For Becky Rakisits, fly fishing is a way to “reset” and unwind from her busy lifestyle.
“For me, it’s about getting out of the concrete jungle, into the wildlife and nature, and enjoying the art of fly fishing,” Rakisits said.
“I like the tranquility of being in nature. There are times when I’m fishing, and I stop and listen to the water running because it’s so beautiful.”
Rakisits spreads that message as two-year president of the Pasadena Casting Club, which meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. Check the website for more information. He has been at the club for six years and on the board for five.
On Saturday, March 4, the non-profit Pasadena Casting Club will host its luau fundraiser at the San Marino Masonic Lodge. The event will feature live and silent auctions, a raffle and games. Each guest 21 and older will receive a shot glass custom filled with the Pasadena Casting Club logo. At the bottom will be a number, indicating how many entries can enter the grand prize drawing.
The grand prize is a fly tying bridle valued at $300 that was donated to the club.
Auction items include photographic prints of fly fishing scenes; a set of wheels and tires; a two-night stay at the Pasadena Hotel and Pool; fly fishing equipment; guided trips to Texas, Oregon, Mexico and California; Tickets to the Santa Anita Racecourse; and casting classes.
The club is hosting an introductory fly fishing class at their clubhouse and pool on Saturdays March 4th, March 11th and March 18th. The places are full, but he hopes to hold them again in May.
“We do fly tying classes that we just finished,” he said. “We do a lot of local trips to the Eastern Ranges for club camaraderie.”
The Pasadena Casting Club not only teaches people how to fly fish, but also emphasizes the conservation of local waters.
“When you become a member, you make a conservation commitment,” he said. “We really focus on maintaining our waterways and fish habitats. When we teach fly fishing, we don’t just teach how to catch a fish. We teach you about conserving the waters and lands and keeping everything right.”
Guest speakers also address this topic.
“Guest speakers come from all over the United States and the world to share knowledge about fly fishing,” said Rakisits. “Sometimes it’s a specific location or sometimes it’s a technique. They talk about their organizations or non-profits they run to help conservation. There’s a lot that goes into fly fishing.”
Rakistis started fly fishing when she met her husband, Zackary, 11 years ago. She said the Pasadena Casting Club volunteers are a “great group of people.”
“I absolutely love it,” said Rakistis, a Pasadena native and current resident. “The club is very supportive. When we joined the Pasadena Casting Club, there was a woman president. Her name is Linda Payan. She was such a happy and sweet person that drew us to the club and made us want to be part of it.
“We’ve built such a great community within the fly fishing club and everything outside of fly fishing. We’ve built great relationships and met some really awesome people.”
The Pasadena Casting Club was founded in 1947 by Herbert Shefflin. Before building his clubhouse over a swimming pool, he pitched in front of the Pasadena City College reflecting pool. Within the Pasadena Casting Club are committees that serve youth, veterans, women, and conservation.
Their casting group is one of three in California, with the other two in Long Beach and San Francisco.
Rakistis is the club’s fifth female president and a new mother to 7-month-old Zoe. He has already introduced Zoe to fly fishing.
“He’s been fly fishing on my hip,” he said with a laugh. “There are no limitations to fly fishing. Anyone can do it. Just getting out there is the best feeling.”
Pasadena Casting Club Luau Fundraiser
WHEN: Saturday, March 4 from 5 to 9 p.m
WHERE: San Marino Masonic Lodge, 3130 Huntington Drive, San Marino
COST: $27 active members; $32 non-members
INFORMATION: pasadenacastingclub.org