2024 Testimonials
Trevor Tieche - President Team VIAC
Participating in the veteran retreat organized by Cast it Forward, under the leadership of Captain Art, has been nothing short of remarkable. Through this program, Captain Art has created a supportive environment where disabled veterans can find solace, camaraderie, and a renewed sense of purpose through the healing power of fishing. I am honored to endorse Cast it Forward and its commitment to serving those who have served our country.
Mike H.
Recently, we went fishing with Captain Art and the organization he founded “Cast It Forward."
Brittany, my beautiful wife of 11 years, and I were certainly in for a treat. The Sunday that we went on our fishing excursion was nothing short of amazing! Captain Art made sure that we were safe getting on board and that we understood all the safety features on his boat. This made my wife feel very comfortable and at ease with the situation, as she has very rarely been out on a boat and never in the middle of Lake Erie.
Throughout, Captain Art and First Mate Dave made the process of catching fish seamless. We ended up having an amazing haul of walleye, but even beyond the fish we caught were the memories that were made. The conversations, the bond that we created, and the fish we were able to pull from Lake Erie then later enjoy, all equated to a trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
Captain Art is professional, courteous, caring, and kind along with many other positive attributes. This really shines through in the “Cast it Forward” program he created in honor of his late father. Words can’t express how amazing this was and how needed it felt. Sitting out there on a beautiful day with the sun shining and fish biting felt nothing short of therapeutic.
Our Cast It Forward crew made sure that we were fed throughout our trip, shared their knowledge, answered every question we had, sent us home with a cooler full of walleye, and to be honest, I’d run out of commas if I included everything that they did for us…. Taking pictures, videos, caring and ensuring our comfort…… My oh my…. AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING!
Thank you again Captain Art, First Mate Dave and Cast It Forward!
Marian
The experience and joy we had as a family with Cast It Forward was beyond explanation. My husband is disabled, I am a cancer survivor, and we have a middle school aged son.
The experience was wonderful and exciting for all of us. When I asked my son what his favorite memory was of the day, he said, "Putting out my first cast and catching the first fish! It was so much fun mom!"
It was phenomenal to see all the kids learning how to fish and enjoying their time on the water. My son loves fishing and was excited that his father could be with him. We were so pleased to know that full accessibility was available, and we enjoyed socializing during the wonderful lunch that was provided.
The gifts at the end of the day brought such joy to our family. My son spent hours reading the book and is still asking me to this day to go fishing with his new pole!
The entire day was a huge blessing, and we will always have memories to cherish because of Captain Art, his organization and their dedication to helping others who have had a difficult time or are facing a difficult situation in life such as cancer and/or disabilities.
We honestly can't thank you enough for your love, dedication to helping others enjoy the outdoors and fishing, and your compassion for those who face difficulties.
This program and the people that run it are absolutely amazing.
Lisa
We can't thank Captain Art and Cast It Forward enough for a wonderful day of fishing, friendship, and delicious food.
We learned about "Cast it Forward" through Integrated Community Solutions, an amazing organization that offers social enrichment programs to adults and children with developmental disabilities.
Captain Art was extremely patient and exceptionally organized. He thought of everything from fishing rods, bait, lunch, beverages, and many wonderful gifts for our kids. Our daughter Ashley loves fishing, and to see her smile and hear her tell us that she had "so much fun" catching giant bass all the way home was priceless!
Thank you Cast It Forward and Captain Art for giving us memories we will always cherish.
Eileen & Tye
Eileen:
My family of 6 went fishing with Captain Art and this fantastic organization thru
Stewart's Caring Place. Our kids loved it and appreciated the message of spending time outdoors, respecting nature and paying kindness forward. Highly recommend!!!
Tye:
We had the most wonderful day with Captain Art and the entire crew at Cast it Forward. They patiently helped me, my wife, and our 4 children learn to fish and enjoy a day in and around the water. Everyone caught fish and enjoyed the beautiful day. The team’s skills went beyond fishing, and also provided a great lunch and even some joyriding out on the lake.
Thank you so much for a day of wonderful memories. All the best.
Diane Smith Schultz
My husband and I had a fantastic time! Beautiful weather and great company! Captain Art is a personable and compassionate man who spends his time giving to veterans and others in need. Check out Cast It Forward!
Lori - Veterans Service Commision of Erie County
Along with a group of local veterans, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to fish with Captain Art and Cast It Forward. The experience was above our expectations. Captain Art has a wealth of knowledge of the lake and fishing and everything was provided. Our veterans were able to get out and do something they love, and it brought smiles to their faces. We are truly grateful for the experience. Thank you Cast It Forward!
Mission Accomplished!
Beverly
A HUGE thank you to Captain Art and volunteers Pete and Brayden for a lovely day of fishing. My son Conner and I joined several others for a morning on a beautiful private lake. The event was organized by Toni at the Down Syndrome Association of Northeast Ohio.
Though Conner was hesitant at first, Art and his team provided the encouragement and enthusiasm that he needed to engage. We all caught fish and I had as much (if not more) fun than Conner.
On our way home, he repeatedly said "I had a good time today."
We left feeling connected to new friends, nature and some great SWAG!
Blessings,
Beverly and Conner
Miriam Cozza
Thank you so much for the fishing outing this past Tuesday. Brad had a wonderful time. Thank you so much for the boat ride, rods, shirts, tackle box, hat and lunch, your time, your patience, and so much more, You guys are awesome. Thank you for listening to Brad and getting him more excited about fishing. You were a blessing to us. Brad and Miriam Cozza
Tammy Evans
Thank you so much for hosting families from the Special Wish Foundation today. My daughter Kendall is 12 and always wanted to learn to fish properly. She not only learned, but she had so much fun and can't wait to fish again. It was an awesome day spent outdoors, with great people, making great memories and catching lots of fish!! Thank you to everyone at Cast It Forward Art, Amanda, Pete, and Dave, you all were amazing and kind and patient. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Cheryl Link
My husband & I recently had the opportunity to do a walleye trip with Captain Art.
To say that we were spoiled while on the lake would be an understatement. We were treated like royalty! Captain Art had us fishing just off of the shore in Huron, in 18 ft of water. The fish were biting that day, and we landed our limit of walleye in a matter of hours. I cannot explain how awesome it was to see those huge walleyes in the net! We came home with 46lbs of live weight!
Our day was enjoyable from start to finish. Captain Art’s boat is comfortable, clean and stocked with all the snacks! What a great day! It’s one we will definitely remember.