across your website, one word...thanks.  I have about five months left on my hitch and I too have been into the Asps, Tried for carp the other morn at the Al Faw palace but no luck with a Mepps.  Planned on moving to bread, thanks for the add milk idea.  Enjoyed your writing, wish you luck with the publication.  Thanks again, Jeff

2006082021093900

Debora and Bill Smith

We really enjoyed your pictures, our son is going to be there in September and it helped us a lot to see the pictures. God bless you and the others stationed there.

200608132202230

Dick Fast

Joel,  Great stories.  Caught my first "carp on the fly" last week on 

Missouri above Townsend.  Read same book as you and a friend 

took me out for two days.  Got a dozen or so each day.  

Fun, but I'd still rather catch trout.  Where are you now?  

Dick Fast, Big Sky 

200608121046456

Stephen M. Hughey

Great pictures!  

I was wondering what sorts of crustaceans you might have seen- crayfish? Fresh water shrimp?   

200608092036323

Ray Stillions

Fantastic site Gentlemen.  I'm glad to see you fellas getting some r&r.

Enjoy your time fishing..

Thank you all for serving your country.

God Bless You.

Ray

200608091651473

Jonathan McClelland

Joel, I really enjoyed reading your blog. Great stories, great pictures and great fish! I am a member of the Carp Anglers Groupin the States, and enjoy catching carp and other fish. Fly fishing is one of my favorite ways to fish but I have yet to catch a carp on a fly. Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. Stay safe and return to us in one piece. God bless you and your fellow service men and women! Jonathan

200608031613214

Torbjorn Wirf

Great site. Now I am convinced about that you can fly fish anywhere.

Best Regards

Torbjorn

2006080314402844

Robert M. Wood, Ph.D. (Ichthyologist)

Those are some of the most awesome cyprinids I have ever seen.

I am a Biology professor at Saint Louis University and am currently 

working on molecular genetics of the cyprinid fishes worldwide.

The species you guys are catching are amazing! 

450 lbs. may in fact be a record for the family, I had no idea!

Any possibility of getting some samples?  Let me know?

Rob Wood

200607301317240

Rick L. Browning

I didn’t know you had a website or I would been tying what you said the fish hit on instead of what I thought would work. Good fishing and thank you for our freedom.

200607261055083

ERIC LEISER

GREAT IDEA...TIGHT LINES TO ALLL

200607221827086

Nora Reed

Great pictures and stories! I was amazed at how the people of Iraq have been driven from the Tigris river and the marshes by Saddam's army and could not even fish!

200607131904414

Annabelle Bolter

Cool pictures. Thx

200607121703363

Mike Clancy

When you all get back to Ft. Lewis in Washington, look up the Puget Sound Fly Fishers club which meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month at The Tacoma Elks or the South Sound Club that meets in Olympia at the American Legion Hall on Boston Harbor Rd. on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.  We'll show you some real fly fishing.  Take care you guys & gals.  Keep us safe. Kick some butt for us.  Thanks - Mike Clancy, Olympia, Wa.

200607051307433

Jon Sundquist

Greetings from Nor. Cal.  I am sending some bugger materials for you all to tie black or olive buggers.  Anything else you need, let me know.  I'll send some flies for you to try as well.  Jon

200607051142013

Laura Kennerly

Thanks for everything you are doing over there.   bsp;               

Tight Lines!

200607041033102

Cliff  (AKA BayouBandit)

Keep up the good work guys. We solute you.

Do you eat those fish? One of them looks a little like the 

snook & some like a trout. I would probably be afraid to

eat anything out of those waters due to pollutants.

Fish on brothers and sisters...

Cliff - Port Richey Florida 

200607040844232

Jerry W. Kemple

You folks are doing a good job in a bad stream. I pray that your fly lines continue to stay with a fighting fish..

200607032041401

Lee Murdock

Here is wishing you guys a great 4th of July.  Hope to hear about you all fishing your home waters in the near future. 

200607020053230

Kelly Palmer

Thank you for all you do!!  Drop by if you find yourself near Troy, Montana.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Godspeed,

KP

2006070119371266

Mark Robbins

My son is heading your way. I'll hook him up with your site. He'll love 

it. Keep up the good work. Sounds like you could use a couple of canoes. Attack the fish from a different vantage point. Keep your lines wet--Mark

200607011033416

Carolyn Cummings

My son, Brian, left for Baghdad on June 14, 2006 for a tour of six months. I believe that he will be working at the Perfume Palace while there. It was interesting to see the places where he will be. I'll be praying for everyone’s safe return.

