A FREE Fly-Casting Day for women who have experienced breast cancer is open to applications for its annual event, which will be held on October 31, 2026.
Inspired by the mission of Casting for Recovery launched in the 1990s in the USA, the day of fly fishing, held in Dutton Trout hatchery in Ebor, was founded in 2017 and is run by Laurie Muldoon and Kate Guthrey.
Roughly based on an initiative run in Western Australia, the program is curated to enhance the quality of life of women who are recovering from breast cancer.
“We do this through the sport of fly fishing, within a supportive environment at day retreats,” fisherman Mr Muldoon told News Of The Area.
“The experiences on the day offer opportunities for women to find inspiration, discover renewed energy for life and experience healing connections with other women and nature,” he said.
“To appeal to all women, no fishing experience is needed, and all activities are led by experienced, supportive instructors.”
The body movements required for fly fishing, as an exercise, were found to benefit women who have undergone surgery and/or radiation following breast cancer.
“The action of casting for fly fishing was thought to improve range of movement following breast cancer treatment
due to the muscle action required,” Mr Muldoon said.
The many attendees over the years have all given encouraging feedback.
“A fun day away from illness, treatment and side effects,” said one recipient.
“Everyone, absolutely everyone was simply amazing,” another said.
For Mr Muldoon, it is the best day’s fishing ever, he said.
“The camaraderie amongst the participants is just amazing and everyone reports back that they have benefited from the whole day’s activities – feedback is all good.”
The Fly-Casting Day includes being buddied up with a fly fisher, morning and afternoon teas along with nutritious
lunch boxes, and time to tour the hatchery.
For more information, contact Kate Guthrey on 0402 125 925 or email kateguthrey@bigpond.com.
By Andrea FERRARI