Veterans Heal Through Fly Fishing at Project Healing Waters
Project Healing Waters offers veterans a unique form of therapy through fly fishing. Established in 2005 at Walter Reed Medical Center, this program provides peer support and a sense of community for recovering service members. Field Support Specialist Daisy Hargrave explains how this activity connects veterans with shared experiences, promoting healing and camaraderie.
Denny Hamlin’s New Passion for Bass Fishing
Denny Hamlin, a prominent NASCAR driver, shifts gears from racing to bass fishing when off the track. Over the past year, Hamlin’s interest has grown significantly beyond a casual pastime. He recently embarked on a fishing trip with Chris Zaldain, a professional from the Bassmaster Elite Series, at Camelot Bell Ranch in Texas. Together, they aimed to catch large largemouth bass.
The trip, documented on Zaldain’s “Zaldaingerous” YouTube channel, showcased their search for trophy fish. Hamlin’s day started successfully with catches weighing over 6 pounds. He ultimately landed a 7.3-pound largemouth before returning to North Carolina for his racing responsibilities.
Fishing Techniques and Challenges
Hamlin and Zaldain utilized various techniques, working shallow grass with ChatterBaits and swimming worms initially. They later transitioned to deeper waters, employing sonar to track lures and imitate prey patterns to attract bass. Despite the afternoon proving challenging, with several large fish eluding capture, the experience enriched Hamlin’s newfound passion.
A Newfound Patience
Hamlin conversed with Kevin Harvick, a retired NASCAR driver, about his love for fishing. Hamlin shared how waiting for fish to bite has taught him patience—a departure from his fast-paced racing career. By December, he had invested in a Nitro Z20 XL bass boat, fully equipped with fishing essentials and a Hot Foot throttle.
Hamlin’s transition from racing to fishing highlights a dramatic change in pace that provides relaxation and challenge in a new way.
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