Onalaska, WI is Destination for Midwest Retreat

[hookncook]

LaCrosse Tribune

It's good to see so much hard work play out.

[hookncook]

I took the events coordinator of Reel Recovery out for the first time last year and he fell in love with the streams of La Crosse County. He came back to fish here 3 times, each time requesting a different stream or section to fish.

Recently, he went ice fishing on the Black with me; and again, walked away smiling. When I asked him why he chose Onalaska over the other vying destinations, he said "it's a no brainier- the fishing here is great, but the support I've seen from this community surpasses any others."

[RiverFish]

Neat story. What a great idea.

[hookncook]

Thanks River!

We are looking for participants. Seems that the dance card for volunteers is going to fill fast.

We are taking applications for men with cancer of any age- any stage, including remission to participate in this event.

We are also planning a second retreat for the Midwest, the second destination still being determined.

[itchmesir]

I'd love to volunteer.. unfortunately i don't know any of the water on that side of the MR.. I haven't fished beyond the tracks in WI since I was 16

[hookncook]

Thanks for the offer icsh... I have gotten a boatload of inquiries about volunteers and we have plenty of fishing buddies lined up. One way you can volunteer is getting the word out to men with cancer and let them know about the event. We are taking applications from men throughout the midwest.

[itchmesir]

Thanks for the offer icsh... I have gotten a boatload of inquiries about volunteers and we have plenty of fishing buddies lined up. One way you can volunteer is getting the word out to men with cancer and let them know about the event. We are taking applications from men throughout the midwest.

yep.. been spreading the word the best i can.. unfortunately off the top of my head i personally don't know anyone with cancer right now.. but i will keep letting people know

[hookncook]

new fly rod

Got a package in the mail yesterday. Note said "Anthony- Thank you for the work you've done for Reel Recovery. On behalf of men battling cancer, we appreciate your efforts to bring Reel Recovery to the Midwest and Onalaska, Wisconsin. Be well and fish on!"

It's going to sit proudly on my mantle next to my vintage Beeper Swish Rod.

[itchmesir]

very nice.. but you really should at least pop it's cherry before ya hang it up.. the rod at least deserves one day of action

[hookncook]

Thanks ich... It's such an ice rod, Maybe I'll "pop it's cherry" in September with the proper fishing partner.

[hookncook]

Bringing this back to the top! The time is very near. AT this point, we stand at having 15 men registered to be participants of this wonderful event. I spoke to BASS and FLW and both organizations are willing to lend support for this organization.

Now to phase two: We could use a couple of good anglers willing to spend a couple days and be paired up with the participants as fishing buddy. This is a fly fishing retreat, so fly rod experience is preferred, however it is about fishing also and the participants are given fly casting lessons during the retreat.

September 13&14 are the days of the fishing part of the event.

[hookncook]

Here's a few photos of the event:

[hookncook]

Here's a few more:

[hookncook]

[hookncook]

One of the most humbling moments in my fishing career was when a participant caught a nice brookie. He was smiling and laughing at first, but then got quiet. I looked at him and asked if he was okay. He said "I just realized that this is going to be one of the last fish I will ever catch." Later that night, we all were in the bar and he offered to buy me a drink. At first I refused because I was instructed to not accept gifts from the participants. He insisted, he said to me "I'm not going to need money in a couple months" It was then that he revealed to me that after he leaves the retreat, he is to enter the hospice program.

A well known local media personality came over to cover the event. He was filming and saw one of the participants struggling. He told his cameraman to stop shooting, and walked over to give a fly casting lesson. Once the participant was comfortable, he told his cameraman to "fire that thing back up" and continued the show. He never came even close to mentioning it, and seemed embarrassed to notice that I saw this. When he left, he gave his new freind a hug- there wasn't a dry eye between the two of them.

I want to personally thank everyone that made the event a success by donations of flies, money, and time.

Northland Adventures/ Reel Recovery

[ted4887]

Sounds like it was a good weekend. Having just recently lost a Grandfather to cancer, it's nice to see these types of events taking place. If you need volunteers next year I would be glad to help out where I can.

[hookncook]

word on the street is yes, we are doing it again next year. Reel Recovery high ups was impressed with the diverse fishery, locations, and community support.

Ted, I'll keep you in the loop.

[hookncook]

Bringing this back to the top. Reel Recovery has just notified me that the date of the retreat is September 11-13. Anyone in the fly fishing community is invited to help by donating flies, signing up as a fishing buddy, or let potential participants know about the event.