I would like to thank you and the staff. I was in a bad place mentally when I connected with mending on the fly. I was diagnosed with an OSI PTSD with extreme anxiety stress and depression disorder. Upon meeting the group and doing the Margaree trip I have begun my recovery. I have spent the last 4 years stuck in my own head and now am finally able to see a light in the darkness. I still see a psychiatrist and psychologist weekly but they are extremely happy with my progress and are optimistic about my recovery. Your group is a major reason for it as I was able to see that others were in the same situations are where able to recover which helped me reach out. Also, every person on the course were so open and always had an ear to lend if needed.
Ray,
I want to say a big thank you to you and the other instructors! I know how much time and energy you pour into this program, and it is very much appreciated.
As you know, my feedback is coming from someone who was a complete newbie to tying flies, as well as fly fishing. Frankly, I had a blast, and I felt that the level of difficulty and pacing was appropriate for all skill levels. I know I asked a lot of questions, but you and the others were very patient and knowledgeable. I don’t feel like my inexperience took anything away from my appreciation for the program, and I don’t think having others in the program with loads of experience held them back either.
Some of the guys mentioned they wished there was more instruction on the actual fishing portion, but I don’t know that I agree. If we covered things like knot tying or what to do if there was a fish on before the weekend, it would likely not be helpful or forgotten. Even on the weekend itself, there isn’t much time, and in my opinion that time is better spent on the water. Perhaps to alleviate these concerns you could share a few YouTube videos a week or so in advance of the knots, parts of the rod, the theory, etc. That way some of the less experienced guys that are expecting to get spoon-fed would have some resources to lean on. I don’t think it’s necessary at all, as I went in completely blind, had a great time, and caught a dozen trout!
Also, the camaraderie is something I really enjoyed. I left the military two years ago and had the intention of not spending much time with military folks. However, this program reminded me of how
I want to say a big thank you to you and the other instructors! I know how much time and energy you pour into this program, and it is very much appreciated.
As you know, my feedback is coming from someone who was a complete newbie to tying flies, as well as fly fishing. Frankly, I had a blast, and I felt that the level of difficulty and pacing was appropriate for all skill levels. I know I asked a lot of questions, but you and the others were very patient and knowledgeable. I don’t feel like my inexperience took anything away from my appreciation for the program, and I don’t think having others in the program with loads of experience held them back either.
Some of the guys mentioned they wished there was more instruction on the actual fishing portion, but I don’t know that I agree. If we covered things like knot tying or what to do if there was a fish on before the weekend, it would likely not be helpful or forgotten. Even on the weekend itself, there isn’t much time, and in my opinion that time is better spent on the water. Perhaps to alleviate these concerns you could share a few YouTube videos a week or so in advance of the knots, parts of the rod, the theory, etc. That way some of the less experienced guys that are expecting to get spoon-fed would have some resources to lean on. I don’t think it’s necessary at all, as I went in completely blind, had a great time, and caught a dozen trout!
Also, the camaraderie is something I really enjoyed. I left the military two years ago and had the intention of not spending much time with military folks. However, this program reminded me of how
This is in response to my experience with HMOTF Nova Scotia chapter. I wish to start this email by stating my amazement for the commitment of the guides, instructors and volunteers. The absolute desire to genuinely help those around them was apparent at every step of this process and it was truly spectacular to be involved with. this entire experience will be with me for the rest of my life, when your someone who has had a life surrounded by so many occasions of overwhelming violence the value of having a memory surrounded by overwhelming nature, kindness but also peacefulness is something that has no price. I feel a more complete individual after the experiences I have had over this past week and that has not been a thought that has been in my head for almost 12 years now. This was the first time in as many years where I truly felt like my life was not going from one state of hyperarousal to another state of franticness to anxiousness about emotional despair. For this moment of clarity I will be forever in debt to the HMOTF program and the Royal Canadian Legion.
Prior to this experience I was very skeptical about being involved in this program as I have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of my time as a regular force Combat Engineer. During my service, I was shot in a friendly fire incident as well as a primary responder to another friendly fire incident in which a close friend was badly wounded, participating in Repatriation Ramp Ceremonies in Trenton, Ontario for two more close friends while recovering from my wounds and not actually being able to be with my unit who at the time in Afghanistan who were suffering extreme casualties was heartbreaking. I was left with a very hollow individual after my experiences and my life turned a dull shade of grey with no enjoyment.
