Fly Fishing News 19-Aug-2008

Sport fishing is a form of recreational fishing where the primary reward is the challenge of finding and catching the fish rather than the culinary or financial value of the fish's flesh. The distincion is not completely rigid - in many cases, sport fishers will also eat their captures. However, the philosophies and tactics used for sport fishing are usually sufficiently different from "feed fishing" to make the distinction clear enough.

Sport fishing methods vary according to the area being fished, the species being targeted, the personal strategies of the angler, and the resources available, ranging from the aristocratic art of fly fishing invented (?) in Great Britain, to the high-tech, incredibly expensive methods used to chase marlin and tuna. However, in virtually every case, the fishing is done with rod and reel rather than with nets or other aids.

Volunteer anglers are teaching fly fishing to disabled veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It's part of a therapeutic program called Project Healing Waters.

"The whole program is designed to provide relaxation to the soldiers," said volunteer Gary Spuhler. "At the same time, the occupational therapists in the Army realize what they're doing is also good for both their emotional and physical rehabilitation."