Now in its third year as a nonprofit, Reeling in Serenity is introducing more people in active recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) to the healing properties of fly fishing. Reeling in Serenity 501(c)(3) hosts free, all-day retreats where guests are paired with fly fishing guides, then learn the basics and experience the thrill of catch-and-release fishing. Guides, instructors and meeting facilitators, as well as staff and board, are all volunteers, fueled by the tight community fly fishing fosters and a desire to support those recovering from SUD.
“The stories shared at the start of every retreat, the immediate community and fierce focus that fly fishing requires provides a unique opportunity for healing,” says Sylvia Huron, co-founder and executive director for Reeling in Serenity. “The benefits are profound, giving hope and healing for our retreat guests. And honestly for all of us who volunteer as well.”
Since its inception, Reeling in Serenity 501(c)(3) has hosted more than 50 guests on rivers in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, and this year will add retreats in Colorado and Montana. All guides, program coordinators and staff volunteer their time to teach basic knots, casting and entomology after an hour of sharing and fellowship. Guests are then paired with a guide for a one-on-one fly fishing experience complete with waders, boots and gear.
Reeling in Serenity’s work is funded by donations. They host an annual fundraiser each September: an online auction with fresh and saltwater fly fishing trips, guided trips in national parks and on rivers coast to coast, custom rods, high-tech gear, fly boxes and art inspired by fly fishing, books, and much more. Among this year’s highlights is an amazing seven-day, six-night, all-inclusive trip to Lago Frío in Chilean Patagonia for one angler hosted by Chile Trout Patagonia, a unique opportunity to join the Flylords team for a day on an upcoming episode of their Fly Shop Tour, and a beautiful acrylic on canvas entitled "Manistee River Steelhead" by renowned artist Sarah Landström. And there’s so much more.
“Our annual auction fuels all we do,” says Sylvia. “Your bids help us continue to host retreats that are open to those who have chosen the path of recovery. We also serve as a safe space and resource for the sober fly angler doing the work one day at a time.”
Reeling in Serenity was founded by friends who met fly fishing and discovered they shared something in common. They were all in recovery from SUD and agreed that the friendships and focus of fly fishing were key contributors to their healing and growth. Founders Jennifer Gilbert of Canton, Rebecca Sue Klein of Smyrna, Sylvia Huron of Athens and Ian Huron of Atlanta continue their commitment to the nonprofit's mission, sharing their unique gifts to grow the organization and serve more people.
Register to preview and bid on auction items: ReelingInSerenity.Auctions.networkforgood.com
And visit ReelingInSerenity.org to explore retreat dates and volunteer opportunities.
Among this year’s highlights is an amazing seven-day, six-night, all-inclusive trip to Lago Frío in Chilean Patagonia.