Operation Catching Freedom

09/05/2026

Introducing the 2026 Salmon for Soldiers lure, “Protecting Freedom”! 🇺🇸

We’re proud to support this year’s Salmon for Soldiers event, running in conjunction with the Everett Coho Derby.

Want to get involved? Here’s how to sign up:

🛥️ Volunteer Captains:
https://forms.gle/zAFfsssYkCmN8CXi9

🎖️ Veterans:
https://forms.gle/nfH2m7amoWeFNrXj8

Learn more about the events:

🎣 Everett Coho Derby
https://everettcohoderby.com/

🇺🇸 Salmon For Soldiers
https://salmonforsoldiers.org/

Thank you to all who serve, and to everyone who helps make this event possible. 🇺🇸

09/04/2026

Congratulations to everyone that was selected to fish Operation Walleye this year! Please go over to the website and comment "good to go" if you were selected and still plan on attending.

We will have a free dinner for everyone that will be attending Friday evening for a little comradery🍔🌭 and of course the world-famous R Shack BBQ after your day of fishing.

Camping is available at Coulee Playland. There is a couple motels nearby as well.

09/03/2026

Selections will be out tomorrow for our last big event of the year. If you entered to fish Operation Walleye make sure you got to www.operationcatchingfreedom.org to see if you were selected.

Operation Catching Freedom supports all Veterans, Active Duty and Reserve members to help get them outdoors, hunting and fishing with professionals.

09/03/2026

Operation Catching Freedom had the opportunity to team up with Salmon for Soldiers and Austin's Northwest Adventures LLC this summer to get some amazing veterans out on the water for a couple of days in August and again in September for some lights-out salmon fishing at the world-famous Buoy 10 in Astoria, Oregon.🎣🇺🇸

There were plenty of fish caught, plenty released, and a few that unfortunately ended up to the local sea lions in the area! But most importantly, there was plenty of laughter, camaraderie, and new friendships made along the way.

A huge thank you to all the veterans who traveled from near and far to join us for an incredible fishing experience. It was an honor to spend time with some of you and share a few days on the salt.

We're looking forward to continuing our partnership with Salmon for Soldiers and Austin's Northwest Adventures LLC working together to get even more veterans out on the water for a little REEL Therapy!

Thank you for your service and thank you for trusting us to be part of your journey 🎗

08/26/2026

We would like to congratulate everyone at Harrod Outdoors LLC for taking 3rd place in the Nation with the making of our mission video Reel Therapy!

Thank you to everyone involved in the help of making this video and a special thank you to Richy Harrod for everything he continues to do for the organization.

I’m happy to announce that our short film “Reel Therapy” was a third place winner in the Outdoor Writers Association of America, Excellence in Craft Contest. It’s a huge honor to be recognized nationally and it speaks to the importance of the work being done by Operation Catching Freedom. If you haven’t watched the film, you can find it on the Harrod Outdoors YouTube Channel. It’s an amazing story about my good friend Tony Warren and his journey to manage PTSD and help others do the same.

08/25/2026

Update: Spots filled!

* Veteran or Active duty only **
The season is winding down at the Bouy, we have two seats available to salmon fish Astoria Oregon Wednesday September 2nd. If your 100% you can fish this day message Tony Warren ASAP!

Your day of fishing and fishing license will be covered only!

08/23/2026

We've been able to get several veterans out fishing Bouy 10 and the ocean the last few weekends. For most it was their first time catching salmon. Ocean fishing was great and we were able to get our limits. The last 3 days on the other hand were rough fishing the river. 2 fish in 3 days. We spoke with the fish checker and she said that out of 140 boats yesterday, only about 50 salmon were caught.

Now we will start fishing closer to home (Vancouver/Portland area) since the salmon are migrating up river. If you would like to get out with us on a weekday, send me a dm, we can get something planned. Sabrina Turner (OCF Secretary)

08/21/2026

OCF was invited to attend our first Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs Serving Those Who Serve two-day conference at the Wenatchee Convention Center this week.

It was a great opportunity to network with different veteran organizations from across Washington all working toward the same goal of serving those who have served our country.

We weren't surprised to learn that OCF was the only organization at the conference offering "REEL Therapy", but we were surprised by how many organizations and veterans didn't know that there are groups across Washington providing free fishing trips for veterans and active-duty service members as a way to find connection, relaxation, and mental relief.

One of the best parts of the conference was meeting so many veterans and discovering just how many of them share our love of fishing. It was a great reminder that sometimes getting out on the water, sharing a few laughs, and spending time with people who understand can make a meaningful difference.

We're grateful for the opportunity to connect, share our mission, and learn from so many organizations across our state. We look forward to continuing to build these relationships and getting more veterans and active-duty service members connected to REEL Therapy.🎣🇺🇸

08/18/2026

Short notice fishing trip for one person out of Hammond, Oregon for some Bouy 10 fishing. Please message Sabrina Turner if you are interested. Have to meet at Hammond Marina Tuesday 18th of August at 530am. We are local to Vancouver, WA leaving at 315 am if you want to carpool. No fishing license is needed.

08/12/2026

Update: Spot is filled

Veteran or active duty only!

We have one available spot to salmon fish out of Astoria, Oregon, September 1st. Your day of fishing and fishing license will be covered.

If you're 100% sure you can attend and would like to fish message Tony Warren ASAP.