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Oregon PVA Members

Tuna Fishing July 2005 As I see it. By: Louie Grimmer This was only one of the many trips that the Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America (OPVA) had and it was spectacular. A perfect day on the ocean with bright blue skies and a very calm sea. We never did fun things like this when I was in the Navy but that was a job back then. We had 4 wheelchairs and 9 able bodies but 3 were people we didn’t know but the Captain (Dick) wanted a full boat. We were at the dock by 4:20 AM because the loading of the W/C was going to happen by 5 AM utilizing the Coast Guard personnel to assist in getting us on board. Tuna are not bottom fish, they like it out where the ocean is deep and clear blue sea, in fact they are way out (50 miles) in shipping lanes. I didn’t realize how big those ships really are until you are in a 50 foot boat and one of those huge cargo ships goes by and you suddenly feel like an ant among semi trucks. Ok, lets talk about fishing for TUNA. Let me tell you that this was a very long day and it was hard work but well worth it. OPVA has purchased 2 poles with electric reels especially for those who have difficulty operating a regular fishing reel. The Captain explained that for Tuna they use “hand lines” to bring in the 30 to 40 pound fish because getting them to the surface quickly is much easier than using a pole that allows them to run and they do put up quite a fight, just ask Jo Balboe from Portland, he brought his own pole. Tuna fishing to me was only seen on TV or in the movies and they had thousands trapped in a net and the crew would flip them over their shoulders into a waiting bin. This trip was not like that but everyone caught fish, no we did not do as well as we hoped but it was great fun and I would recommend it to those who want to try it. Some people don’t go out on the ocean because they get sea sick, there is a solution. Eat SODA crackers when you leave home. There are those of us who don’t think they can afford the $25 per person. Let me tell you a real neat thing, the OPVA has allowed the membership $100 for use as a recreation fund and the $25 or $50 up to $100 can come from there – any questions call our toll free number – 1-800-333-0782 ( their dime) and your questions will be answered by one of our very capable and gracious staff.

Tuna Fishing July 2005

As I see it.
By: Louie Grimmer

This was only one of the many trips that the Oregon Paralyzed Veterans of America (OPVA) had and it was spectacular.
A perfect day on the ocean with bright blue skies and a very calm sea. We never did fun things like this when I was in the Navy but that was a job back then.
We had 4 wheelchairs and 9 able bodies but 3 were people we didn’t know but the Captain (Dick) wanted a full boat. We were at the dock by 4:20 AM because the loading of the W/C was going to happen by 5 AM utilizing the Coast Guard personnel to assist in getting us on board.
Tuna are not bottom fish, they like it out where the ocean is deep and clear blue sea, in fact they are way out (50 miles) in shipping lanes. I didn’t realize how big those ships really are until you are in a 50 foot boat and one of those huge cargo ships goes by and you suddenly feel like an ant among semi trucks.
Ok, lets talk about fishing for TUNA. Let me tell you that this was a very long day and it was hard work but well worth it. OPVA has purchased 2 poles with electric reels especially for those who have difficulty operating a regular fishing reel.
The Captain explained that for Tuna they use “hand lines” to bring in the 30 to 40 pound fish because getting them to the surface quickly is much easier than using a pole that allows them to run and they do put up quite a fight, just ask Jo Balboe from Portland, he brought his own pole.
Tuna fishing to me was only seen on TV or in the movies and they had thousands trapped in a net and the crew would flip them over their shoulders into a waiting bin. This trip was not like that but everyone caught fish, no we did not do as well as we hoped but it was great fun and I would recommend it to those who want to try it.
Some people don’t go out on the ocean because they get sea sick, there is a solution. Eat SODA crackers when you leave home. There are those of us who don’t think they can afford the $25 per person. Let me tell you a real neat thing, the OPVA has allowed the membership $100 for use as a recreation fund and the $25 or $50 up to $100 can come from there – any questions call our toll free number – 1-800-333-0782 ( their dime) and your questions will be answered by one of our very capable and gracious staff.