I don’t know if the REEL RECOVERY press release has been posted before, but if so I missed it.
This program is a men’s cancer support group that organizes and makes available fly fishing retreats for men undergoing or recovering from cancer.
They accept donations, fishin’ buddy volunteers, and help in general making these annual events available in regional areas.

I am pleased that Rick Pope and TFO are sponsoring this worthwhile organization.

Men don’t talk about cancer, and don’t have the networks that women’s support and research groups have, but if you have walked that lonely road as a cancer patient, recovering patient, or a family member, you will recognize the merits of this program.
GEorge Glazener

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Stan Golub
Reel Recovery
800-699-4490
stan@reelrecovery.org


REEL RECOVERY PARTNERS WITH TEMPLE FORK OUTFITTERS

Needham, MA — February 23, 2009 — Reel Recovery, a national non-profit organization that provides free fly-fishing Retreats to men battling cancer, is proud to announce a new partnership with Dallas-based Temple Fork Outfitters, a leading manufacturer of premium fly-fishing equipment.
Stan Golub, Executive Director of Reel Recovery and Rick Pope, President of TFO, announced today that the new Temple Fork Outfitters-Reel Recovery fly rods are in production and will be released to fly fishing tackle dealers nationwide in April.
“We believe that fly fishing generally makes us better people, increasing our awareness of our environment, helping us understand more about nature, about our friends and most importantly, about ourselves. This deepest of fundamental needs is where we first crossed paths with the Reel Recovery Retreat concept.” Rick Pope, President of TFO, said.
Reel Recovery Retreats provide support and education to men of all ages, in all stages of any form of cancer. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has conducted 59 Retreats in 12 states, serving over 700 men battling the disease. Retreats are completely free to the participants, with all meals, lodging, fly fishing equipment and expert instruction provided by Reel Recovery. The Retreats provide a unique opportunity for men with cancer to get a respite from their battle and a gain a fresh perspective; to learn a new skill and form a healing connection with nature; and to build a network of friends that will provide support and hope for the future.
“Everyone at TFO is honored to be able to participate in such a worthy effort by our friends at Reel Recovery. It is humbling to be with such a courageous group and in our small way, to help these men with their battle. We are producing a special rod that recognizes Reel Recovery's good work. For each Reel Recovery/TFO 9 foot 4 piece 5 weight rod sold through an authorized TFO dealer, we will contribute $25 to the cause.” Pope announced.
Stan Golub, Executive Director of Reel Recovery said: “We are thrilled that TFO will be supporting Reel Recovery in this very meaningful way. We share with TFO a common understanding about the healing power of fly-fishing, and this partnership will help us offer that experience to more men with cancer all across the country. Reel Recovery is wholly donor supported, so this partnership is very important to our continued success and growth.”


Reel Recovery’s Warren Wolf (l) and TFO President Rick Pope

About Reel Recovery
Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts fly-fishing retreats for men recovering from life-threatening cancer. Our mission is to help 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 with cancer, with others who share their stories. Though only a few days in duration, a Reel Recovery retreat can be a life-changing event for men battling cancer. The program blends outdoor activity with directed conversations to create a unique environment conducive to relaxed, open interactions. Retreats are offered at no cost to the participants and are led by professional psychosocial facilitators and expert fly-fishing instructors. A maximum of 12-14 men are invited to participate, to ensure the quality of the instruction and to create a powerful small-group dynamic. For more information, visit www.reelrecovery.org or call 800-699-4490.

There is a similar program for women recovering from cancer. A bunch of us from the CFF held a mini swap where we each tied a couple dozen flies and donated them to the cause, maybe we could do the same here? There were also several volunteers that signed up for a May flyfishing outing to be held at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs.

This is a good cause, I'd be more than willing to help in any way I can

BHR

Guys and gals. I redid the title, with George's permission, and want to find out who all wants to tie flies for Reel Recovery?

I have contacted them to find out what flies are best suited/needed/wanted for the program so that all of you who want to can get started. We could even meet somewhere and do a huge tie-in for them. That might be fun, just a suggestion.

I'm in to lash a few, as long as it's something within my limited skill-set. I'd hate to make things worse for those fellows by inflicting size 6 buggers on them if they were fishing for something that needed some sort of size 32 midge.

Roger that RedRaider. I just emailed them to find out what they need. But I am pretty sure that anything with a hook, thread and care will be greatly appreciated!

Will update as more info comes in. Thanks for this great idea George!

Hey gang, this is old Warren, your Texas coordinator for Reel Recovery. We sure can use those flies at our North Texas retreat scheduled for mid-November 2009. Our men will be fishing stocked water and the river with 5 and 6 weight rods. That time of the year can be unseasonably warm so we should be prepared for surface action as well sinking flies. Mostly LMB and blue gill with the occasional catfish.
Please give some thought to referring men to the retreat. Previous FF experience unnecessary. For more information visit http://www.texasreelrecovery.org
Thanks!
Warren Wolf
800-542-2246

I'm in...

Honorbrite, I looked at the website and didn't see a reference to what river you would be fishing. Knowing that might help us whip up some more specific flies to address what you need in the way of artificals.

I'll tie a mess o' woolly buggers in various sizes... they may not be glamorous but they catch fish.

The bonus is that I can tie them without screwing it up too badly, for the most part.

Yes please! All, please bring your warm water flies. The fellows fishing in the Reel Recovery program will greatly appreciate this.

I would be more than willing to tie up some for the cause. A nice selection of guadalupe greens would do the trick for that kind of fishing. Do we have a place to send them to or a time table.

Warren is on this thread and will hopefully keep us posted on what is next.

I tied some up last year for that group. I don't have time right now to do it. I am behind on everything around here. I haven't been tying at all lately.

Hello All,
I would be happy to contribute a few flies. Thank God, we are talking about bass flies... That's what I love about bass... Sooner or later, a bass will hit anything smaller than a 50 horsepower outboard prop. How long do I have to produce them? And getting together to tie would be fun. when and where, might we do this?

Good news! The Reel Recovery retreat this November will be at the WB Ranch Resort below Lake Whitney dam. This 2,000 acre property has stocked ponds as well as several miles of Brazos Riverfront. The kicker that moved WB Ranch to the top of the list was the airboat taxi that will take RR participants and they're guides to "honey holes" up and down the river. I've not fished this section of the Brazos and I'm interested to know if we can expect Striper and White Bass action?
There are several ways to get your donated flies delivered to Reel Recovery. Drop them off in a baggie or container marked REEL RECOVERY at Backwoods in Fort Worth, Orvis in Arlington, or mail them to; Warren Wolf, 4505 El Campo Ave., Ft. Worth, TX 76107.

The new Reel Recovery branded TFO fly rod was rolled out this week and it'll be available at your local TFO retailer in a couple of weeks but you can also purchase the medium fast action 5wt 9' 4pc Professional Series rod directly from Reel Recovery. For a limited time Reel Recovery is offering free shipping. Call 800-699-4490 to order your RR fly rod. Orders ship within 24 hours.
Warren

That's all great news. You might have trouble finding fish that are in the mood, but a fly shortage shouldn't be an issue. Who knows, by November I might be able to lash something together that has a chance to snag a fish.

This is exactly why I love forums like this. My brother passed away from Cancer as a young man a few years back and I've been looking for somethng like this organization to help put some energy into - thanks for showing me it exists.

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3520358/Reel_Recovery_Fly_Rod#Post3520358

http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/3547959/Real_Reel_Recovery#Post3547959

Thats a nice looking rod, and even better price

and believe it or not, an even better cause...

dang it, thats what I meant...so much for multi tasking