200606252149560

specialist shawn may

I have been in Iraq for about 8 months and i have yet to start fishing. i really haven't talked to anyone about it. i am glad i found this website because now i know what is in the lakes. i just need to know where i can get fishing tackle over here if there is a place.

2006062519481800

Dennis Von Linden

Great site. God Bless you all. Be safe.

Someone start selling t-shirts with the club's emblem 

so we can raise money to help support this club.

Get home soon.

200606230801375

D.M.G

Sweet fishing having been deployed back when no one really cared about us GI's I can tell you the down time gets to you if there is nothing to keep your interest. Good job ! keep your Situational awareness up come home safe. BTT.

200606221631174

tom harbin

great pics thanks for all that you are doing stay safe.

200606221417354

Massimiliano Magnante

I am an Italian avid fly fisherman , surfing on th eweb 

i discovered your site . Guys , you are really amazing !!!!!!!  

We appreciate your work                

Have fun and tight loops!!!!!

Max

200606221052454

Tim Neubeiser

Love the site. It's nice to know that there is a bunch of ff folks working the Iraqi waters. Do the kids over there have any interest in the sport? Stay safe. Tim

200606220912054

aym@yahoo.com

Nice site! David

200606212243063

Tom Vialpando

great site. You all are in our prayers. A great way to pass the time.

200606200816192

Chris Arnold

I am an avid fly fisherman from Denver Colorado and I always try to 

find a way to cast a fly or two no matter were I am in the world 

(haven't tried Baghdad yet.  I think what you guys are 

doing is awesome!  

Be safe out there and tight lines to all of you. 

200606191957081

Vernon Plotts

As usual were there is a will someone always finds a way. Keep up the good work with the school and my heartfelt thanks and prayers for all the soldiers in Iraq..

200606151057564

Gordon

Found your web page looking for BIAP.  I was there from Nov 05 to Apr 06 

and worked in a compound over by the "Barn".  Never did                

like the mud we had to deal with.    Saw a number of folks 

fishing.  You got some great pictures that I wish I had taken the time to get.

Capt B USAF (retired)   

2006061115430400

Dave Payne Sr.

Glad those flies finally got there! For those carp, take a Payne Killer and let it soak in Vanilla extract overnight. Let the fly dry in the sun, then drag it along the bottom. They like the fly anyway, but when they get a whiff of that Vanilla, they gotta have it.

200606102029236

Mike Aspan

Great to see you all getting some relatively stress free time. God Bless you all. Stay safe. You're doing work that history will show as a great and positive contribution to the Middle East and the world. We are proud of you here in the U.S. and Chicagoland.

2006061019523966

Dave Payne Sr.

The ultimate carp killer fly, the Payne Killer, is on its way to you. Keep up the good work.

200606092017135

Greg Stumpf

Loved to here about the school!!! We need all fly fishers we can get.

I am working on my FFF casting instructor Cert.; it is so great to 

teach people something you enjoy. If you need anything casting  bsp;               

or fishing books for a library, tying material etc. please 

let me know. I have contacted

some of our local clubs to see if they can help. We would also like to put

you guys on our news letter list.

Good job

god Bless 

Greg Stumpf

VP FFFSWC 

200606081903134

Nancy Cloos aka. FishinGal

This is really awesome. I was always wondering where you folks could get out and fish out there! Best regards - my husband is ex-Army and he didn't have the opportunity to get out fishing while deployed during Desert Storm (not much fish out in the desert!). Be well, keep your heads down and your lines tight. And come fish in our beautiful Colorado High Country when on R&R!!

200606080053454

Whitney Jensen

Great Website.  I truly enjoyed my time on the lake with Joel, 

JT, MAJ H, special K and others.  All the pictures brought

back a lot of great memories and after a VERY long year in 

Iraq it is nice to know that I can look back with Fond memories.

Thanks for make them Joel!  

--Whit 

200606071228233

Jerry Kunnath

Site is great--wonderful that there is some fly-fishing to beat 

the boredom--good to see smiles on our warriors faces

fish on and keep safe friends

Jerry Kunnath

Michigann 

200606070712153

Liz

I am over here right now and it's good to know that there are bigger fish to catch than the 10 inch asp I caught the other day.  Good pictures!!

