What does fly fishing have to do with recovering from cancer?

A great deal, say the folks at Casting Carolinas, a nonprofit that sponsors free retreats for women surviving all types of cancer. Fly fishing, according to the website, encourages outdoor activity which has been proven to be important in the healing process. And learning a new skill gives participants confidence and makes them feel better about themselves.

The retreats combine fly-fishing instruction with medical education and mindfulness. Instructors and river guides assist in the catching, landing and safe release of all fish. Volunteers also help participants learn skills that can help them cope with the emotional challenges of surviving cancer.

Retreats are open to all female cancer survivors in North Carolina and South Carolina, and first-time attendees are free. All lodging, meals, and snacks are provided along with a full schedule of activities.

Registration for the following spring retreats is open now. To apply for a retreat, visit castingcarolinas.com.

March 15-17: S.C. Coastal Retreat for women in SC and NC surviving all types of cancer. St. Christopher Retreat Center, Johns Island, SC.

April 12-14:  N.C. Spring Retreat for women surviving all types of cancer. Lake Logan Center, Canton, NC.

There is also a fall retreat scheduled; registration for that opens in August.

Oct. 11-13: N.C. Fall Retreat for women surviving all cancers, Lake Logan, Canton, NC.