As we have all seen, the destruction in Jamaica due to Hurricane Melissa has been devastating. Our hearts go out to all the people of Jamaica struggling to get things back to "normal". The area impacted the deepest is the parrish of St. Elizabeth.

As you may or may not know, this is the area I frequent when I really need good food, good fishing, and good vibes.

Along my travels, ive made many friends in the fishing community, specifically in the Billys Bay area of Treasure Beach. Spent lots of hours on the water there realing in all types of fish that we certainly do not catch in New York waters. Its an incredible fishery and beautiful.

My fisherman friends have lost so much.... not only their homes, but in the case of many fisherman, a means to get back to sea and start catching fish again. Not only a means of direct food, but also a means of income by selling off fish and taking out tourists.

If youve ever been to the caribbean, you know these guys work hard to give you the best experience possible while you are in their care.

But right now this hurricane removed all means of getting back out on the water. Not only are the boats gone/destroyed, equipment, motors, and fishing tackle is also gone/destroyed.

Neal Clarke of Billys Bay has been a great friend from the start. He was the cousin of the caretaker of a villa my family and friends were staying in, in the treasure Beach area of St Elizabeth. We started talking fishing... and that was it. Weve been friends for years.

I always enjoyed bringing extra lures and tackle to him because its just not something easily attained in that area.

All of those gears and tackle is gone and i would love to see it replaced as soon as possible so Neal and many others in his fishing community can get back to what they Love.

They certainly do not have big box fishing stores to go and replenish their lost goods and so in this time, as fishermen and fisherwomen, it would be nice to come together to support other fishermen in need.

Every little amount will help. Please consider donating and thank you!!

John Pinto