Reel fun: SpiritFly Expeditions combines an introduction to fly-fishing with the therapeutic nature of the sport

Nick Campos got his introduction to fly-fishing at 10 years old, when he and his father were taken out on the San Juan River by a family friend.

It was an immediate connection.

“We were instantly addicted to it,” Campos said. “As I progressed through becoming a teenager and becoming an adult, I started to see that there’s a lot more to it than just going out and catching fish. It’s really like a self-care routine and a mental health break from just everything we do, everything we go through.”

Reel fun: SpiritFly Expeditions combines an introduction to fly-fishing with the therapeutic nature of the sport

After dealing with depression as a result of an unfulfilling job, Campos was encouraged by loved ones to launch his own fly-fishing company. Being able to share the therapeutic nature of the activity was a primary impetus behind the beginnings of SpiritFly Expeditions.

“It’s a known thing that fly-fishing is very healing, just getting out to nature, getting out there and catching fish. Being out there completely and immersing yourself in it and giving yourself that mental break,” Campos said. “For me, that’s really what it’s all about. It’s about the mental health part of it. I wanted to share that with people and to do something that was meaningful to me in a business. Not just start a business because of money, but to be doing something meaningful in life.”

While SpiritFly has the usual array of guided trips that one might find in a typical fly-fishing service, Campos also started classes for beginners earlier this year. Not everyone has an avenue to easily get started as Campos once did.

“I hear a lot of people say all the time that they want to fly fish, they want to get into it, but they’re not sure where to start,” he said. “They’re not sure how, they don’t have somebody to show them. It seemed natural to just offer beginner classes to everybody. From kids to 10 years old all the way up to elders.”

The courses are offered year-round — weather permitting — and are typically held in three-hour sessions throughout the day in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Corrales on the Rio Grande. Fly-fishing novices will learn the basics of casting, reading the water, rigging and fly selection. All students are supplied with a loaner rod, reel and flies — and Campos provides a cooler fully-stocked with drinks and snacks.

For most beginners, casting is the most challenging aspect to grasp. But according to Campos, overcoming the general perception of fly-fishing as being too difficult to learn is a mental hurdle many must overcome.

“A lot of people who are interested in fly-fishing already fish. They already use conventional tackle,” Campos said. “It’s kind of hard to break those habits of using a conventional rod and going over to the fly rod. Physically, that’s what it can be.

“Mentally, there’s kind of this stereotype that fly-fishing is so difficult and there’s so much to it. Which there is a lot to it, but it’s not as difficult as people think. It’s kind of a two-part thing to get over: first being getting over using conventional tackle, and then getting over the mental stereotype that fly-fishing is so difficult.”

While the learning curve can vary, Campos says quite a few students are ready to purchase their own fly rod and get out on the water after one introductory course. For those seeking extra instruction, a discount is offered for repeat attendees. Those who are ready to advance can get $50 off one of SpiritFly’s guided trips.

By taking one of Campos’ classes, will one be adequately prepared to catch more fish? It’s possible, but that isn’t the primary objective.

“I guess that’s always up for debate. I’d say the main thing goes back to the mental health part of it,” Campos said. “It’s an avenue to kind of give yourself some self-directed therapy.”