As the 2024 Tuesday Night Walleye Fishing League season in Pierre kicks off, this year’s season for the Lip Ripper Fishing boys is going to be supporting a special cause. Throughout the 10-week season, each night’s weight will go towards a donation for the South Dakota chapter of Casting for Recovery.
“Casting for Recovery is relatively new here in South Dakota and we wanted to make folks aware of ways they can both support this organization and also get involved,” said Nick Harrington, Owner of Lip Ripper Fishing. “I’m extremely excited to devote this season towards helping get their mission out there.”
Casting for Recovery is a national non-profit organization that began in 1996 and provides free fly-fishing retreats for women with breast cancer. To date, Casting for Recovery has offered 900 retreats for more than 12,000 women nationwide. There are 60 retreats scheduled for 2024 that will serve over 800 women.
The 2023 South Dakota retreat was one of 51 retreats nationwide that served 677 women throughout the year. One of these women, LeeAnn Currey of Watertown, shared her story from attending this event.
“The Casting for Recovery Retreat was a fun-filled weekend and another way of celebrating life,” said Currey. “I attended the event for the first time in 2023 and had never fly-fished before. It was a great opportunity for me to try something new, meet new people, and discover more about the shining, sweet-spirited women who were brought together through our cancer journeys.”
The same sentiment is shared by fellow participants, with 99% of participants nationwide indicating the retreat provided a sense of empowerment and 98% of participants indicating the event improved their support base.
Additionally, 99% of participants nationwide indicated they felt comfortable and included at the retreat.
“The team leaders were down to earth and made everyone feel at home and welcomed,” continued Currey. “We shared a lot of laughs while tying flies together-wondering why any fish would take a bite of them!”
Assistance is provided throughout the event from all aspects of fly-fishing, from the fly tying to the fishing itself.
“Royce was my guide, and he was a trooper! Especially when I hooked his cap during one of my casts!” said Currey. “I did manage to catch two little fish and I have the pics to prove it!”
As with any day on the water, it’s far more than the fish that make the memories.
“This event was a humbling experience for me. I came away with a lighter heart and a smile on my face,” concluded Currey. “It was a weekend I will cherish forever.”
Currey is one of the 100% of participants nationwide that would recommend the program to others.
“The opportunity to support this organization, and help more women make these memories, is something I’m extremely excited for this season,” concluded Harrington. “I encourage everyone to share this information with women who may be interested or consider supporting one of these events.”
Updates regarding total weights, and ultimately the total donation, will be provided each week in the fishing reports available through our website, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
Individuals interested in learning more about Casting for Recovery, or making a donation, can do so through the Casting for Recovery website and South Dakota Casting for Recovery Facebook page.
2024 South Dakota Casting for Recovery Retreat
The 2024 South Dakota Casting for Recovery Retreat will take place October 4-6 at NeSoDak in Waubay, South Dakota. This event is available for women with all stages of breast cancer treatment and recovery, at no cost to participants.
Women interested in participating can apply online by July 25, 2024. Casting for Recovery must receive the application prior to this deadline for an applicant to be eligible for a chance to participate in this retreat.
Names are selected randomly from applications received. Participants who have attended a retreat are not eligible to reapply.
Donate to Casting for Recovery
At the conclusion of the 2024 Tuesday Night Walleye Fishing League season, Nick Harrington will share the cumulative weight and subsequent donation being made to the South Dakota chapter of Casting for Recovery. Individuals interested in donating this amount, or submitting another donation, can do some on the Casting for Recovery website.
Donations can be made at a nationwide level, or you can specifically support the South Dakota chapter by indicating the “South Dakota Chapter” in your donation form.
