Boost for fly-fishing retreats

The charitable organisation which runs fly-fishing retreats for women recuperating from breast cancer – Casting for Recovery – has been given a boost by Fish & Game NZ teaming up as a sponsor.

Casting for Recovery (CFR) organises two-and-a-half day retreat weekends at no cost for women whose lives have often been profoundly impacted by breast cancer.

Fish & Game spokesman Grant Dyson said the organisation was only too pleased to help sponsor such a good cause.

‘‘Most anglers would acknowledge ‘fishing as therapy’ – it’s a calming, relaxing outdoor pursuit that takes people’s minds away from their immediate worries. There are also the physical benefits too, from walking up a river or around a lake and casting a line, topped off – hopefully – by the excitement of landing a nice trout.’’ CFR executive director Sherrie Feickert said the organisation was very pleased to receive support from Fish & Game NZ, which included help with licences for participants, to the use of hatchery casting pools, equipment and lecture rooms.

She said CFR knew from past retreats that around 30 per cent of participants went on to take up fly fishing: ‘‘It’s so exciting and rewarding to see the women grow into a new-found passion, which certainly helps with the recovery process. ‘‘And of course, when this happens it is giving something back to Fish & Game when these women become licence-holders and active members of fishing communities in different regions round the country.’’

The organisation practises catch-and-release and has won a sustainability award for this. Ms Feickert also said that CFR is not exclusively for women as some men suffer from breast cancer as well.

The next CFR retreat will be held in the Nelson-marlborough region from March 23 to 25. Lynda Topp, of the Topp Twins fame, will help run the weekend.

Fish & Game’s sponsorship includes providing participants with a Getting Started in Trout Fishing information package which includes a DVD and CD with fishing tips, access information and maps. These are available to all members of the public who might be interested in taking up freshwater fishing – contact your local Fish & Game office (details at fishandgame.org.nz).