Fly fishing can be a great way to ease the stresses of every day life. Additionally, mental health is often overlooked, especially in men. We are proud to partner with Fishing the Good Fight and offer onWater Fish as a resource to help use the healing powers of fly fishing and connecting with other anglers to help mental health. Join members and others from Fishing the Good Fight along with volunteers for a virtual gathering that features a guest speaker well versed in the mental health space including authors, podcast hosts, therapists, etc. to present and then lead discussions.

Register Today! September 18th.

Not only is this a great way to stay connected to the Fishing the Good Fight brotherhood, it is a way to continue to build the tools in your mental health toolbox. Be a better man: for yourself, your family, your friends, and for your community!

Off The Water with Fishing the Good Fight

We spend time on the water to get out of our heads and focus on the world outside of ourselves. The healing sounds of the river, the focus fly fishing requires, and of course the desire to catch fish, all help us stay in the moment. Being in the moment helps us let go of the stuff that weighs us down.

Our time off the water is spent connecting with each other, practicing vulnerability, and building the skills we need to improve our mental health. Engaging in our community helps us understand that we are not alone. Being vulnerable with trusted brothers helps us release stress, solve problems and grow personally.

About Fishing the Good Fight

At FTGF we believe that experiences in nature are an important part of caring for one’s mental health. Less than 20% of men struggling with mental illness and/or substance abuse are receiving professional support. The combination of a healthy, therapeutic outlet, talk therapy, and a strong community will lead to mental well-being.

From their founder, Jennings Hester:

Over 15 years ago, I began struggling with anxiety and depression. Like most men, I wasn't aware that my symptoms were treatable. I brushed these symptoms off the same way I brushed off injuries in sports, thinking that it would improve in time. The 10+ years between the onset of symptoms and my first therapy session were a very dark period in my life. I wished I had access to a community where talking about mental illness was not taboo, and was instead encouraged.

This is why I began Fishing the Good Fight in 2019. Initially, we didn't know exactly what we wanted to do or how best to help; but we knew we needed to do something. It started out with donations to men's mental health organizations and has since evolved to weekend wellness retreats and subsidized mental health services.

I knew we were onto something on our first retreat in Lake George. I watched five total strangers open up, get vulnerable, support each other, and catch a few fish in the process. Those five individuals still stay in touch, have tough conversations, fish, and continue their wellness journey together.

If you've ever wondered about your own mental health and wanted to improve your quality of life, our organization can provide the tools, resources, and support to guide you along your wellness journey.

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