By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — Any fisherman will tell you: It is more about the time spent fishing than what’s actually caught.

It seems the spirit of camaraderie was contagious during a fishing event held for U.S. veterans from several towns across Maine.  

“It is always good to be able to get out with fellow service members, and talk. Camaraderie is the biggest thing. Fishing is very relaxing. It doesn’t get too complicated,” according to Linwood Bailey, of Gray.

Bailey, who served in the Navy, joined Standish resident Jerry Black, who was also a Navy man.

“I like the meetings we have. We get to shoot the bull about fishing here and there — brag, lie about fishing,” Black said. 

On Wednesday, May 12, the Sebago Lake Anglers Association (SLAA) held the fourth annual Veterans Fishing Fling. It was coordinated with the American Legions in the area. Also, some members of the Naples Recreation and Activities Committee volunteered to help with the lunch that was served in the early afternoon under the pavilion at Kent’s Landing. 

That Wednesday — although the weather was sunny and free of rain, there was a strong northwest wind that made Long Lake rather choppy. 

There were 34 veterans who participated along with three helpers, according to Bob Chapman, president of Sebago Lake Anglers Associationand a 30-year veteran of the Air Force.

“We had a couple of mobility-challenged fishermen. We were able to get them on pontoon boats if that is what they wanted,” Chapman said.

He captained a boat and talked about how the trip unfolded.  

“I took three in my boat. We found a couple places to tuck out of the wind. We trolled in those areas. With a selection of some live bait and some lures. We were not successful in getting a fish to bite. We went over to an area by Colonial Campground. We cast for bass and pickerel and we didn’t catch any,” Chapman said.

“It was a good long boat ride on a windy day,” he said. 

Meanwhile, another member of SLAA Dave Garcia had concern about people being comfortable on Long Lake on such a windy day. So, he grabbed two veterans, Black and Bailey, and took them to Muddy River Preserve, where they could cast their lines from a wooden fishing pier that was built last year. 

The Fishing Fling event is a great opportunity to get veterans together in a way that is both mentally stimulating and laidback, Garcia said. Fishing gets people outdoors, enjoying Maine’s natural resources. What is really important is the companionship — the company of others who have served in this nation’s military, he said.

“It’s all about the camaraderie,” Garcia said. “Vets like to be with other vets. To meet people and just have a good time together.”

Out of the wind where the warmth of the sunshine became obvious, Black talked about how in the morning he likes to make extra pancakes that he smoothers with cream cheese and packs for a snack later in the day.

Also, Black has some fishing stories from his days in the Navy, when a few guys would take a boat and go fishing near the Cuban border, which was indicated by a red buoy. He said he didn’t care for the warm-water fish so it was always catch and release.

Back at the Naples Town Beach, the boats started arriving after being out on the water for 3 hours or longer. The happy fishermen were greeted by volunteers on the dock and by the scent of hamburgers on the grill. 

Jane Fisher, who was affiliated with the Air Force, spent the day with a group of four that claimed to have bonded during the outing. 

“I had a wonderful day. It was gorgeous out there,” she said.

“We didn’t catch any fish. I had one on the hook but I lost it before I even got the pole out of the pole holder,” she said, laughing.

She commented on the clothing and equipment that made the boating trip more pleasant. 

“This windbreaker really made a difference. Even with the wind on the water, I was comfortable all day,” Fisher said. “I have never been in a Lund boat before. I can’t believe how stable they are and how well it takes the sea. I mean the lake. I come from the ocean, so it’s just automatic.”

The people from her party seemed like they were long-time pals, joining in on the conversation. 

“It was indescribable. It was just a wonderful day. Fishing was slow. But that is what fishing is We had the best weather. We had the best group of people,” said Bernie Seevee, of Standish.

If people just caught fish every time they went fishing, it would be pretty boring, he said.  

There was one person who wasn’t complaining about catching a fish.

Marty Ollinger, of Brunswick, netted a pickerel that was more than two feet long.

The Navy Veteran said this was his second time attending the fishing fling. He fit it into his schedule in 2019, but he had to work last year. 

“Dan was a great captain. Dan was smart. He got us under the Causeway bridge into Brandy Pond. We were on the north end of Brandy Pond. So it wasn’t as windy,” Ollinger said.

He enjoyed his experience enough to want to come again next year, and he caught two photo-worthy pickerel to boot. 

The fresh air and fishing helped to work up an appetite.

“I am looking forward to lunch,” Ollinger said.