Our Humble Beginings
Established in 2021, the idea of Operation Vets with Nets originates from the therapeutic experience of the founder and president, Rich Segarra.
After fishing the waters of Lake Gaston (VA/NC), I began to feel a sense of calmness during and after each trip.
I have been fishing Gaston for about two years now. With all the stresses of life and my battles, I began to realize how my emotional and physical state improved after each trip. Any depression or chronic pain I was experiencing just seemed to melt away. In 2021, I took out 16 vets, who I know were dealing with various issues. That's when the idea came to me. I began to wonder, "If fishing can help me in so many ways, along with vets I know, why can't it help others?" That is the beginning of our story.
Our Fishing Area
Based on the experience of our volunteers leading the fishing trips, we fish on Lake Gaston NC/VA. Once we have more volunteers willing to lead trips on other lakes and rivers, we will add those locations.