Boat captains come together for Fishing Without Barriers

When members of a community come together to do something for others, great things happen. That sentiment was on full display Thursday at the 25th annual Fishing Without Barriers event on Flathead Lake.

The original force behind the event came from Columbia Falls resident Jerry Howard. He wanted to make it possible for people with disabilities and limitations to enjoy outdoors-related activities that they might not otherwise have been able to do.

Howard first worked with the Special Friends Organization to take clients on excursions to shop and recreate. In 1992, he organized the first Fishing Without Barriers with assistance of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and charter boat captains on Flathead Lake.

Before his death in 2016, Howard helped thousands of disabled children and adults experience the excitement of catching their first fish. He worked hard to raise money to build wheelchair-accessible fishing landings and hunting blinds.

His wife of 46 years, Ilene, who was also very active in the Flathead Valley community through her church work, Special Friends and Fishing Without Barriers, died less than a year later.

Despite their absence, Fishing Without Barriers has continued as their son Frank Landis stepped in to help organize the event.

“When he was dying, I promised him that I’d take care of things, help keep it going. He and John Fraley, they, along with Fish, Wildlife and Parks, did so much to organize this. Now, I just deliver the groceries,” Landis said with a chuckle.

For Mike Howe, who operates A Able and Mo Fisch Charters on Flathead Lake, it’s a chance to give back and honor Howard.

“Jerry was an awesome guy,” Howe said. “Jerry had some family members that had disabilities and he really reached a lot of people. He got the boat captains involved, Fish and Wildlife, and so many who give their time. We’re pretty much all here because of Jerry.”

While the fishing was difficult Thursday because of a healthy chop on the lake, there weren’t any anglers who came back disappointed.

Ron Salazer, a resident of Heritage Place in Kalispell, said it was something he’ll always remember.

“It was the experience of a lifetime, I’ll never forget it,” Salazer said.

Members of Fish, Wildlife and Parks helped lift Salazer, who is a wheelchair user, into a charter boat.

Carol McClure, formerly of Polson and who now lives in Missoula, joined friends Rick Rathbun, Dean and Wanda Wages, to enjoy a day on the water.

“We had a great time,” McClure said. “Now I can say I’ve been on the lake when there were whitecaps. This really makes it nice for many people. I’ve spent a lot of days on the water, but I can’t get in and out of a boat anymore.”

Amey Ginther, of Kalispell, was one of the few lucky anglers to land a laker.

“It was so exciting,” Ginther said. “We had a great time on the boat.”

Ginther also saw how a fish is filleted when Howe put his electric knife to work.

About 75 people signed up for the event and many more volunteered.

Dozens of area businesses donated food, beverages and snacks for a cookout at Saddlehorn in Woods Bay after the fishing event. Saddlehorn and Hidden Harbor Marina both donated their spaces for the event.

There were also several donations of rod-and-reel combos, tackle boxes and other items that the participants took home.

Several Flathead Lake charter fishing operators who are members of the Montana Charter Boat Captain’s Association, donated their time and boats to take people out on the water.

“This is all about giving back and getting people out fishing that don’t get much of a chance to do it. Even if the fishing is tough, everyone is happy to be out on the boats,” Howe said.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker can be reached at (406) 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.