200606051847211

trish

be safe..enjoy fishing keep your heads low..love from all us air force brats love to all.. trish

200606051531461

art hamley

Hello and best wishes from Pennsylvania! I think it's great you guys and gals have some time to kind of forget about the woes of the world as best your're able under the circumstances. I believe your mission is a blessed one and you each hold a very special place in my heart........God Bless you all and the USA! Keep up the excellent work, and come back safe.

2006060411510600

Dennis Swope

Great job fella's. Sounds like the club and the classes are a good diversion. I live in N.E. Calif. near Fall River, Pit River and Hat Creek. We don’t have the 9-20# carp like your catching but we do have some decent fishing locally. Stop by if your in the area. If you need any material I have plenty of left over's from when I was tying commericaly. Best Dennis

200606040013360

eric rugila

Fish on freedom warriors, I appreciate what you guys are do'n over there.  Now others will be able to live free as we do here.  You have my utmost respect and admiration for serving our country and tying a booger.  Some day maybe I'll stand in a stream with one of you and get to shake your hand in person. 

200606032001146

MAJ Steve Howell, USA

What an amazing adventure!  I wish we had had lakes when I was in Kandahar.

Your pictures are fantastic. Good luck with whatever comes next for you..

Your Humble Servant,

Steve

200606030911176

Capt Barry Evans

Y'all are doing a great job over there. Stay Safe and Thank You.

Barry

200606012207294

Laith A.Jawad

Hi

As an fish taxonomixt, I am interested in the fishes you have been 

collecting in Iraq and showing in your website..

My interest is in the fish Biz. How many fish individuals you got

 and over what a period of time? This 

 information will help me in my study on Iraqi fishes.

Regards

Laith A.Jawad,

wellington,

New Zealand 

200606012111024

Charles  Richerson

Great ideal. 

200606011625164

John Farrell

You guys are awesome, stay with it and stay safe. thanks for what you do.

200606011308474

Garry J Nelson

Great fishing tails!  I have a small pond (3,000 gal) in my 

back yard but the heron got all my fish (koi mainly) last year. 

I now have 3 blue gill and one crappie hiding there now. 

Garry Nelson (AF 59-63) 

200606010856394

Bob Griffith

What a fantastic job! Praise The Lord and pass the Fly Rod!

200606010545364

John Barcomb

Nice Pics, here as a contractor and walk around Z Lake everyday.

 What are the fish that float near the top and are huge. 

 See a few everyday with their tail fins out of the  water. 

 Happy Fishing

JB

200606010354544

Jon Stanbery

keep up the good work.

I tie flys as well. If you like I could tie some up for some of the service men/Ladies.

200605312154553

Jim Clifford

Best of luck to all. Let me know what flies the club needs and how to get them to you.

200605312030573

Norman Miller

Great Stuff

200605311938153

Carole Katz

As President of Long Beach Casting Club, founded in 1925 in Southern California and boasting more than 500 members, I am so pleased to see that you are finding time for our sport.  I hope you it provides you with some of the stress-reduction and relaxation that it brings to me.  Do you need any flies or anything that we could send you?  We'd be happy to help.

200605311259063

Bill Emrick

A great idea to form a fly fishing school. Some great photos!

Thanks to all of you for the great service you are doing for our country.

Bill Emrick

FFF Certified Casting Instructor

(also a retired veteran of the Air Force - 26 years service- Korea and Vietnam)

200605311156053

Sharon Rainey

Hey guys, anyone need some care packages?  Let us know your name and mailing address and we will try to get some goodies to you! 

200605311150463

jeff rainey

Way to go guys...My wife run a group called Neighbors and we 

send care packages to the troops. Please let us know what

you need and we will send it to your platoon.

god bless and thanks for all your doing!

Jeff Rainey

Sharon.Rainey@Neighbors-International.com

200605310803493

Jim Hester

Awesome, just Awesome! It's good to see the smiles on the faces of those with such ominous jobs to do! I've fly fished and tied for almost 40 years, and tied flies for 15 years commercially, any help I can give, just email me! Keep up the good work, keep smiling, catch some fish, take care, and come home soon!

200605310722363

John Wisehaupt

Tight lines to all and thanks to all for your outstanding service for the good old USA. Would love to invite each and every one of you to fly fish Central PA's famous Spring Creek trophy trout stream.

