Catskill Veterans Fishing Project

{
  "id": "eb17bfe4-8975-4b73-95f5-3ad982a40e3e",
  "organizationId": null,
  "name": "Catskill Veterans Fishing Project",
  "guideName": "Sergeant (Ret.) James McAllister",
  "slug": "catskill-veterans-fishing-project",
  "bio": "Therapeutic fly fishing for veterans and first responders. Free guided trips on the Beaverkill and Willowemoc for those who served. We also offer paid public trips — proceeds fund the veteran program. Healing through water.",
  "yearsExperience": 12,
  "city": "Roscoe",
  "stateProvince": "NY",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "isVerified": true,
  "status": "active",
  "createdAt": "2026-03-23T22:16:17.655Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-29T16:38:42.883Z",
  "reviews": [
    {
      "id": "e1cb25f7-e515-492b-864a-3b8af05d81bf",
      "guideId": "eb17bfe4-8975-4b73-95f5-3ad982a40e3e",
      "authorName": "Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Torres",
      "rating": 5,
      "title": "Healing on the water",
      "body": "This program saved me. James and his team gave me something peaceful to focus on. The fishing is great but the community is what matters. Every veteran should know about this.",
      "tripDate": null,
      "verified": true,
      "createdAt": "2026-03-29T16:38:43.447Z",
      "updatedAt": "2026-03-29T16:38:43.447Z"
    },
    {
      "id": "cdeae6c4-ce81-44ca-a96a-7e0b96b626e2",
      "guideId": "eb17bfe4-8975-4b73-95f5-3ad982a40e3e",
      "authorName": "Captain (Ret.) Sarah Blackwell",
      "rating": 5,
      "title": "Incredible mission",
      "body": "James runs a world-class operation. Professional guides, beautiful water, and a genuine commitment to veteran wellness. I've sent a dozen fellow vets their way.",
      "tripDate": null,
      "verified": true,
      "createdAt": "2026-03-29T16:38:43.447Z",
      "updatedAt": "2026-03-29T16:38:43.447Z"
    },
    {
      "id": "a1bbfd3e-bb87-45bd-aa30-24fe24a8769b",
      "guideId": "eb17bfe4-8975-4b73-95f5-3ad982a40e3e",
      "authorName": "Chris Brennan",
      "rating": 5,
      "title": "Supported a great cause",
      "body": "Booked a paid public trip knowing proceeds support veteran programs. James was an outstanding guide and the cause made it even better. Win-win.",
      "tripDate": null,
      "verified": true,
      "createdAt": "2026-03-29T16:38:43.447Z",
      "updatedAt": "2026-03-29T16:38:43.447Z"
    }
  ],
  "credentials": [],
  "geom": null,
  "tags": [
    {
      "slug": "fly-fishing",
      "name": "Fly Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wade-fishing",
      "name": "Wade Fishing",
      "tagType": "fishing_style"
    },
    {
      "slug": "dry-fly",
      "name": "Dry Fly",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "nymphing",
      "name": "Nymphing",
      "tagType": "technique"
    },
    {
      "slug": "freshwater",
      "name": "Freshwater",
      "tagType": "water_type"
    },
    {
      "slug": "beginner",
      "name": "Beginner",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "intermediate",
      "name": "Intermediate",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "first-time-anglers",
      "name": "First-Time Anglers",
      "tagType": "best_for"
    },
    {
      "slug": "spring",
      "name": "Spring",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "summer",
      "name": "Summer",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "autumn",
      "name": "Autumn",
      "tagType": "season"
    },
    {
      "slug": "half-day",
      "name": "Half Day",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "full-day",
      "name": "Full Day",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "instructional",
      "name": "Instructional",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "wade-trip",
      "name": "Wade Trip",
      "tagType": "trip_format"
    },
    {
      "slug": "gear-provided",
      "name": "Gear Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "flies-provided",
      "name": "Flies / Lures Provided",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "lunch-included",
      "name": "Lunch Included",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "license-included",
      "name": "License Included",
      "tagType": "trip_inclusion"
    },
    {
      "slug": "shore-only",
      "name": "Shore / Wade Only",
      "tagType": "boat_type"
    }
  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "id": "51317854-e08a-4646-8249-9e6bbb8f578c",
      "question": "How do veterans sign up for free trips?",
      "answer": "Any veteran or active-duty service member can apply through our website. We verify service and schedule trips based on availability. All gear, instruction, lunch, and transportation from our meeting point are provided at no cost. Companions are welcome.",
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "893aec12-ade7-410f-998b-cce656e5c667",
      "question": "Can non-veterans book trips?",
      "answer": "Yes — we offer paid public trips that directly fund our veteran program. Same great guides, same water. You get an excellent fishing experience and your money supports veteran wellness. It's a meaningful way to fish the Catskills.",
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "6dfaf8e5-0a8e-414c-acff-1784b8dafa76",
      "question": "What therapeutic elements are included?",
      "answer": "Beyond the fishing itself, our trips emphasize mindfulness, nature connection, and peer support. Many of our guides are veterans themselves. The rhythm of fly casting and focus required for fishing provide natural stress relief. We partner with VA counselors who recommend our program.",
      "sortOrder": 2
    }
  ],
  "destinations": [
    {
      "slug": "beaverkill-river",
      "name": "Beaverkill River",
      "type": "river"
    },
    {
      "slug": "willowemoc-creek",
      "name": "Willowemoc Creek",
      "type": "creek"
    },
    {
      "slug": "catskill-mountains",
      "name": "Catskill Mountains",
      "type": "region_colloquial"
    }
  ],
  "accommodations": [
    {
      "slug": "beaverkill-valley-inn",
      "name": "Beaverkill Valley Inn",
      "type": "fishing_lodge",
      "primary": false
    }
  ],
  "species": [
    {
      "slug": "brown-trout",
      "commonName": "Brown Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "seasonality": null,
      "notes": "Beaverkill and Willowemoc"
    },
    {
      "slug": "brook-trout",
      "commonName": "Brook Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "seasonality": null,
      "notes": "Therapeutic small-stream trips"
    },
    {
      "slug": "rainbow-trout",
      "commonName": "Rainbow Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "seasonality": null,
      "notes": null
    }
  ],
  "reviewCount": 3,
  "avgRating": 5,
  "imageUrl": null
}