Fly fishing appeals to die-hard competitors and also to the yogis on their solitary journey towards zen. From Alpharetta, in a little over an hour, we can be wading the Toccoa River or floating the Chattahoochee in pursuit of trout, flies considered and fly rods rigged. Attitude adjustment underway.
“Fly fishing has so many layers,” says Jennifer Gilbert of Alpharetta. “Being in nature is healing, there is always something new to learn to advance my fly fishing practice, and all of the people I have met along the way who enjoy fly fishing are amazing.” Jennifer is a board member of Georgia Women Fly Fishing (GWFF), an award-winning group of anglers passionate about fly fishing, friendship, fun and community. Jennifer learned the basics from a friend of her husband’s but wanted to hone her skills independently so she joined GWFF. The club meets the second Tuesday of the month (virtually) with planned fishing outings the following Saturday. “I love the camaraderie. We celebrate each other and are noncompetitive. It’s a great group to learn with and enjoy fishing adventures.”
She and her husband Jeff now fish together along with their boys, Clayton and Blaine. “I am so grateful we can share this awesome hobby together. We always learn something new when we are fishing,” she says. “We were able to charter a fishing boat up in Blue Ridge in November and caught about 50 trout between us!”
Jennifer is a nurse in Canton at Heart and Vascular Care. She is also a founding member of Reeling in Serenity, a nonprofit that helps bring fly fishing to men and women in recovery from substance abuse.
All are welcome. Monthly (virtual) meetings, holiday events, fishing days, and community service.
Free fly fishing retreats for people in active recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. Reeling in Serenity aims to celebrate life by embracing nature and the spiritual connection that fly fishing has brought so many. Retreats are planned for Florida, North Carolina, Montana, and Pennsylvania. Volunteer, donate, or partner for a retreat.