200605310715403

Tim Witt

I just got a link to this site. From fisherie.com Which is a sweet site for the great lakes area. All I can say is you just made my day. You are all heroes. Enjoy your new sport of fly fishing.

200605310632013

Lynn Zimmermann

Great site KEEP SAFE ALL & THANK YOU

200605310605133

Allen Crise

Well done.

 Thanks for the invite to share your fishing. I did not stop 

reading till I reach the end. I am grateful for all 

you are doing. My our God watch over you.

ol Al

Allen Crise

FFF Master Casting Instructor

Glen Rose TX. 

200605310556343

BERNIE MANASAN

I am here at Camp Liberty with the 602nd. I love to fish but do not have experience with Fly fishing. Any advice on what lures to use for a regular bait caster and spinning reel user like me.

200605310042483

Bill Scrimpsher

Hey Guys & Gals,

I'm sorry I couldn't get my complete message to you. Guess 

I was just so anxious to thank you with all my heart, for the 

unbelievably wonderful sacrifice you've decided to offer all 

of us here in the USA, as well as for the Iraqui people, whom 

our President as stated he wants to provide their democracy. 

I do so wish you a great fishing experience; God knows, a 

bad day fishing beats a marvelous day working any day!

Keep the faith, & know we Americans salute & care & pray 

for you EVERYDAY!

Bill Scrimpsher aka elkhair1@verizon.net 

200605302159552

Ralph Nice

With all the losses & injuries it nice to see you guys and gals can escape the war if just for an hour at a time. My hopes for a end to this conflick and a speedy return home to you all.Thank you for the job your doing every day. Ralph Nice

200605302100192

greg montgomery

What a great thing you guys are doing!  I don't quite know what to say 

except thanks for all you are doing over there. 

....Greg 

200605301750422

devin schildt

good looking fish you guys got there. keep up the great work. 

I'm proud of the job or men and women are doing and will 

always support those who defend this country. 

stay safe,devin

200605301630032

steven l. brionez

200605301621242

Leonard Kleiman

There is no feeling to compare with catching your first fish on a fly rod.

You gotta love the smiles on the faces of those GI's 

God bless all of you -- you're in our thoughts and prayers every minute of every day.

Keep up the GREAT work

200605301600482

Jim Reid former SGT. USMC

Hey guys,

Looks like you're able to have a good time. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

200605301440582

Stig Carlson

God Bless you guys and thank you for what you do.  It's nice to see there is some solice and retreat for you guys.  Good luck with the fishing!!

200605301424512

Beau Simonson

Awsome!!!

200605301318292

jeff Martin

as a former soldier that had some deployments that 

were just incredibly boring something like that would have

been wonderful!!! i am happy to see the support that went 

on to allow those service man and women the time and 

materials to learn to fly fish...actually brings a tear to 

my eye... i hope they enjoy the time they get to spend on 

the water with a rod in hand and bring home a new hobby 

that can give a lifetime of pleasure (or frustration)

if any of you flyfishers ever make it to florida let me know... i am an old 82nd infantry man and would love to take you fishing... it would be an honor to fish with you... 

200605301244482

Kevin Gastol

Nice work soldiers! Thanks for everthing you do! 

Stay strong over there. Glad to see you all fishing, 

I would have never thought. 

Keep up the good work.

Kevin 

200605301221052

Luther S Martin

Great story. Fishing is my favorite pass time. It is a great healer and it puts my mind at rest. Keep up the good work and please be safe.

200605301138412

John Boghos

I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for fighting for 

the freedom my family and I enjoy everyday. The war on

terror is not a war of vanity. It matters...you matter.

Praying For You,

John, Amy and Becca

Cumming, GA 

200605300857022

Steve

I just read about your school on espn.com.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys\gals! 

200605300852112

Aaron Beard

Great to see this site.  Can't say how much I appreciate the fact of what is 

going on over there.  I have two under two years of 

age and can't wait to explain to them what is being done 

for them to protect them and their rights.  

Outside of that, its awesome to see that the fishing action is going 

on.  Want to extend a hand, if there is anything for 

material that could be of benefit in terms of fly line, 

regular line or even material for building fly's please 

drop me an email.  Would be happy to lend a hand.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fish On!

