TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) – Fly fishing is a centuries‑old sport that still lures people in today, and a lot of them are right here in Ohio and Michigan. Both states offer incredible places to learn or perfect the art, and it’s also a powerful tool to help women battling breast cancer.
Many describe fly fishing as an art form that infuses your mind, body and spirit. Those involved with Casting for Recovery say a simple day on the water can have a profound impact.
Water is the life blood of our region. The Maumee River is one of the waterways that first attracted people to our corner of the world. For many, it’s what keeps them here. One of the biggest reasons for that is the beauty and recreation it provides, including fly fishing.
Rodney Frysinger has been fishing for decades.
“I feel there is a bit of an artistry to fly fishing. There is a rhythm to it. But there is also a connection of artistry and complete chaos because you’re giving the advantage to the fish with your equipment. When you hook on something, everything kind of goes crazy,” said Frysinger.
He said he loves sharing the sport with others, and that a day on the water has a unique way of creating connection by washing over our differences. He describes it as a great equalizer.
“No matter your income, your background, your political views. You kind of forget that and become friends on the water. It’s what we need right now,” he said.
Frysinger is a volunteer fishing guide with Casting for Recovery. It’s an organization that hosts fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer.
“There are always great conversations, bonding,” said Frysinger. “At the end of the day people smiling and laughing and tears of joy. I always say I get as much if not more out of it than they do.”
Melissa Fletcher was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple years ago. She’s gone through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
“It definitely puts life into perspective getting that diagnosis. It really changes you so much on the inside but yet life is kind of the same on the outside so that’s difficult,” said Fletcher.
She was part of a Casting for Recovery retreat earlier this year, “It’s like you’re casting your cares away and putting everything behind you.”
She said that while she has an amazing support team, the disease can still be isolating. Casting for Recovery helped change that.
“It is great to bond with other women who intimately understand the challenges of being diagnosed with breast cancer,” Fletcher said.
A simple day on the water, creating ripple effects.
“Cancer isn’t the most important thing on their mind for those two hours. They kind of lose themselves in that activity and that fills the soul,“ says Randy.”
There are two Casting for Recovery retreats in Ohio every year. 14 women are served each retreat. They are free, but it takes thousands of dollars to make that possible.
There’s a special event to reel in more donors. It’s called Casting Hope. It features a fly fishing film tour that will be at the Maumee Indoor Theater on Oct. 28. The films showcase the adventures, landscapes, people and culture of fly fishing.
If you’d like to learn more about the event, click here.
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