Volunteers help disabled anglers break barriers

By JORDAN DAWSON / Bigfork Eagle

Sometimes it is easy to take for granted all of the opportunities that surround us, especially the little things, like fishing.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Crossing the Barriers Committee knows how important it is though. That is why, for 15 years, they have hosted Fishing Without Barriers Day, which is an opportunity for people with disabilities to go fishing on Flathead Lake.

This year 80 participants with disabilities caught 30 lake trout ranging from two pounds to 12 pounds while fishing from about 25 Montana Charterboat Association boats and private craft. The boats were launched from Hidden Harbor.

"It was a special day because I got to catch a fish," said Leann Shephard, 24, of Somers. "It just felt exciting because it was fun reeling him in," Shephard said. "We almost lost him. Thank goodness he was a keeper."

Participants came from Kalispell, Polson, Ronan, Libby, Missoula and Butte. Those with disabilities ranged in age from teenagers to over 100 years old. Blanche Seccombe had the honor of being the oldest participant at the age of 106.

Chrissy Sieske was also one of the lucky ones to catch a fish.

"It was excellent. I got a huge fish," said Sieske. "I haven't' been fishing in a long time."

This was the first time that both Sieske and Shephard have attended Fishing Without Barriers Day, and they caught two of the largest fish of the day.

"I got to meet other people with intellectual disabilities just like me," Siekske said. "It was a great experience going on the boat. Everyone was really friendly to me. I'm so thankful to the people who volunteered their time and effort to put this shindig together. It was so cool to see people who don't usually get to fish because of their disabilities get to go fishing."

After they returned from the lake, more than 250 anglers and helpers attended a barbecue provided by Saddelhorn. In past years, relatives of event organizer, and Crossing the Barriers committee chairman, Jerry Howard, have done all of the cooking. But this year Saddlehorn prepared the food and served it with assistance from the Flathead Lake Lodge.

Howard was originally approached about creating this event by the Montana Charterboat Association after they heard about his work with setting up hunting areas for people with disabilities. Howard serves on the board of the Special Friends Advocacy Program, a group that helps adults with developmental disabilities. He has also been one of the key people involved with the Shady Lane Pond in Kalispell, where fishing events are held for kids and those with disabilities. He is also an organizer of local Kids Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs programs.

"I like the people I do it for," Howard said. "I love seeing them happy. It gives them a great opportunity and shows that they can break down barriers and enjoy life."

In addition to being the main organizer of the event, Howard also baked 40 dozen cookies for the barbecue.

"It shows that the community has not forgotten these people. It shows that people really do care about them," said Howard, whose nephew with down syndrome attended the event.

" I am looking forward to 30 more years," Howard said.