By Paul Robertson

Reel Recovery (RR) is a national non-profit organization that helps “men in the cancer recovery process by introducing them to the healing powers of the sport of fly-fishing, while providing a safe, supportive environment to explore their personal experiences of cancer with others who share their stories.” 

RR provides free three-day retreats that give men with cancer a respite from their day-to-day concerns and an opportunity to gain a fresh outlook in their journey with cancer. At the retreats, participants: (1) find a safe place to discuss their cancer experience with other men who have gone through it too, and (2) have opportunity for a healing connection with nature through fly-fishing. Participants learn a new skill and get introduced to fly-fishing, which can be a sport they can draw upon for recovery throughout their lifetimes. 

Reel Recovery currently offers six annual retreats in Texas. Two of those are in our area—currently at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX. Our Texas FlyFishers of Houston club has been a strong supporter of Reel Recovery for quite a few year both financially and by providing volunteers. Many of our members have served in various volunteer capacities, including regional coordinators, camp coordinators and fishing buddies. 

Our current need is for more participants. If you know of a man who currently has or has had cancer and might be interested in attending a retreat, please direct them to contact me or check out www.reelrecovery.org. In addition, we need more volunteers who can serve as Fishing Buddies. 

Below is a link to a YouTube video (13 minutes) that focuses on a retreat we had in Texas and gives an overview of what a retreat entails. 

Our state regional coordinators are Tom Strawther and Drew Cox. The coordinator for the May retreat at Camp Navasota is Paul Robertson. Reach out to them for more information.