Fly-fishing spots available for men's cancer recovery

A group of men getting together for a couple of days of fly-fishing is not unusual. But this particular group meeting in Markleeville on Aug. 2 and 3 has something more in common than fishing. They are recovering from cancer.

The national organization Reel Recovery arranges for men in any stage in the cancer recovery process to escape their worries for a while at a fishing retreat. Twelve men can participate and there are still a few spots available.

"It is a wonderful thing," said Liz Weirauch of High Sierra Fly Casters. "As fly-fishers, we understand the focus part of it. You don't think about anything but fishing."

Weirauch will be one of several volunteers who act as "fishing buddies" for the fishermen during the retreat. This will be the second year of the event and the second year she and several others in High Sierra Fly Casters will participate.

"We did it last year and had a full group of people," said Weirauch, who, along with her husband Don, owns Angler's Edge in Gardnerville.

The activity is offered at no cost to the participants, except for purchasing a California fishing license for two days. Licenses cost $16.55 for residents or non-residents and will be available for sale at the retreat.

The retreat begins on Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. in Markleeville and ends Aug. 3. It is led by professional psychosocial facilitators and expert fly-fishing instructors. All meals, lodging and fly-fishing equipment is provided.

Those applying for the retreat need to complete an application and a medical release from their physician. Both of these forms are available at Angler's Edge, 1506 Highway 395, Gardnerville, or on Reel Recovery's Web site at www.reelrecovery.org

Reel Recovery was founded in 2003 by a group of avid fly-fishers, inspired by their fishing buddy's ongoing battle with brain cancer. They formed the organization after witnessing how beneficial fly-fishing was to their friend, according to the Web site.

Activities during the retreat include fly-fishing instruction, sharing of life stories and post-retreat communication.

For more information, call Reel Recovery at (800) 699-4490 or Angler's Edge at 782-4734.

To contact

For more information, call Reel Recovery at (800) 699-4490 or Angler's Edge at 782-4734.