With the economy sinking like a fishing line loaded with split shot, I've had to alter some planned angling trips and rule out others altogether.

I know a lot of other anglers are in the same boat. Losing fishing time or making concessions to reduce the cost of trips is a major bummer. I count on that time on the water to forget about burdensome things -- like the stock market and column deadlines. I had to make major changes to a big trip this April and almost gave it up, but decided to stick with the plan because of friends who will gather for this annual event.

As things get more and more hectic in life, I find myself needing those days wading and casting and the camaraderie of my companions more and more.

But there are some people who need that time fishing and bragging more than I do. For them, being connected to a fish by a thin line and sharing tales of the one that got away are even more important. Such things can mean the difference between giving into an intimidating and vicious disease or deciding to leap, twist and shake your head until you're free or end up in the net.

Reel Recovery is a national non-profit organization that provides free fly-fishing retreats for men who are fighting life-threatening cancer.

The program is open to all men with cancer, not just fly fishers. In fact, participants need never have thrown a fishing line in their lives. Although fishing is the draw, the real purpose of the retreats is allowing men to share the burden of being diagnosed with cancer. No one understands the intense emotions of hearing that six-letter word attached to your name better than someone who's had the same experience.

Because I have witnessed the power of Reel Recovery and its tears of relief, joy and loss, I'm involved again this year in a Reel Recovery fundraiser to help men with cancer go fishing at Falcon's Ledge Lodge.

Since 2004, more than 120 men have participated in 11 retreats in Utah. They have gone to fish and talk, and have done so at no cost because the emotional and monetary expense of having cancer is high enough.

Utahns have been paying for these retreats through the annual fundraiser event for three years. I wish everyone who has contributed in the past or is considering donating this year could see the magic that these men create when they unite to fight the cancer within them.

The Utah Reel Recovery Charity Bash is March 26 from 6-9 p.m. at Café Trio, 6405 S. 3000 East, in Holladay. Tickets are $40 per person and include light food and wine. There will be live and silent auctions and opportunities to underwrite a scholarship to pay the cost of one man attending the retreat. Visit

www.reelrecovery.org or call 801-550-6654 for more information. You can also e-mail me with questions.

I hope to see you there.

Brett Prettyman is a columnist. Reach him at brettp@sltrib.com.