As I write this email now I can assure you that I am not that same individual but slowly finding a new gear in my life. Sitting on the margaree river nestled between the mountains watching eagles on the prowl for fish with your feet in the water is such a beautifully magnificent experience anyone suffering symptoms of any OSI can’t help but just be in the present and appreciate what nature can do for mental health. I realized on that water that the journey of a salmon is very conderable to someone who struggles with trauma and in particular my own struggle. Every morning whether I like it or not I wake up and I’m going against the current, the ocean was my Army experience and the river is my life moving forward. Every step of the the river im trying to move forward and get by, but like fishing such as in life there are lures or triggers that want you to react, and in this reaction you get caught. When you get caught you might get away but you also might not. The key to being the biggest baddest salmon is to develop the ability to not react aggressively or harshly to something thrown in your face, but instead notice it and process it but keep moving up the river. This echoed through me near the dollar pool while casting near a rock ledge with an undertaker salmon fly on my line that I had tied. I didn’t get my salmon on that river. I couldn’t be more ok with that because what I did gain was an entirely new zest for my life and the others around me.
For someone who went 10 years without being diagnosed with fairly severe PTSD going through the CF mental health system I know more than most that there are holes in the system and the absolute fact is that programs like this pick up the slack and save lives. I know this because it just may have saved mine. I have been on a long road with many obstacles and instead of feeling anxious I can’t help feeling excited!
I will be medically released from the Canadian Forces next summer for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I will focus my medical vocational rehab on obtaining fly fishing courses and certifications with the hope that in a few years I may obtain a second career as a fly fishing guide here in Nova Scotia and continue this journey of fly fishing and continue to recommend this program to anyone who is truly suffering. I would like to seek the opportunity to volunteer with this program in any capacity that may be accepted so I can pass one the opportunities that were given to me and which I will be forever thankful for.
As Paddy our guide said “the tug is the drug”. Thank you all so much.
Prior to this experience I was very skeptical about being involved in this program as I have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of my time as a regular force Combat Engineer. During my service, I was shot in a friendly fire incident as well as a primary responder to another friendly fire incident in which a close friend was badly wounded, participating in Repatriation Ramp Ceremonies in Trenton, Ontario for two more close friends while recovering from my wounds and not actually being able to be with my unit who at the time in Afghanistan who were suffering extreme casualties was heartbreaking. I was left with a very hollow individual after my experiences and my life turned a dull shade of grey with no enjoyment.
As I write this email now I can assure you that I am not that same individual but slowly finding a new gear in my life. Sitting on the margaree river nestled between the mountains watching eagles on the prowl for fish with your feet in the water is such a beautifully magnificent experience anyone suffering symptoms of any OSI can’t help but just be in the present and appreciate what nature can do for mental health. I realized on that water that the journey of a salmon is very conderable to someone who struggles with trauma and in particular my own struggle. Every morning whether I like it or not I wake up and I’m going against the current, the ocean was my Army experience and the river is my life moving forward. Every step of the the river im trying to move forward and get by, but like fishing such as in life there are lures or triggers that want you to react, and in this reaction you get caught. When you get caught you might get away but you also might not. The key to being the biggest baddest salmon is to develop the ability to not react aggressively or harshly to something thrown in your face, but instead notice it and process it but keep moving up the river. This echoed through me near the dollar pool while casting near a rock ledge with an undertaker salmon fly on my line that I had tied. I didn’t get my salmon on that river. I couldn’t be more ok with that because what I did gain was an entirely new zest for my life and the others around me.
For someone who went 10 years without being diagnosed with fairly severe PTSD going through the CF mental health system I know more than most that there are holes in the system and the absolute fact is that programs like this pick up the slack and save lives. I know this because it just may have saved mine. I have been on a long road with many obstacles and instead of feeling anxious I can’t help feeling excited!
I will be medically released from the Canadian Forces next summer for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I will focus my medical vocational rehab on obtaining fly fishing courses and certifications with the hope that in a few years I may obtain a second career as a fly fishing guide here in Nova Scotia and continue this journey of fly fishing and continue to recommend this program to anyone who is truly suffering. I would like to seek the opportunity to volunteer with this program in any capacity that may be accepted so I can pass one the opportunities that were given to me and which I will be forever thankful for.
As Paddy our guide said “the tug is the drug”. Thank you all so much.
Mike and Staff,
Honestly, I have to say that I absolutely loved every minute of this project. Let me start off by saying that I was on the road to self isolation. This program allowed me to interact with new people gradually. Each of us have backgrounds that are conducive to learning from each other’s experiences. I would look forward to Tuesday night’s and was upset by the MFRC meeting on Tuesday nights, I know it was once a month but that was once too much. The time spent with you and the staff was simply amazing. Each of you would check and reaffirm progress among the class. There was no pressure to “hurry” the process. The entire experience was exceptional for me. I was by no means a fisherman and you guys brought me through the process to open up a new experience for me. Thank you for your service and passion for the sport. Only thing that I can suggest is that you show students how to tie the knot’s for attaching leader line and tippets. That’s by no means a criticism, it’s just a point that I would have liked to have seen. As seen by the merge of Halifax and Valley it was truly a matter of common interest.
