Disabled Anglers Get A Chance To Cast A Line
August 10, 2025 | Fishing charters
Dana Sanders, a 58-year-old environmental consultant from Mississippi, has embarked on a new venture that combines his love of fishing with his desire to help others. His new business, which offers charter trips for disabled anglers, is set to launch in October.
A Customized Boat Makes All The Difference
Sanders’ latest venture is inspired by his 20-year-old son Jason, who has cerebral palsy. He and his wife Adrian had always fished the waters around their home, targeting species like redfish, seatrout, and flounder. However, they soon realized that their son needed a way to join them on the water. To solve this problem, they had their 18-foot Carolina Skiff modified to accommodate Jason’s wheelchair.
| Features of Jason’s Joy | ||
|---|---|---|
| 18-foot wide and stable boat | Modified to make room for a wheelchair | Customized to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers |
The custom boat has been a huge success, allowing Jason to experience the joy of fishing from a boat. Sanders says that he and his wife Adrian had always seen the happiness that fishing brought their son, and they wanted to bring that same joy to others.
A New Business Model Fills A Void
Sanders’ new business model is not only fulfilling his personal desire to help others, but it also fills an important void in the community. He and his wife had previously been the local directors of Hope Outdoors, a volunteer group that specialized in taking people hunting and fishing who are disabled or terminally ill. However, the local program was shut down during the Covid pandemic and had never recovered. “The customized Carolina Skiff is a way to get these folks on the water,” Sanders says. “I just want to be that vessel for them to enjoy fishing the way we do.”
A Community Comes Together
Sanders’ new business is not just about providing opportunities for disabled anglers, but it’s also a testament to the power of community. He has received numerous donations from people who want to help others in need, including money to pay for someone else’s trip. “It’s really amazing how many have stepped up wanting to help others in need,” he says. “There are so many good-natured people out there who know that fishing is an all-encompassing outdoor passion that’s enjoyed by everyone.”
The half-day charters will run for $500 and include up to three people. Sanders is already booked for some trips, and he’s excited to see the impact his business will have on the lives of disabled anglers.
A New Chapter For Dana Sanders
Sanders’ new business is a new chapter in his life, one that combines his love of fishing with his desire to help others. He’s excited to see where this journey takes him and how it will impact the lives of disabled anglers. “I just want to be that vessel for them to enjoy fishing the way we do,” he says. “It’s a way to bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
In conclusion, Dana Sanders’ new business is a testament to the power of community and the importance of providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. By offering charter trips for disabled anglers, Sanders is giving people a chance to experience the joy of fishing, and he’s doing it with a heart full of love and a spirit of giving.
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