200605300844432

Jeff Hennesy

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Mike Nash

I just want to say thank you to all the men and women that are serving our great country.  I am not a flyfishing guy, but I do like to fish.  I found this little blurb about your site on espn.com.  You guys keep up the good job and know that I am very much appreciative of the job you are doing over in Iraq and other parts of the world.  Good luck on catching "Moby".

200605300813442

Walter Lindsey

I worked on Camp Slayer from 11/2004 to 11/2005
I saw your link on the home page @ ESPN keep up the good work
and happy fly fishing.

 Stay safe and return home soon. 

200605300711412

Ed

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Shawn Hicks

First and formost I would like to say thanks to all the 

troops over in the sandboxs. 

 Now LETS GO FISHING. Keep the rod tip up and catch a big one.

  P.S What typs of fish our you catching over there.  

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Jonathan Bullard

Sure would be nice to see some lower enlisted enjoying the fun or are officers to special?

200605272019426

pat mccarthy

nicely done

200605270318176

Bill DeSavage

God Bless All Of You and May ALL of your Days Be Safe Till You are back to The World 

Bill DeSavage

Flyfisher

Vietnam

SSGT.7th.SFG 68-71

200605250343304

John Ragland

As a Retired Army veteran I salute what you are doing. I'm a Hunter and a Fisherman, Salt water, freshwater, deep sea, open face and Fly. Keep up the good work, I wish we would have had something like this back in Nam.

200605241323463

SSG James Manchester

What a wonderful thing you guys have going on. Never under estimate the ingenuity of the American Military person when it comes to entertainment or doing what they enjoy. Keep up the good work and God bless you all. May all your loops be tight.

200605241202533

Jo Darling

My son, Tech. Sgt. Jason Robinson sent me this link! 

Totally awesome! Just wanted to let everyone know I am so proud 

of you and what you are doing for this great Nation of ours! 

Thank you so much.

ps as for the fishing, well, my ex would stop talking to me every April 1st which was the first day of trout season in New York State, because, not only did I catch more trout, I caught bigger ones! LoL, no, that is not why he is my "ex" but..... 

200605240923003

Scott Smith

Hi, Joel:

Thanks for putting your site together - it's a privilege. 

I run onFlyFishing, the fly fishing directory, and I'm putting 

together a new site this Summer called Insider Fly Fishing. 

If you're interested I'll be glad to tell you more about this. 

If you want in, you're in as a Charter PRO member. I've got a 

blog started here with a little about it (and other related 

stuff):

http://onflyfishing.blogspot.com/

Want to be our man in Iraq? 

Plus when you get back, you can keep on keeping on.

Be safe, Joel.

Best,

Scott T. Smith

OnFlyFishing, Inc.

Bozeman, MT. USA

 01  406.586.4112

 ...   ...

... ___the Fly Fishing Directory   ___... 

200605240509593

william wendt

I work, live & fish on Camp Slayer. I am on R&R now, but my fly rod is going back with me along with new flies. Fishing does help calm the day . save a few big ones for the rest of us.

200605221724401

Maurine Choate

Your club was in the Jacksonville, Florida Times-Union this morning.

My husband is an avid fly fisherman and delighted to hear about your outfit.

If any of you come to Jacksonville, Fl, I'm sure he would be happy to take 

you kayak fly fishing.  It's the newest thing here.  We have the 

world's biggest Kayak Fishing Tournament in the world.  In fact, it 

was last weekend.  Over 230 participants.  All for a good cause, 

and lots of fun.

God bless you and keep you while we are apart, one from another.  Please know that you are all on our hearts and in our prayers.  Just one person from your grateful nation for all that you do for us. WWG, Maurine  

200605221636511

James S Lenon

Wish I'd been able to support this from the first. It's a great thing accomplished by fine people on both ends.

200605221545241

Tim Meinhart

Dear Sir or Madame;

I grew up fly fishing in WA state and now I too work in a hot, 

dusty in-hospitable desert - Los Angeles, CA!  Your photos reminded 

me of another giant minnow that eats other fish - the Colubia River squawfish 

or "Pike Minnow" as it is now termed.  They may have not 

been as pretty as a rainbow or a brookie, but they'd climb all over a Muddler 

just the same!

Please know that our prayers are with you all.  God bless and thank you.

Sincerely,

Tim Meinhart 

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Herman Sprouse

Great sport, please be careful.

