World Information Sea Fishing Maps Blog

BEAUFORT — Like most children, Bowen Lewis finds immeasurable delight in saltwater fishing.

The rhythm and sounds of waves splashing, the smell of salty air and the thrill of a catch bring the 7-year-old happiness like few things in this world.

And when he is out on a boat fishing, Bowen expresses his joy in a way that is rare at other times.

That’s because the Beaufort Elementary School first-grader has autism, as does his brother, Brady, who is 4.

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a child’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges.

It is estimated that one out of every 150 children are affected.

For children like Bowen, the water is a calming remedy to regular sensory overload.

Bowen’s mother, Kimberly, first recognized her son’s remarkable response to the water in the summer of 2006 when the Pepsi Americas Sail tall ships visited the area.

“We went on one of the ships, during the tall ships over two years ago, and his reaction on that boat was phenomenal,” said Kimberly. “I remember, he was hushing us and telling us to be quiet, and all of sudden he said the ocean was making music. It was the ‘dink, dink, dink,’ sound from the buoys. He absolutely loved it. In fact, he loves the water, period, whether it’s the ocean, the sound, a swimming pool or even a mud puddle.”

After witnessing Bowen’s love for the water after that experience, Kimberly quickly sought out ways to get him back on a boat.

“I’m a waitress at Applebee’s, and I was telling some of my customers about what happened, and those ladies told me to head on to the Big Rock (Blue Marlin Tournament) headquarters and they would provide the help I needed.”

Kimberly ran into just the right man at the headquarters in Chuck Laughridge, the president of the Cape Lookout Flyfishers, fly-fishing television show host and producer, conservationist and part owner of the popular fishing Web site North Carolina Waterman (www.ncwaterman.com).

Hoping to get Bowen on a boat involved in the Big Rock Tournament, Kimberly was instead instructed by Laughridge to tell her story on the Web site.

“Capt. John McDow from Wilmington contacted me and told us to come down to go king mackerel fishing,” said Kimberly. “And at the end of the day, he gave Bowen a rod and reel. I went to Wal-Mart to get some help with tackle and stuff, but I really didn’t get any assistance there. So I went back on the Web site asking for help, and again, they were very, very helpful.”

Kimberly’s foray onto the North Carolina Waterman’s message boards set off a surprising chain of events that led to an unprecedented achievement.

“The Triad Chapter went to the N.C. Wildlife Commission, and found out that he could get a lifetime fishing license,” she explained. “And because he is an SSI participant, it only cost $20. Bowen is the first disabled child in the state to get a lifetime license.”

Inspired by Bowen, the North Carolina Waterman Inc. members announced the launch of “Licensed for Life.” The program was started to purchase lifetime freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses for disabled children in North Carolina. In addition, a new rod and reel combo is provided to the disabled children, with tackle included from Bass Pro Shop and Zebco.

“It’s funny, it just started as a fluke,” said Kimberly. “I was just looking to get Bowen on a fishing boat. And now we have a 501(c)(4) nonprofit group, and there is a lot of red tape with lawyers and such, and we are set up to take applications. It’s been amazing, and it is such a great program. Barry Yaskiewicz really worked hard to get the program started.”

Kimberly’s other son, Brady, who is in prekindertarten at Beaufort Elementary, has benefited from fishing and being out on the water as much as his older brother.

“Bowen and Brady are complete opposites, they won’t even play together outside,” said Kimberly. “And at the house, they won’t even stay in the same room. But on the boat, they are best friends. When they are out on the water, they are just completely different people.”

The difference in Bowen is unmistakable.

“Since he has been involved with North Carolina Waterman, Inc. and has been fishing, I have seen him blossom from a boy who would often say ‘I can’t do it’ into a boy with so much more confidence in himself,” said Kimberly.

Bowen loves getting out on the water or just throwing a line in from one of his favorite fishing spots. And while fishing, he is able to utilize skills obtained in many of his therapies. He is able to work on his fine motor skills when baiting a hook or setting up different rigs. He uses his gross motor skills while reeling in a fish. And he sharpens his social and speech skills around other fisherman as he interacts with them and talks about his catches.

“It’s so much more than just catching fish,” said Kimberly. “But if you ask Bowen, he will tell you it’s about having fun. I just want to get the word out about the program, because now with ‘Licensed for Life,’ many more children with disabilities are going to benefit from the joy that fishing can bring.”

To qualify for the program, applicants must reside in North Carolina and be under the age of 16. Applicants must also qualify for SSI benefits as determined by the N.C. Department of Fish and Wildlife. There will also be a limited number of licenses purchased for handicapped children who do not fall under the SSI statutes. These will be issued as funds are available.

Young disabled angler makes history

BY J.J. SMITH

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