In this interview, Vicky May shares her journey from a childhood spent hunting and fishing to discovering the rewards of fly fishing and giving back through Fish & Game governance. She reflects on confidence, self-reliance, and why more women should have a voice, not only on the water but around the decision-making table.
(Feature photo: Vicky May with Corina Jordan.)
Vicky, how did you get into flyfishing?
My background is Hunting and Fishing from the days when I was a very young child from opossum trapping to deer stalking with my father. I have endless treasured memories of adventures around duck shooting, camping out and fishing with different family members.
I always recall the adrenaline pumping and the excitement catching my first fish without help. Must have been about 11yrs old. Watching and waiting, sitting back in the tussocks for what I felt back then was like endless hours. Feeling the anticipation, trying to be patient, and praying the trout rising around my bait would be its hopefully final destination.
I could visualize in my head ( no polarized glasses then) that the very clever trout was eying up my bait.
When hooked the sheer excitement of the tugging, leaping, fighting me all the way but wow, the size. (which I thought was massive) Then the game of cat and mouse, cautiously and slowly reeling it in.
When landed it was probably only a 4lb fish but to me back then it was a whale.
Having never killed a fish on my own that was an experience on its own. I’m a huge believer that anything killed must be quick with minimum stress to the hunted. I remember all the time thinking you can do this, it’s food.
My trusty pocketknife behind its eyes, brain spiked and boom it was over.
Taking it home was a very proud achievement moment for sure.
Fishing for myself is a personal experience. I love the whole being at one with nature, soaking up the environment, listening to the birds and the sounds of the water. I especially love how I turn my cell phone off. No technology allowed.
Disconnect from the world.
I’m alone and loving it.
Fishing for myself is mainly for my table. I’m all about heading out to catch a feed.
I am not really into fishing for sport but that’s just my preference.
I have concerns however, that anyone who is intending to go out for catch and release really needs to learn the art to ensure the fish’s survival rate.
Mental health and well-being are indeed a huge factor in fishing. Fishing definitely reduces my stress and anxiety. Anyone needing that dopamine hit then this is for you!
Giving Back
For the past 20 + years I have been heavily involved with a fishing Club in Central Otago “Teviot Angling Club”. I was an Elected Councillor for Otago Fish and Game for two decades (now resigned). However I am currently on council for the Central South Island Fish and Game, which is the region I now reside.
The Governance side is a huge and an absolutely crucially needed role. Fighting for the habitat, quality waterways, licence structure and not to mention its affordability. I do this for all of you, the anglers. I’m always endeavouring to protect your passion and way of life.
Believe it or not I have only really been serious about fly fishing over the last few years. I did dabble with other people’s rods here and there in my past, but I was content with bait, spin and trawling on the lakes.
For the life of me, I don’t understand why I didn’t get into fly-fishing more seriously sooner!
I have sustained a few injuries over the past few years, and I believe fly-fishing is so much more user friendly, a gentler way of fishing. No major force required. It’s all about rhythm and technique. Learning to read the river currents, dull clothing helps and of course the biggest skill to master, in everything one does, is patience.
You don’t need the most expensive gear either !
The skill of fly-fishing is like learning to dance, keep at it and it improves over time.
Who have been your mentors over the years?
When I started fly fishing, I did not have the luxury of having mentorship. I am self-taught and I dare say I probably still need help lol!
I found that watching Youtube videos and talking to some of the councillors’ associated with Fish and Game and the fishing club has helped me immensely.
If I could go back and do it again, I would have joined a Club that is solely for women. The idea of having support, no ridiculing, learning a variety of techniques and just general empowerment, sounds good to me.
Women on the Fly NZ advocates for you and will support you all the way. Anything they can do to help they will – a fantastic group of women. Head out with a few of them if you have members in your area. Think of the fun and memories you will make along the way.
The Breakthrough Moment
I believe that fly fishing, the governance side and any form of hunting for a woman is a profound personal breakthrough. I’m developing self-reliance, and now forging some amazing friendships along the way. It has definitely been an incredible journey, building self-confidence and awareness, but mostly a powerful sense of accomplishment.
What is your Number 1 tip for women entering the sport?
Don’t be afraid to try! If you screw up don’t worry, we all do ( and some of us still do)! It’s all about how you feel in your skin, your own accomplishment, you’re not there to please anyone else.
Ignore the stereotypes. Challenges are how we learn. Wear whatever makes you feel safe, protected, and comfortable. Aim for mastering the mechanics and technique first. The rod is there to do the work for you. Remember to pause between your forward and backward casts – practice on land first.
Having the challenge of gathering some gear and standing back from your chosen waterway is the first step. Look at what’s in front of you, checking and asking βare you in a safe spot?β, for example. Most fish, in my experience, sit in the slow-moving water near the shallows behind large rocks or debris. Just watch the currents. Watching and accessing what’s in front of you is a big part of gaining your confidence and feeling safe.
Take a fishing buddy, someone you trust, have some laughs, make those memories.
What do you hope the Aotearoa New Zealand fly fishing scene looks like in 10 years?
Well as for our legacy I would like to think I am campaigning for the future of women anglers through Fish and Game governance. I would dearly love to see more women elected to a council in their region. Yes, it can be frustrating, yes, it’s traditionally a male dominated domain,
AND….
we need you! I need you! We can continue to break through these stereotyped barriers. We as women are forging ahead and to be fair it’s often us that bring home the bacon (and fish)! We can grow our own network. We can be there for each other !!
