'Just a really great thing for us to do' Military and veterans get together for fishing fun during Armed Forces Appreciation Fishing Trip

Fishing, fun, and friends were the orders of the day recently as a group of active duty military and veterans took to the waters of Willow Creek as part of the annual Armed Forces Appreciation Fishing Trip.

Sponsored by Kinross Gold Corporation, Trout Unlimited and FishHound Expeditions, the trip is an expression of gratitude and thanks for the service of the veterans and active duty members, as well as an opportunity to get out and enjoy a day of fishing.

“It’s a way to get people out on the water, show our appreciation for the armed forces, and something that we share with Kinross, and having a way to come together and create some community was just a really great thing for us to do,” said Marian Giannulis, Alaska Communications & Engagement Director for Trout Unlimited.

The trip brought out fishermen of all skill levels, from the novice to those with different fishing experiences.

“Some people come on this trip knowing and loving fly fishing, and some people fish spin gear, and some have never picked up a pole,” said Giannulis.

Navy veteran Brittany Fintel, who served as a Gas Turbine Electrician, had done farm fishing in ponds back home, but had never done any type of fly fishing and had recently done some deep sea fishing out of Yakutat, but was eager for the experience.

“I’ve never fly fished before, I was worried about snagging myself or me snagging someone else, that’s why it seemed like a dangerous fishing sport,” said Fintel.

With the uniform of the day-waders, ball caps, and fly fishing poles-the group of veterans and active duty took to Willow Creek for some fly fishing lessons with the guides, learning a few different casting techniques before heading out for a few hours of catch-and-release trout fishing.

“This is the 4th year we’ve been able to do this, we’ve had a nice relationship with Kinross to get this going, something we really care about.”

The annual event takes place in different locations each year, with previous locations of Sterling and Denali.

When asked how she found out about this trip, Fintel explained she came across a post on Facebook and took a chance.

“I follow a bunch of fishing groups on social media, and saw this, thought this was great, and applied. This is gonna be great!”

The trip had 100 applicants, and the trip was narrowed down to 20.

“We love to hear that people are really interested in coming on a trip like this, and when they can take the skills they’ve learned and share it with friends, family, taking that knowledge out into the world,” shared Giannulis.

After hours on the water, the group came ashore to a catered dinner, shared different adventures and experiences both on the water and also from the mutual camaraderie of being in the military.

This day was the 2nd of the trips available for the armed forces. The previous day had seen another full group angling with the feisty rainbow trout, and the weather had provided a much needed break from the rain, and the warmer temperature and sunshine saw fit to cooperate.

“Based on yesterday, it would have been easy to spend the whole day on the water. It was hard to get off the water,” said Giannulis.

No experience was required to be part of the fun, just a desire to enjoy Alaska’s outdoors, and a willingness to add a new skill to the toolbox.

There has not been an announcement yet for the location and dates for next year, but in the meantime, to learn more about Trout Unlimited, and visit tu.org. To learn more about Kinross Gold Corp, visit Kinross.com.