Malden Anglers hope fly fishing can help vets

When it comes to fishing, it?s not all about the catch.There are the intangible rewards — the camaraderie, the contentment of spending a day at the lake, or on a river or at the beach or just learning a new skill — that also draw people to the sport.That?s the side of fly fishing that Joe Cresta and his fellow members of the Malden Anglers Fishing Club in Saugus were hoping to share when they decided to get involved with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, Inc.Healing Waters is dedicated to “the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active military service personnel and disabled veterans through fly fishing and associated activities including education and outings.”The Malden Anglers are starting a local chapter of the international organization, which was founded in 2005 to serve wounded military service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center who were returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.Cresta is trying to get the word out to local disabled veterans, particularly the younger ones, about the program. There will be a meeting for those interested at the Malden Anglers Fishing Club, 227 Main St., Saugus, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m.Cresta said what makes the Malden Anglers? program different than some of the others is that it is being held at the club, not in a Veterans Administration hospital, which is often the case. Cresta said some veterans might be more inclined to get involved if it?s not in a hospital setting.?We have our own three-acre pond in the back,” Cresta said.Although fishing season is winding down, the program runs through the winter with the focus being on fly tying. Cresta said it?s an introduction to fly casting and fly tying. All the materials are provided free as each program has a budget from the national organization. Everything is paid for through private donations.Cresta said the program is geared toward disabled veterans to help them get their mind off their disability, whether it?s a missing limb, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or some other problem that results in limited mobility.?Fly fishing never takes you to an ugly place,” Cresta said. “You?re in a river, by a mountain, by a beach.”Those who may have limitations when it comes to fly tying because of arm injuries can also be accommodated. Cresta said they have a device that allows for one-handed fly tying and one-handed fly casting.?It?s good for veterans with manual disabilities,” Cresta said. “It?s good for dexterity.”Cresta, who served in the Marines, said there are a lot of veterans who belong to the club who will be volunteering. He said each new veteran will be assigned a volunteer to work with one-on-one.Cresta said some people think fly fishing is difficult to learn, or that it is too expensive.?I never fished a day in my life until someone gave me a fly rod,” he said. “It?s easy to learn. It?s not difficult.”Cresta is also quick to point out that he?s caught as many fish with his $80 rod as with the $1,000 rod. The veterans, however, don?t have to worry about equipment because it?s all provided.Although the winter months are spent inside, the pond at the club is stocked in April and two or three weeks after ice-out, the action moves outside. There are also plenty of trips planned to various fishing spots.Cresta said the meeting on the 24th is basically a meet and greet to introduce veterans to the program. Those interested in information on the program can check out www.projecthealingwaters.org. Cresta can be reached at 781-603-6669.