Our fishing programs offer more than time on the water—these no-cost therapeutic experiences help our participants build confidence while creating positive connections and meaningful memories outdoors..
Rooted in our mission of enhancing well-being through time on the water, Freedom Waters Foundation’s therapeutic fishing programs go beyond recreation. These programs invite participants to experience healing, empowerment, connection, and freedom on the water.
Our no-cost fishing experiences are made possible by our generous donors and sponsors. With bait and tackle provided, participants learn new skills and build feelings of confidence with every catch. Each experience offers personal connection and the healing that comes with time spent in blue spaces.
Naples, Florida Fishing Programs for Youth At-Risk
Through Freedom Waters Foundation’s signature fishing programs, youth at-risk discover new skills, connection, and purpose through the sport of fishing. These events pair compassionate fishing mentors with young participants, providing a safe and encouraging environment to learn valuable life skills on and off the water.
Heels and Reels Fishing Program—female fishing mentors guide and empower girls, helping them build independence, self-esteem, and a love for the outdoors.
Buoys and Bait Fishing Program—male fishing mentors work alongside boys, teaching new skills while participants connect with others and nature.
Fishing mentors are essential to the success of these transformative experiences. If you have a passion for fishing and helping youth grow, we invite you to join us.
Complete our Volunteer Application today and make a difference—one cast at a time.
Veterans Fishing—celebrates and supports veterans through no-cost fishing experiences that bring camaraderie, freedom, and joy to the forefront of daily life.
⸺ Benefits of our Fishing Programs
Inclusive and supportive outings open to all ages and abilities.
Year-round experiences focused on skill-building, relaxation, and joyful fun.
These experiences are provided at no-cost thanks to donors and sponsors.
Josh Anderson
It’s been a week now since you took us out, and I’m still riding the high. I just wanted to thank you for welcoming a group of scruffy war veterans onto your boat, showing us a fantastic time. For a poor kid growing up in the Midwest, those kind of fishing adventures were only something I’d read about, not something I’d ever expect to be able to take part in.
As Freedom Waters Foundation knows, being out on the water is healing as well- I have some PTSD from my tours in Iraq (along with my 12 years on the SWAT team), but nothing clears the mind like a new adventure and the camaraderie that generally accompany it. You’re doing great work.
Sheridan Chester
I had the privilege of being a participant on a Freedom Waters Foundation outing through Hope Clubhouse of SWFL a couple of months ago. We are not only still talking about how wonderful the experience was, we want to do it again. One of the passengers was terrified about being on a boat. You made her feel so safe. She was the first to ask, “When can we do this again?” Thank you so very much. Blessings!
Michael Carpenter
On behalf of everyone at Easterseals, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the amazing outing you recently hosted for our participants and their families. Your team created a welcoming, supportive, and joyful environment that allowed everyone to relax, connect, and fully enjoy the experience.
For many of the individuals we serve, opportunities like this are more than just a fun day out — they are moments of empowerment, confidence-building, and pure happiness. We are so thankful for the care, patience, and enthusiasm your staff and volunteers showed throughout the outing. The smiles and the positive feedback from families say it all.
We deeply appreciate our partnership with Freedom Waters Foundation and the meaningful experiences we are able to create together. Thank you for your generosity, your commitment to inclusion, and for making such a lasting impact.
Sadie Chappell
We stumbled across Freedom Waters Foundation while visiting the Naples Zoo. Due to Millie’s diagnosis and becoming disabled, we were invited out for a wonderful boating experience in December and again in January with all expenses covered by the Foundation. Both boating trips meant so much to us and really gave Amelia and our family a chance to experience a day without disabilities being a factor.
This is an amazing Foundation and we are so grateful to Debra, Captain Jim, and the staff and volunteers. The work that they do makes such a difference and they deserve so much recognition. They made such an impact on our life, I can only imagine the impact they’ve made for others
Solomon Family
We wanted to take a moment to thank you again for the incredible experience you provided for Wolf during the Buoys and Bait Fishing Tournament last weekend. He’s been proudly telling everyone about the fish he caught and can’t wait to use his new fishing rod. Thank you for inspiring that joy.
We also want to express our deep gratitude for the wonderful awards ceremony and for including our family in such a moving event. I found myself crying tears of joy and gratitude—not only for what you did for Wolf, but for all the amazing kids and the heartfelt words shared by the volunteers.
Thank you again for everything you do for children and families in our community. You are truly making a difference, and we’re so grateful to be part of it.
Tina Noel
Thank you, Freedom Waters Foundation, for a wonderful day. You helped me meet so many personal challenges without knowing it. I am moved by the opportunities you give people. I am better for having spent the day with you and the other women veterans.
Christopher Cook
I am writing to express my deepest thanks for the pontoon boat outing this past Saturday. As a veteran, having a day like that – calm waterways, good company, and the chance to bring my mom, my niece and nephew, and their little ones along – meant more than I can put into words.
Captain Scott and his wife were wonderful hosts, making everyone feel welcome and cared for. The simple touches – lunch from Publix, cold drinks, and that peaceful ride – all came together as a truly healing experience.
Thank you for the care and heart you put into these outings. It makes a real difference for veterans and for our families.
Dama Foege
Thank you, thank you, thank you for our beautiful day on the water. The boys and I had an amazing time sailing the Gulf, and it was exactly what we needed.
I needed the respite more than I realized. My nervous system feels like it got a little vacation. The sun, the salt air, and the dolphins playing alongside us were pure healing.
Captain Jeff, your warmth, humor, and sailing know-how made the day truly special, and your catamaran was simply gorgeous. Freedom Waters Foundation, the work you do is a true gift to our community.
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