Warfighter Outfitters: Veterans Unite for Unforgettable Salmon Fishing Adventure

By Tegan Shermikas

Hood River, Ore., October 12, 2023 - Autumn has made it to the gorge, and with the crisp fresh air, a record-breaking fall run of chinook salmon has made its presence known. Fishermen and women from the area have descended on the Columbia River for their chance at catching a “king”. It is a sight to be seen, our picturesque backyard filled with fishing boats.

Under the majestic Mount Hood, a boat full of heroes trolls the water. Warfighter Outfitters had sent out a call to action of sorts, a call to find those who have served or who are serving to enjoy an adventure in the beautiful gorge. As boat captain Dave Oakes says, “The only thing guaranteed is a great boat ride.” However, this is more than just a boat ride for most, this is a chance for our veterans to connect with those who have shared experiences. It’s a chance for comradery, laughter, and for some, an escape.

This was Dave’s third visit to Hood River Oregon this season, 9/22, 09/29, and 10/06. In total, the Warfighter’s boat with Dave at the helm has brought 15 veterans to the mouth of the White Salmon River. That alone is a huge accomplishment, but the icing on the cake is that most days his boat was limited for chinook, and occasionally, they brought in a few “bonus fish”, hatchery coho, or jacks. But due to our region’s amazing network of guides, Warfighter Outfitters was able to team up with Full Tilt Outdoors (https://columbiariverkings.com/) (09/22) and Fin Reapers Bowfishing Guide Service (https://www.facebook.com/Finreapersbowfishing/)(09/29, 10/06) to bring even better-deserving veterans out for a boat ride they wouldn’t soon forget.

This isn’t the first time these guides have jumped at the chance to make a lasting impact within our veteran community and it sure won’t be the last. In total these three boats hosted 29 veterans on the Columbia River. Not only did Warfighter Outfitters plan and execute these trips to the hood. They brought a total of 22 other salmon trips to veterans in the months of July, Aug, and Sep.

I was lucky enough to join Warfighter Dave on the October 6th trip out of the Port of Hood River. Where do I begin to describe the atmosphere on this boat? Imagine five people from different backgrounds, different genders, and different ages all meeting for the first time before the sun even kissed the sky. Anxious smiles were exchanged among the veterans, still unsure what to expect. But they all have at least one thing in common, each one was willing to sacrifice themselves for our country, some had deployments under their belts, others had the all too familiar boot camp experience. After the initial, sometimes awkward introduction phase. Each veteran quickly found their rhythm, and a feeling of acceptance spread throughout the boat.

We were all brothers and sisters excited at what the day might bring. It wasn’t long before the first rod “went off”, a burst of adrenaline was felt, and it ignited an overwhelming sense of urgency. “Rebekah, grab the rod” we all shouted. Why? Well, this was Army Veteran Rebekah Smith’s first chance to feel the might of a salmon. Oh boy, did this salmon have some spunk, and as the fight began the realization set in that this wasn’t a small fish. Rebekah braced and fought the fish with every ounce of her strength. As she began to struggle, her new “community” rallied around her, encouraging her, and as this monster was netted, joyful cries could be heard by the surrounding boats. Everyone felt a sense of pride, she conquered the beast.

This chinook was 36 inches long and tipped the scales at over 25 lbs. As morning became afternoon the rod shakes brought immense excitement, each time the veterans banded together to support their battle buddies at the reels. The laughter was contagious, and we spent more time smiling than we did reeling. In between wrangling of the rods we were entertained with elaborate stories and jokes and we even got to enjoy a delicious beer donated by Von Ebert Brewing. At the end of the day, there was a plethora of salmon for Warfighter Dave to expertly fillet, and each veteran was able to bring their bounty home to share with their friends and families.

Days like this are sometimes hard to find, they have the power to recharge the soul. Thankfully, organizations like Warfighter Outfitters exist, and their impact has ripple effects that never cease. These organizations help our soldiers once they come home. A simple boat ride paired with great company and a collective understanding helps remind these heroes that they are not alone on their journey. It’s trips like these that can save lives. Thank you Warfighter Outfitters for bringing me along for a memorable experience. 

For more information about Warfighter Outfitters please check out their website. (https://warfighteroutfitters.org/) The website describes their mission, they “exist to provide a supportive and healthy outlet for Veterans seeking to reconnect with the camaraderie found in military service.  This is done through outdoor fishing and hunting trips, campouts, and motorcycle adventures.  Led by an all-volunteer, veteran board, our organization believes in the power of the campfire.” “Warfighter Outfitters is a registered nonprofit guide and outfitter service for veterans; we provide no charge outdoor recreation trips for all veterans.”

If you are a veteran or are on active duty and are interested in connecting, please like and follow Warfighter Outfitter’s Facebook Page, they post all their trips there. (https://www.facebook.com/warfighteroutfitters)