Sure, fly fishing tends to be a sport loved by men, but don’t say that to members of the Georgia Women Flyfishers.

These women gathered at Frog Hollow in Dahlonega early Saturday morning for the annual Casting for Confidence-North event, which introduces the sport of fly fishing to breast cancer survivors.

Female breast cancer survivors, especially those beginning to resume normal physical activity after surgery or chemotherapy, were welcome to apply to participate in this event. The equipment, supplies and food for the day were provided for the 28 participants.

The Casting for Confidence event began in 2002 in Macon and moved to North Georgia in 2004.

"We find someone who would like to donate their property for a day," said Julie Stalnaker, a volunteer and guide for Casting for Confidence. "It is usually a place that has a trout stream or some type of fish on the property."

This is the first year that the event was held at Frog Hollow, which left everyone in awe.

"It is beautiful," said Eunice Lovell, president of Georgia Women Flyfishers. "For a fly fisherman, it is heaven."

The Georgia Women Flyfishers hold a fundraiser every year. The next one, a Mardi Gras party, is set for Feb. 20 at Sweetwater Brewery in Atlanta.

Lovell believes that fly fishing is a sport that is a good fit for cancer survivors.

"Yes, they may have just finished chemotherapy, they may have just had a surgery, but soon, they will be able to do these kinds of activities because fly fishing does not take a lot of upper body movement," Lovell said.

Volunteer Leslie Miller said that the exercise itself is a strong benefit for people with lymphedema.

"Fly fishing is not only helpful for regaining motion and structure, but the sport is very nonintrusive," Miller said. "It is not something that you have to do with a lot of interaction and things that would be obstructive to people who are in recovery."

Gloria Hall, a participant who was looking forward to learning about fly fishing, originally heard about Casting for Confidence from other cancer survivors.

"I’ve always been fascinated with fly fishing," Hall said. "I had a good friend tell me a few years ago that if I ever had a chance to learn, I should go fly fishing because it is so much fun and relaxing to be outdoors and to catch the trout and know the thrill of the chase."

Although the women didn’t realize it, they all had a shot at getting an award by showing off their skills.

"In the late afternoon, as our closing event, we will recognize three women that have been picked out based on today as the most improved anglers of the day, and those ladies will be given fly rods and reels, all set up and ready to really fish," Lovell said.

Other gifts included a scarf, bracelets, and earrings.

Trina Gardner made three bracelets for the special event. She once had a bracelet given to her that was pink and white, and the gesture meant a lot to her.

"I had worn that thing until it fell off my arm," Gardner said.

So many of the participants get so hooked on Casting for Confidence that they are eager to come back as volunteers.

"I get so much out of giving back," volunteer Beverly Booth said. "It is the most peaceful thing in the world to stand out in the middle of the river and cast."

Dawn Cruce was a participant last year who decided to volunteer. Since her experience last year, Cruce has been in love with fly fishing.

"Being out on a stream, you forget about everything else," said Cruce. "It kind of makes the worries go away."