Editors, Vineyard Gazette;

I wanted to reach out and share a recent experience while on the Vineyard. Our family frequently visits the Island as we have family and friends who live there.

My son spends the most time on-Island because his life revolves around fishing. He was fishing in the Derby earlier this week when someone stole a custom rod, reel and a large number of lures from his truck while he was within close distance fishing.

He was very upset about the loss as he pays for all of his fishing gear himself and, being custom made, the value of what was taken was not inexpensive.

The fact that someone, most likely a fellow fisherman, would consider stealing these items is shocking to me. My son and his friends reached out to other fishermen, local tackle shops and Derby headquarters who were all so nice to post about the theft on their social media to bring attention to the stolen equipment.

Thank you to everyone who went out of their way to help. And thank you so much to those who donated so a new rod could be given to him before he left the Island. You do not know how much that means to our family.

I want to make a special call out to a few people in particular who went above and beyond to make this rod donation happen: Larry’s Tackle Shop, Dick’s Bait and Tackle, Kevin from MV Surfcasters Association and Chris Aubut.

Your kindness and support will always be remembered.

Amy O’Neil

Kingston