After the Traveling Rod

[Happy Fun Ball]

I didn't want to bury this in the official thread, but I was giving some thought as to what we should do with Maria after she's made her way around the country and back (however long that should take).

I was thinking we could possibly auction it off on this forum and then donate the money to a charity of some sort. Something that we, as fishermen, would all benefit from. TU came to mind, but that was just off the top of my head.

Anyway, think about it and kick around some ideas. It might be a while before she's retired, but it's never too early to get some thoughts going.

[72Twenty]

That's a great idea.

What about that Cast for Kids outfit? Just a thought.

[schwerty]

Great idea HFB. I'd say somewhere besides TU. Not that I have anything against those folks but the donations roll in there all the time. Cast for Kids sounds like a good gig. Possibly the outfit that sponsors cancer patients on fishing trips. Can't remember the name off hand.... Someone here volunteers for them.

[warthog]

Yeah- it would be nice to have something universal. We aren't all river guys, but we are all fishermen. Cast for Kids sounds cool- I'll have to look into it.

[Happy Fun Ball]

I'm definitely not stuck on TU, it was just an example. I like the idea of giving back to kids the best. Hell, if it wasn't for my dad taking me fishing as a kid I wouldn't even be into it. I don't know how much money we'll get for it, but maybe make it part of a package deal with some other gear to gather more interest. Just thinking out loud here.

[mushmouth]

Why does she ever have to stop?

Why not keep her going? I'd love to see the journal entries continue to grow, I'd like to see more places, I'd also like to see Maria again!

I think we've created something special and we're just getting the hang of it. I think we should keep her going until she dies...and noone should feel guilty about breaking her over a fish!

It would be very interesting to see a compilation of stories over more than one year and the perceived value of the rod and journal would only grow exponentially over time to the benefit of a chosen charity.

[troutah]

I have watched the travelling rod thread, but have not been involved.

But if you are going to do something for charity, you should consider casting for recovery (the breast cancer people). I mean we can all benefit from boobies, right.

[Happy Fun Ball]

Why does she ever have to stop?

Why not keep her going? I'd love to see the journal entries continue to grow, I'd like to see more places, I'd also like to see Maria again!

I think we've created something special and we're just getting the hang of it. I think we should keep her going until she dies...and noone should feel guilty about breaking her over a fish!

It would be very interesting to see a compilation of stories over more than one year and the perceived value of the rod and journal would only grow exponentially over time to the benefit of a chosen charity.

You make a good point. We can keep her going as long as there's interest. Hell, I only caught a dink on it before I moved her along. Wouldn't mind actually trying to hook up on something solid with her and move her along again.

[yonskion]

if you donate it make it water or fish or keep it going and maybe a movie or video dairy

[Burrrr]

There is an alternative to selling Maria for charity. I mentioned this in the official thread also. Why don't we actually raise pledge money based on certain set of increments, such as miles Maria has traveled or how many fish Maria has caught over 14 inchs, etc...

Sort of like a walk-a-thon.

This way she never needs to end her travels and the donations could be accrued on a quarterly or annual basis.

Just a thought

[mushmouth]

There is an alternative to selling Maria for charity. I mentioned this in the official thread also. Why don't we actually raise pledge money based on certain set of increments, such as miles Maria has traveled or how many fish Maria has caught over 14 inchs, etc...

Sort of like a walk-a-thon.

This way she never needs to end her travels and the donations could be accrued on a quarterly or annual basis.

Just a thought

I'm all for charity and give to personal ones on my own, but I don't like asking others for money, even if for a good cause and don't want to associate fishing with something that makes me feel uncomfortable, even if for a good cause.

Sorry if that sounds selfish, I don't mean it to be, but I love fishing and I love the idea of taking this rod to places that I love, but I would not look forward to the process if it involved approaching others for donations.

If others are unanimously for it, I'm sincerely happy the rod will be doing good, but I'll bow out.

[MakersTeleMark]

Agree with Mush. I say we just find some kid to give it to after she has made her proper rounds.

[Happy Fun Ball]

I guess my intent was to auction it off to someone from the site, not the general public. I agree with the solicitation thing as well. I'm never good at asking for money. Anyway, we've got a long time to decide what to do with her so it's nothing that needs to be decided right now anyway. Hell, keeping it going for as long as she'll stand it is good with me as well. Would make a hell of a story for a magazine or something, though.

[Burrrr]

Fair enough...

It is a tough time to be knocking on doors with your hand out.

[Lumpy]

Great idea HFB. I'd say somewhere besides TU. Not that I have anything against those folks but the donations roll in there all the time. Cast for Kids sounds like a good gig. Possibly the outfit that sponsors cancer patients on fishing trips. Can't remember the name off hand.... Someone here volunteers for them.

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