Where Fly Fishing Meets Healing: The Mission of Casting Carolinas (with Jennifer Stubbs)

Jennifer and Norine landing a trout at a Casting Carolinas October retreat

For so many anglers, fly fishing offers much more than the simple act of fishing. A fly rod provides a sense of community, support and even healing. This month, we are excited to highlight Casting Carolinas, an incredibly powerful organization that uses fly fishing to provide support and trauma-response resources to women who have experienced a cancer diagnosis. Through low- or no-cost weekend retreats, on-going educational activities and fly fishing events, Casting Carolinas extends a supportive community of understanding and empowerment to all women in the Carolinas with any kind of cancer diagnosis. 

We had the pleasure to sit down with Jennifer Stubbs, a Casting Carolinas program participant turned volunteer and board member, to learn more about this powerful organization and her own journey in fly fishing. 

Q: Can you share how you were first introduced to Casting Carolinas (CC) and what initially drew you to the organization?

A: I was living at Topsail Beach when I went through my cancer treatment. I’m a dental hygienist by profession, and one of my patients shared her experience in Casting Carolinas. She thought I would enjoy what they had to offer since I was both a cancer survivor and she knew my love of the outdoors. She was right. I attended CC in October 2016. That retreat made a profound impact on me in those three short days. Not only did it provide me with tools to help me in my day to day struggles with the fears of recurrence, it gave me a community; one of strength, purpose and giving, that I didn't even know I needed.  

Q: What has your personal journey with Casting Carolinas looked like over time, and how has your relationship with the organization evolved since those early days? 

A: I moved back to the RTP area in 2017 and started going to my local TU meetings and learning to tie flies at the local Orvis. I became heavily involved with Triangle Fly Fishers immediately – becoming a board member and helping locally in all sorts of conservation and educational events through the club and all the while, securing my love of fly fishing. Things connected back to CC when they had their annual Alumnae Retreat and I was able to attend. I have been with them since.

Q: Can you describe your role serving Casting Carolinas and the ways you’re involved in shaping the mission and programs today? 

A: During CC's annual Alumnae retreat, we talk to the participants about how to get involved. I started out helping at retreats as a 'Fly Fishing Instructor', and now I am a retreat leader. During COVID, we started an bi-monthly alumnae (Sisterhood) community, called Stream Side Chat which I host - this is a great way to stay connected with our past participants, discuss topics of interest, occasionally having guest speakers or just having a general 'chat' to keep up with each other. 

During the year, I will set up our CC booth at local events (International Fly Fishing Film Festival, fly fishing shows and other related events where our organization may touch those that attend). I am sure to talk to those I connect with about CC and how it changes the lives of those that attend. In doing so, I hope to find sponsors and ways to bring CC's retreats to the attention of others. I am a member of CC's Board of Directors. We are continuously working together to find ways to raise money for our non-profit, growing our reach and making ourselves stand out from similar organizations.

Q: From your perspective, what is it about fly fishing specifically that makes it such a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and connection for women navigating a cancer diagnosis or survivorship? 

A: Water is healing. Nature is healing. Being able to disconnect from the moments of worry or stress of diagnosis, treatment, life after diagnosis and treatment, is a gift to ourselves. Fly fishing for me has offered a community of women that are there to encourage and help me continue to heal. The all encompassing entity of fly fishing – whether it's tying, conservation, casting, giving back to the youth or veterans – all of these activities provide purpose, growth, a sense of love, involvement, caring and camaraderie. 

Q: It's clear that the Casting Carolinas community of volunteers and participants is vibrant and connected. What stands out to you most about the women who participate and the sense of community that’s been built around this program?

A: I think the women that come through our program are struck by the level of compassion that is extended to each of them. They are given strong tools through our F.L.O.W. model, to use immediately, that can help them get through some very real fears that arise after a cancer diagnosis and quite frankly, for any number of PTSD situations. Between this new way of thinking about trauma and how to navigate our physical and mental response to it, and all the fun things they learn about fly fishing, and that CC doesn't just disappear after their retreat, the ladies realize they have a place to learn, get support, give back and grow. As a participant turned volunteer, I can say from both ends of the experience, CC provides a beautiful gift, both for the receiver and giver.

Q: For someone who feels inspired by Casting Carolinas’ mission (whether as a survivor, volunteer, donor, or supporter) what are the best ways to get involved and support the work you’re doing?

A: There are lots of ways to get involved. #1 - All interested in volunteering will be asked to fill out a Volunteer Form on our website. We always try to source our volunteers from the fly fishing community and or past participants but it isn't a must! We have a volunteer coordinator that can offer several options, from hosting volunteer get togethers, manning a booth, serving as a fly casting instructor, or volunteering as a river helper at one of our SC or NC retreats. We also appreciate donations of goods (for example: fly fishing gear, new participant swag/gifts to be used at one of our three annual retreats, donations of float or wade trips for silent auctions). Taking rack cards to local cancer centers or to other organizations/groups that would benefit from hearing about us is also helpful. Or get involved by registering as a team at our annual Tie-One-On fly fishing tournament. There are lots of ways (not all of them are centered around the retreats) that we could use volunteers, donors and sponsors! 

Q: What makes Casting Carolinas unique as an organization? 

A: Casting Carolinas is unique in its deeply local focus, serving women throughout North and South Carolina while intentionally welcoming participants with any cancer diagnosis. The organization’s programming is grounded in its F.L.O.W. model, which provides thoughtful, evidence-informed support for traumatic experiences through fly fishing and shared outdoor experiences. Beyond the retreats themselves, Casting Carolinas prioritizes long-term connection and community, staying in touch with participants through an annual alumnae retreat, bi-monthly Stream Side Chats, and regular volunteer gatherings that help ensure no woman feels alone once the weekend ends.

To learn more about Casting Carolinas, support their mission, or explore ways to get involved, visit their website and follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on their work throughout the Carolinas.