Finding Renewal on the Water

Fly fishing on Scott Creek in Jackson County. Photo by Vanessa Infanzon

When Allan McCoy founded Hook Line & Heroes in 2017, he was honoring his father who had fought in the Army during World War II and was involved in the second wave on Omaha Beach on D-Day.

“Many years later, looking back, he had many of the symptoms for the effects of what they call post-traumatic stress (PTS) syndrome,” says 65-year-old Allan. “It’s what we grew up with. We thought it was normal.”

After researching how he could make an impact on veterans who may face issues similar to his dad, Allan combined his passion for disabled military veterans with fishing and started Hook Line & Heroes, a 100% volunteer-based nonprofit.

“It’s kind of a calling for me. I felt like there was something they needed but weren’t getting,” says Allan, who is president and founder of the organization. “They deserve our respect, honor and admiration from the time they enlist and for the rest of their lives.”

(Left to right) Allan McCoy, Aaron-Harper, Anthony Allen, fishing guide, Scott Worley. Photo by Vanessa Infanzon

The faith-based organization’s mission is to serve “those who have served us by providing an unforgettable outdoor experience, through fishing with disabled and post-traumatic stress military veterans and heroes in our lives.”

Hook Line & Heroes is open to disabled military veterans and those affected by PTS around the United States. Veterans may apply or be nominated at hooklineandheroes.org. About 200 disabled veterans have participated in Hook Line & Heroes since its inception; some have come from as far as Arkansas and Texas. Most have fished before but not in a long time. In North Carolina, Allan’s taken veterans to Charlotte-area lakes, Jackson County rivers, and Nags Head and Wilmington for offshore fishing. 

The fishing trips are always in a small group — just two to three veterans paired with a Hook Line & Heroes volunteer. Allan wants the attention to be on the veterans. If they want to share their story, they have a quiet and relaxing place to do so. Veterans leave with a fishing pole and tackle box to continue fishing on their own.

Funding for Hook Line & Heroes comes from individual and corporate donations. Each fishing trip costs $1,500 to $2,500 per angler for a two-night stay, which includes accommodations, gear, meals, a fishing guide and other expenses. Although the nonprofit is open to veterans across the country, airplane flight costs are an issue. Veterans from California, New Mexico and Washington state are on the organization’s waiting list.

After the fishing trip is over, Allan and a team of 14 volunteers, many of whom are veterans, call Hook Line & Heroes alumni every other month.

“They deserve our respect, honor and admiration from the time they enlist and for the rest of their lives.”

“The main purpose of the call is to let them know we’re thinking about them, to let them know we are here if they have a need,” Allan says. “The goal is that they develop a relationship with the caller.”

In August, Aaron Harper and Scott Worley, both disabled veterans, spent a weekend fly fishing in Jackson County with Allan as part of a Hook Line & Heroes trip. Combat veteran Anthony Allen, a fishing guide with Tuckaseegee Fly Shop led the group to Scott Creek in Sylva. (With the effects of Tropical Storm Helene still being felt in parts of Western North Carolina, if you want to take a similar trip please plan ahead and chart your course to avoid areas that are still in recovery. Learn more from Jackson County.)

Aaron, a 12-year Union Power Cooperative member, enlisted at 18 in the United States Marine Corps in 1988. Three years later, while in Saudia Arabia for Desert Storm, he ruptured a disc while trying to avoid being shot by the Iraqis. By age 23, he was medically retired from the military. Since then, he’s had six spinal surgeries. Aaron heard about Hook Line & Heroes through his position as vice president of employment at Veterans Bridge Home, a Charlotte-based nonprofit connecting veterans and their families to community resources.

“Even though it’s nice we are learning about fishing,” he says, “it’s important for our mental wellness to get out and talk like we used to talk.”

Scott enlisted in the Marines when he was 18 and served four years. Then he joined the Army, retiring after 18 years with mobility and PTS issues. A Union Power Cooperative member for 17 years, he works in the finance industry and lives in Waxhaw with his family. He was drawn to Hook Line & Heroes for the fellowship with other veterans.

“It’s not about fishing, but it is about fishing,” Scott says. “Being able to get out, whether you catch anything or not — it’s quiet, peaceful. It’s a way to build camaraderie and meet people.

Post-Traumatic Stress

Those serving in the military are typically exposed to different traumatic events. As a result, post-traumatic stress (PTS) is more common in veterans than the general public, according to the National Center for PTSD, a part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Those experiencing PTS also vary by service era.

*Based on a recent study by the National Center for PTSD, which does not include veterans who have died and may have experienced PTS.

Visit ptsd.va.gov for more information about PTS and its treatment.