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Andy Koczon

Thanks to all of you for being out there in Iraq.  Knowing that you have been able to find this bit of respite through fly-fishing in the desert is a nice bit of positive news for us all here in the States.  Good luck trying to catch "Moby"

200605220930181

Charles Barron USN RET

Just fantastic!!!! I'll be keeping up to date on a quite "unique" fishing hot spot.

200605220903401

Mark Mahoric

I would like to send some fly fishing Items to you in Iraq.. could you please give me a location to send gear. I think it is awesome that you found some water to fish on to take your mind to another place. I would be more than happy to send some gear to some fellow anglers. I own and operate a small guide service here in Alaska. If you find yourself in Alaska with a day to fish from May to Oct give me a call and we can pin some fish in the greatland.  Mark Mahoric www.silentrunak.com

200605211640230

Arthur Williams

This is GREAT. I am with the United Fly Tyers in Boston, who spend one 

night a month teaching the art of fly tying. This was a great presentation 

and I am so glad that you found a respit from regular dute while on the lake.

Our greatest respect to our troops and thank you for serving us so well.

You are all just GREAT! 

200605210443350

Dennis/Papa_d ; DeVowe  Viet Nam Vet

I am totally impressed with what you have done here. Congratulations on a job well done. Until I've reviewed your site; I had no idea that so many of our military had this at their disposal. A great and wonderful thing has been achieved; and you deserve a "Double Atta-boy" for you efforts.

Dennis L. DeVowe....LifeMember NAFC.

200605202354036

A1C Joshua gale

sir I would like to thank you on what you are doing with the class
you have started. it's always nice to hear about our fellow soldiers getting
a chance to take a little R&R even though they are still at their deployed
location. I am currently in Afghanistan and only wish we had a fishing pond to
do something like what you are doing here. I salute you and everyone else who has
helped put this class together as wells as your students. 

A1C Joshua Gale USAF and a

Life Member with North American Fishing Club 

200605201007526

Frank O'Rourke

Stay safe!

200605200822366

mike wood

Saw your site today, got it off a site I visit. Brought back memories of my fishing days in Viet Nam.

200605200550196

JASON KILSEY

Thank you for serving us, you are truly America's heroes!  I would be honored to donate anything needed- money, lines, reels etc. Please be careful and tight lines!  Jason

200605191500315

John M. DeCillo

Great site. Wonderful to see our service people getting a chance to

wet a line and learn another skill as well.

I hope haven has a shoreline like that.

I don't think the Lord will allow any Mortars or RPG's, so it ought to

be a quiet place where the loudest thing you will hear is...............

FISH ON!!!

 God Bless all of you who serve our Great Nation.

You are my personal heroes.

Stay Low bros.....and sisters too. Tight lines.

John D. Vietnam Vet U.S.A.F.66 67

200605191345085

Mark Lange

Let me know what you guys ( and gals ) can use in the tackle or flies department. I'd love to send you some stuff.

200605190733325

Paul L. Johnson (MSG, USA Ret)

It is great to see that you all have time to rest from your current situation. As a former (RET) soldier I know how much fishing can relax you.  So stay on your toes and come home safe and sound.  Keep a tight line.  "Gary Owen"

200605181537184

Charlie Hall

I'm a life member at NAFC. User Name c f hall

Great web site.Thank you for helping others learn to fish and most of all thank you for your service to this great Country

200604231343350

J. Malison

Thanks for everything that you have done.  The FF is is great.

200604192124423

Shawn Cannon

My brother is in the 137th Inf and was describing the palace

and it is a site to behold. 

Thank you and everyone for the job you are doing.

God Gless

200604090600540

SFC T

I really like your website because every picture here is exactly what I'm seeing today!  I've seen all those folks out there fishing from time to time, too.  My work area is over by Lost Lake, but I also made a run to Slayer.  You called that one place a "zoo."  We call it the Fred Flintstone house!!  You're pictures are great!!

200603272336431

Rick(Australia)

The gods do not deduct from man's allotted span the hours spent in fishing.  

~Babylonian Proverb

Thanks for sharing your pics Joel!! Well done on the FF School!

200603161227314

Moose Hofer

Kevin just called me from Iraq, and told me to check out the page.

Way to go!

200611091612273

John Jackson

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Dennis Reed

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Dean Balocca

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Carole & Jeff Katz

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Andrew

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Dennis DeVowe

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Mark

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Alan Cayn