Fishing captains treat terminally ill youth to great fishing

Youth angler caught numerous species of fish

Charter captains Joe Dennis, James LaVanway, Robert Olsen, and Addison Rupert recently treated youth angler Collin Roberts of Blackstock, S.C. to three days of great fishing in South Carolina’s lowcountry waters. It was a wish come true for the young man.

Roberts was diagnosed with a rare brain disease 13 years ago, and he’s fought it bravely ever since. Unfortunately, the disease recently moved into the terminal stage, and the young angler made a wish through the Benefit4Kids Foundation to catch some saltwater fish with his family.

LaVanway, Olsen, and Rupert invited Dennis to come along on each trip so he could document the experience for his Father and Son Outdoors television show. The above video is Episode One of Pray for Collin – A Real Superhero.

Collin was the star of the show each day, but he was happy to share the limelight. His family got plenty of action as well, with them catching their “firsts” of several species. Just a few minutes into one of the trips, Collin and two family members had a triple play, boating a sheepshead, a speckled trout and a redfish at the same time.

The captains feel blessed to have contributed

The weather was chilly, but that was no match for a fighter like Collin. He caught numerous species including redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, and even a surprise catch — a tautog. He and his family were thrilled with the fishing trips, but Dennis, LaVanway, Olsen, and Rupert all agree that being a part of Collin’s wish was more of a blessing to them than anyone.

“It was a rewarding experience for us all. Collin is a great kid and he and his family have been through so much. We all felt blessed to be a part of this experience. We are thankful for our roles in being able to help grant his wish,” said Dennis.

Episode Two of Pray for Collin will air soon. Subscribe to Father & Son Outdoors to catch it.

Hats off to the following outfitters for helping out with Collin’s experience: Heybo Outdoors, Quantum Fishing, Rockport Rattler, Haddrell’s Point Tackle, Knot@Work Fishing, Reel Fish Finder Charters, Lowcountry Outdoor Adventures, and Father & Son Outdoors.