Hooked on Freedom
Helping Our Heroes, One Cast at a Time
Hooked on Freedom is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to giving back to the brave men and women who have served our country. Our mission is simple but powerful: to support veterans’ mental health and well-being by taking them out on the water for a day of fishing, relaxation, and connection.
We believe that the outdoors provides a healing space—one where veterans can step away from the stress and challenges of everyday life and experience peace, camaraderie, and the therapeutic benefits of being on the water. Fishing is more than a pastime; it’s a way to foster community, build resilience, and remind our heroes that they are not alone.
Through Hooked on Freedom, we aim to:
- Provide free fishing experiences for veterans.
- Create opportunities for connection and support among those who have served.
- Use the natural benefits of the outdoors to improve mental health and reduce the impact of PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
By casting a line together, we hope to cast away isolation and replace it with hope, healing, and freedom.
Why We Do It
We have almost 1.5 million US Veterans are currently diagnosed PTSD. There are so many more suffering and not diagnosed.
At Hooked on Freedom, we know that the challenges of military service don’t end when the uniform comes off. Healing has no timeline—that’s why we welcome all veterans, whether they left service last year or decades ago.
Fishing provides more than relaxation; it offers peace, camaraderie, and a chance to reconnect. By bringing veterans together on the water, we create a space for healing, support, and hope.
Every cast is a reminder: you are not alone, and your service will never be forgotten.
Fishing License Information
Before heading out, please make sure you have a valid South Carolina freshwater fishing license. You can easily complete the application online, and any costs associated with the license will be fully reimbursed.
Our Mission
Our organization is dedicated to supporting United States military and veterans by providing therapeutic and recreational fishing opportunities through guided fishing tours and fishing trips. We foster camaraderie, reduce isolation, promote mental wellness, and improve the overall quality of life for veterans.
Meeting Location
Our Story
Hooked on Freedom began as more than just an idea; it started as a way to give back. John’s son-in-law, also an Army Veteran, gave John, a Desert Storm Veteran, an idea. John has been running boat charters for over 10 years. He knows firsthand the healing power of time on the water and is passionate about sharing that gift with fellow veterans. Together with his wife Ruth, a local real estate Executive and an active leader and board member in the Coastal Carolina community, they bring heart and leadership to fuel the mission forward. Together, John and Ruth cast a vision of a nonprofit that honors service, builds community, and restores hope – one fishing trip at a time.
What Makes Us Different
- Veteran-Led Passion: With John’s military background and over a decade of experience as a charter boat experience, every trip is designed with veterans’ needs in mind.
- Community-Driven Support: Ruth’s nonprofit leadership and local connections ensure veterans receive not just fishing trips, but an ongoing network of care.
- A Mission Beyond Fishing: Our work is about camaraderie, healing, and the freedom that comes with being part of something bigger.
Sponsors and Grants