Once again, THANK YOU.
Please convey my gratitude to Brad, Jason and Kip for me also.
Do so for the Halifax staff and the big boss as well!
GO AIRFORCE!
Do so for the Halifax staff and the big boss as well!
GO AIRFORCE!
Good evening, Ray,
I wanted to first thank you for all the hard work and dedication you put into this program.
As for a testimonial, I have learned a skill that I hope I can really hone in the coming year with tying flies
and fishing.
For the fly tying portion of the course, it helps you get out of your head and focus on a task that isn’t
working, or life related. Something you can do with your hands and think about what you need to do to
get it done. It’s a very good escape from the pressures of life.
Casting a fly is more of an art and when you start to get the hang of it is more satisfying than you could
imagine. The instruction that was given was amazing and I learned how to do something I never thought I
would.
The fishing trip to the Margaree is a spectacular finish to the program. For the first time in years I felt
truly relaxed, nothing pressing. Cast a line and maybe catch a fish maybe not, but being there meeting the
owners and workers of the Normaway Inn and the hospitality was great. The guide service outstanding.
The amount of knowledge, skill, and willingness to teach each person was incredible.
As for the heros mending on the fly staff, they were there to listen, help out when needed. They were
understanding of everyone’s backgrounds and loved the fun times in class, and on the trip.
I would recommend this program to anyone who is serving or has served in some aspect of life, it is truly
a great way to slow things down in your life.
Cheers.
I wanted to first thank you for all the hard work and dedication you put into this program.
As for a testimonial, I have learned a skill that I hope I can really hone in the coming year with tying flies
and fishing.
For the fly tying portion of the course, it helps you get out of your head and focus on a task that isn’t
working, or life related. Something you can do with your hands and think about what you need to do to
get it done. It’s a very good escape from the pressures of life.
Casting a fly is more of an art and when you start to get the hang of it is more satisfying than you could
imagine. The instruction that was given was amazing and I learned how to do something I never thought I
would.
The fishing trip to the Margaree is a spectacular finish to the program. For the first time in years I felt
truly relaxed, nothing pressing. Cast a line and maybe catch a fish maybe not, but being there meeting the
owners and workers of the Normaway Inn and the hospitality was great. The guide service outstanding.
The amount of knowledge, skill, and willingness to teach each person was incredible.
As for the heros mending on the fly staff, they were there to listen, help out when needed. They were
understanding of everyone’s backgrounds and loved the fun times in class, and on the trip.
I would recommend this program to anyone who is serving or has served in some aspect of life, it is truly
a great way to slow things down in your life.
Cheers.
Fly tying kits – it was the first fly tying kit I ever looked at so I have no idea how it compares to others but I found that they were of standard quality and we were able to make all the flys the instructors taught us. I also was impressed with the amount t of fly tying material that was provided.
I also noticed that the instructors often used some of their own material while teaching us. That may be due to that’s “what they always used” or it was due to some of the material not being provided. I want to thank the instructors for doing this but I also what it identified that there maybe different supplies required. The instructors will have a better idea of what is required for the material. Please don’t read this as a complaint. I was very happy with what is provided. I just want it noted so it may trigger some memory next time the material is purchased.
Facilities – we had an excellent place to learn. The MFRC room and extra work they did for us was appreciated. It gave us a familiar learning environment and pleasant work space. Some members may find it challenging to go to a base, depending on their health concerns, I was not aware of any for this group but there may be some in future. A legion may cause the same issue, however I do seem to recall someone mentioning at a community center. This may be a good option for future. I like the base.
Fly rods- I was very happy to receive a brand new rod and reel as part of this program, I cannot speak to the quality. However they worked great and set everyone us for a great General purpose fly rod. I shave since purchased a protective case for mine. I would offer that if someone is looking to spend a bunch of money for this in the future that we incorporate a case for the rod. Again I am still shaking my head that someone or a group can be that thoughtful to do this for us. I am not used to this treatment and I am very grateful we were given as much as we were.
Fly casting instruction – I was very vocal with this stuff, the gent that taught us how to cast was incredible. I did not know that there was that level of competency with a fly rod. The skill and talent this person has is remarkable. I found I learned how to properly use a fly rod. The explanation and demonstration was of such high quality that I was able to use what was taught and critique myself, also I started to notice when others make a poor cast. I felt I actually know what to do now. Prior to having some classes form Mr Hines I would just muscle it and mess it up.. Now I know what I am doing wrong, I still have a long way to go but I have learned the right way to do it. Getting better at it is up to me now.