Stories

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 … Read more

In this interview with Marion Hall, we talk about how she found her way into fly fishing at nearly 50, the people who helped her along the way, and the experiences that kept her coming back. It’s a story of saying yes, giving things a go, and discovering just how far that can take you. Tell us about how you got into fly fishing: I was nearly 50 years old when I started. I really wished I had started many years before. However I didn’t know I was going to become a fly fisher. I had always liked salt water fishing, but fly fishing had never entered my head.  I spent most of my working career in Wellington. I met a chap who was a member of the Wellington Fly Fishers Club and that was where I received most of my tuition. Three or four members of that Club played a huge role in keeping me interested.  I had played competitive squash, tennis,  and softball so I think that may have helped me pick up the casting quite quickly. I remember on one of the club on-stream days, Strato had set me up under a bridge on an abutment and … Read more