Operation Tackle Box Inc

Whether he is alone on the lake searching for the next world record bass, or taking a Veteran fishing, it is not hard to see what Jacob Watkins was meant to do, that is, fish and share his love and passion for the sport of fishing with others. His love for fishing and the outdoors started as far back as he can remember. His first memories of fishing as a young boy include those special moments with family or friends while on camping trips, fishing for catfish, brim, bass or whatever would bite. To this day, those memories encourage similar plans for the Veterans he takes fishing through his nonprofit organization, Operation Tackle Box.org

The past time that he loves so much, as well as his passion for fishing, has now become an integral part of the daily plans and events of Operation Tackle Box.  As founder and CEO, his mission is “to help Veterans heal through fishing”. Jake can now be found most days spending time on the water sharing his love and experience with others.  A disabled combat Veteran himself, Jake has found a peace and tranquility that only being on the water can bring. His time on the water has provided a unique therapy for struggles that define PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  His mission is to take combat Veterans dealing with similar debilitating disorders for a day on the water to experience the same calming effect a day of fishing and relaxing can bring. A day on the water with Jake not only provides the opportunity for our Veterans to share their experiences with one who truly understands, but also each Veteran is sent home with a bait caster rod and reel combo, a spinning reel combo, in addition to a tackle box full of baits and other gear such as an OTB T-shirt and hat totaling an approximate value of $500. Jake insists on each Veteran not only enjoying a day on the water with him, but also leaving their time spent on the water together with enough gear and equipment to continue the healing process once the Veteran returns home. Operation Tackle Box  is a fully accredited 501(c)3, Non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible. Jake’s original goal was to take at least one Veteran a month for a day of fishing, but the response from the Veteran community has been so overwhelming, Jake has managed to take veterans on a deep-sea fishing excursion and now has even bigger plans to expand Operation Tackle Box to include an over landing experience for the Veterans he serves.

If you find yourself in the presence of Jake, rest assured you will soon be invited to join in his efforts to help Veterans heal through fishing by supporting Operation Tackle Box.  Everyday more and more sponsors are joining the efforts to help our disabled combat Veterans heal through fishing. There are many chapters left to be written about Jake and his love for fishing and his passion for helping Veterans, but Jake still holds those mornings on the water, enjoying the calmness that being in nature brings, as being what it is all about.  Jake says, “If I can help just one Veteran to find the peace and calmness a day on the water can bring and combat the 22 a day of Veterans lost to suicide, then I feel my mission has been complete”.