Cherry Twaddle: Still Exploring New Places

In this interview with Cherry Twaddle, we hear how a chance casting lesson sparked a lifelong passion for fly fishing, leading to treasured friendships, memorable adventures and years of encouraging other women onto the water. More than three decades later, Cherry is still learning, sharing her knowledge and looking forward to exploring new places.

So, how did I get into fly fishing? 

In 1990 the Taupō District Council ran a Recreational Women’s Day on one of the parks in our district. There were a number of activities to have a go at but the one that I was keen to try was how to cast a fly rod. No one in my immediate family was into fly fishing. My mother loved spinning and I used to go out trolling on Lake Taupō in my grandfather’s boat. 

I enjoyed the session with the fly rod and was keen to get my own gear and go fly fishing.

I am 46 years old, my kids have left home… I am ready for adventure! 

Who have been your mentors over the years?

The first thing I did was buy a book called “Fly Fishing for Beginners “ by Keith Draper. It became my bible for many years. One of my work mates was into fly fishing, and he helped me buy my first fly rod and reel and neoprene waders.

I joined the Taupō Fishing Club and started making friends who enjoyed fly fishing. In particular two guys became firm friends and we had many adventures exploring places I had only read about! We still remain great friends to this day! Then I met another woman, Jeanette, who was fly fishing the rip at the Hinemaiaia River. She had been fly fishing since a young girl. We also became good friends, having many fly fishing adventures! 

This photo was taken in 1994. I am on the right. The one in the middle is Jeanette (who sadly died last year), the lady I met in the Hinemaiaia rip when I first started fishing. The lady on the left is Patricia, who died a few years ago. She also remained a fishing buddy for many years!

We have all just been dropped off by a boat with our camping and fishing gear at the Waihora River mouth for 3 days camping and fishing!

What was a specific ‘aha!’ moment that changed how you fish?

When I started, I was using a sinking line and using wet flies and fishing downstream in rivers and river mouths. Then the same guy from work who helped me buy my first rod etc suggested I might like to try nymphing. He told me I needed a floating line and, of course, at that time, another reel! It was great – I loved it! I basically changed my method of fishing.

What’s your number one tip for women entering into fly fishing? 

My number one tip is if you think you would like to take up fly fishing – be prepared to put hours, days, months and years into this great sport! You never stop learning! 

This is me, taken in 1996, holding an armful of prizes! I had entered the Lake Taupō International Trout Fishing Contest – there were nearly 500 entries! I came Runner Up for the Best Trout of the tournament, out of spin / fly and troll – my trout weighed 3.85 kilos!

As you can see I was very happy!

And what do you hope the Aotearoa New Zealand fly fishing scene will look like in 10 years? What are you hoping for?

I have certainly seen a lot of changes in the last 10 years. My main concern is the loss of access to fishing places that I never thought I would lose! It is up to us all to get involved in protecting our waterways and access so we can all continue to enjoy our wonderful country! Hopefully in 10 years we will still be exploring new places!

---

Here’s Cherry Twaddle with Leigh Johnson, Pip Martin & Ruth McKenzie in 2022, with a fish she caught on the Waitahanui. As is often the case, she was sharing her extensive knowledge with these beginners. Cherry has been responsible for getting many women hooked on fly fishing. Thanks Cherry! 💐