That was the question that popped up on my iPhone. The stupid answer (from AI?) explained the fishing gear needed for fly fishing. So this blog is to replace AI nonsense with a more sensible reply to that question.
Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts free fly-fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer.
Above photo is the 2025 anglers participating.
REEL RECOVERY have been arranging the meeting here at TRM once a year to provide a group of cancer patients with an experience for them to spend a day fly fishing on the mighty Tongariro River. The supporting cast of a fishing guide for every angler plus accommodation with meals provided and semotional support is also a key ingredient to provide a successful break from the pressures of living with cancer. Below is the similar retreat about five years ago, in 2020.
We cannot recount all the individual experiences so have picked on one guide, Paddy Walsh, who was paired up with Steve from New Plymouth. Steve had never been fly fishing or cast a line in his life so that challenge alone was a “big ask”. In total they hooked up and landed six Rainbow trout although the numbers and size of the trout are immaterial. It was more about the thrill from the experience. At the end of the day you would never see so many happy faces.
The key person behind the REEL RECOVERY in NZ is Craig Caldwell – below – who organises the event.
The photos below were taken yesterday near the easily accessible bridge pool on the Tongariro River to illustrate the teamwork involved to wade out and cast to where the trout were waiting (?).
Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that conducts free fly-fishing retreats for men living with all forms of cancer.
(From Reel Recovery website:)
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 twelve men are invited to participate, to ensure the quality of the instruction and to create a powerful small-group dynamic.
The program is designed to be both experiential and reflective, to develop group camaraderie as well as individual skills, and to build bonds of friendship that provide a reservoir of personal hope.
Retreat Application
Adult men (age 21+) in any stage of treatment, recovery or in full remission from all forms of cancer are eligible to attend one Reel Recovery retreat.
All retreats are free to the participants; Reel Recovery provides all meals, lodging, fishing equipment and licenses. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to the retreat location.
New Zealand Retreats (for NZ residents only):
Please contact us for more details.
November 4th-6th 2025 – Tongariro River Motel, Turangi, New Zealand
March 23rd-25th 2026 – Tongariro River Motel, Turangi, New Zealand
November 2nd-4th 2026 – TBA
A signed MEDICAL RELEASE from a physician must be received prior to the selected Retreat.
Join Us On Retreat
For more info, go to the REEL RECOVERY website.
