"Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn't you - all of the expectations, all of the beliefs - and becoming who you are."

-- Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D.

The quote by John Buchan in my page header helps to explain what I have come to believe is the "magic" of fishing and fly tying as adjunct rehabilitative therapy.  I have been quoted frequently saying that what we do that so many others seem to have difficulty with in trauma, psychological, and substance abuse rehabilitation therapies is that we help our participants learn to lean forward into life^TM again.  

The way this happens isn't really "magic."  If you fish, it's common sense.  It is the almost imperceptible but ever-present anticipation of a fish taking your bait, lure, or fly - of you setting that hook and reeling him in - and that small, simple hope rewarded and repeated again and again that begins to condition the participants to think positively and to expect positive results which breaks the cycle of depression and negativity in which they are often trapped.  Armed with this fresh paradigm, they approach all aspects of their rehabilitation with fresh vitality and optimism.  Many of the physical skill sets and movements also provide clinical value as phase three rehab therapy for "real world" readjustment, and fly tying has long been one of the best fine motor skill development tools available.

 Unique Services

certified adaptive fly fishing practitioner

- offer certification training for healthcare, education, social services, and fishing industry professionals in the use of therapeutic adaptive fly fishing and fly tying.

certified texas parks and wildlife department angler educator (basic & intermediate fly fishing)

- teach introductory through advanced fly fishing classes using a state wildlife department approved curriculum that includes casting, fly tying, aquatic biology, and sportsmanship for all ages.

PEAK pro staff rotary fly tying instructor

- provide programs and presentations on fly tying from basic to advanced, including adaptive fly tying, rotary vise tying, and a variety of original patterns such as The Homewrecker pictured above.

pro staff kayak fishing instruction

hosted fly fishing trips to:  Boca Grande - Charlotte Harbor, Florida (2011-2012)

guest speaker and seminar presenter

see casting instruction and fly tying pages for more details!