I Know That Last Minute Shopping Seems to Be The Way You Guys Do It But……

Maybe this year you could have your shopping done BEFORE Christmas eve.

In all seriousness though, Fly Gal in now offering Gift Certificates of all denominations readily available for immediate distribution.  You can even order and then print them out yourself….  How’s that for quick?

Gift Certificates are good for one year from the issue date and can be applied to all Fly Gal merchandise, courses (yes even the traveling kind), guided trips and custom fly orders.

We are currently in the process of adding several new items to our catalogue.  Here’s a sneak peak at some of our new product that is ready for Christmas purchase.

Please contact april@flygal.ca to order.

Our new custom hand-crafted leather fly wallets (with hand-cut horn buttons and wool interior).   $130.00

Knit cap with visor.  Keep her head warm and still look hot!   $19.99

(Front)

(Back)

Fly Gal Fitted Zip-Up Hoody (*New in pink/black).  We also have these in White/Turquoise (not pictured).  $44.99

Flex Fit Fly Gal fitted hats.  If pink’s not your thing, then green or yellow are always ready as a backup.   $24.99

*New!  Military style fitted hat.  Available in colors below.   $24.99

Fly Gal Logo Decals (available in blue, pink, white, black, lime green and purple).  $3.00

Don’t underestimate the thoughtful gift of custom flies (designed and tied by Ape)….

A custom order for a New York steelhead bum.

So as if you don’t already have enough shops flashing their sale lights at you tempting you to shop, here I am encouraging you to do the same; only not in shops of potpourri and sales clerks and certainly not in a mad rush of chaos on Christmas Eve.

Happy Holidays, Happy Steelheading!

Ape.

Women's Learn To Fly Fish Weekend Follow Up

We recently had our Women’s Weekend Learn to Fly Fish Retreat and what a weekend we had!  We teamed with the Fraser’s River Edge in Chilliwack, BC on the Fraser River to host seven up-and-coming Fly Gals, teaching them how to cast, tie knots, and catch fish…..

The incredible view from the lodge.

Breakfast prepared by Mike and Adriana Jones (owners of the lodge).

A happy cheer!

Hmmmm.  Trophy fish?  Hardly…

On our way to the river.  Weekend motto; “what happens on the river, stays on the river”.

The Fraser River waiting for us to cause a major disruption.

Setting up.

Some of the lovely ladies getting ready to learn.

Yes, I know knots are boring, but believe me when I tell you that you’ll need this info one day!

Seriously, you’re going to need this info today…..attention please.

Getting serious.

Oh, what concentration.

Passing the knowledge on (this is how it all begins folks!)

On to the casting.

Looking like I’m threatening to shoot whoever doesn’t listen.

Demonstrating a bad stroke.

Then showing why it’s so bad.

Hmmm.  Yeah, I think we’ll stick to doing it our way.

So we spread out down the river and prepare to catch some Pink salmon.

Yes!

Love it!

So cute!

Oh dear.

I am woman hear me roar.

Landing a little hen.

First fish gets a kiss!

Scrappy little female, the fish was a fighter too  ; )

Oops.  Perhaps there are some leaks that simply can’t be fixed.

Rowdy girls.

A sunset marks a perfect evening.

We will be making this an annual event.  For more information on booking a space, email me at april@flygal.ca

Fly Gal Contest Winner!

Thank you ladies for all the wonderful photos and stories that each of you took the time to share with me!

Each of you is truly an inspiration to me and other ladies of the sport and deserve to be recognized as “bad-ass women of fly-fishing”.

Choosing a winner was harder than hell, though with careful deliberation I feel that the woman I’ve chosen to take this contest down has worked damn hard to get to where she is today!

Congratulations Pat Horn of Missouri!

Here’s the story as told by her hubby….

“My bride of 32 years is Pat Horn.   No silicone here!  hahaha!   As a matter of fact this special lady has quite a story behind her.   She is three years out from breast cancer.   A mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo and radiation.   Like I said no silicone, as she opted to use part of herself in the reconstruction  ; )     I had somewhat introduced her to fly fishing and she liked it.   I had read where she could apply to Casting for Recovery http://www.castingforrecovery.org/ she did and was accepted the following Fall after her treatment.   What a deal!   This turned her into something else. It was good for her mentally, physically and secured me a fly fishing partner forever. We both are volunteers now for the CFR cause and helped out with the retreat last Fall.
Attached are some photos of Pat. One of her with a local farm pond’s surplus for dinner which she helps clean. A series of shots from our vacation last week where she caught at a small stream in Utah. Pat said as she set the hook “Give me the net, I can do this myself”.
Ape I am a lucky man.”

Marty and Pat Horn

Thanks Pat for being you!!!

Other bad-asses that deserve mention:

Geneviève Fournier from Quebec

“Hey April,

These are three photos of fishing on the Alness River in Scotland. I
feel like silly connecting this story back to a guy, but this is the
first time I ever felt like a bad ass fishing chick.  I was living a
broad in Spain and I had left my boyfriend back at school. He was my
fishing buddy.  He was there when I caught my first fish, he helped me
pick out my first rod and he gave book after book about the the rivers
in Utah. When I found out, I no longer loved him, this first thing I
did was escape. I was shocked to find the only place I wanted to be
was on the river.  On a whim I decided to hop on a plane and ended up
in Evanton Scotland, a tiny town with two pubs and a fly shop, forty
five minutes outside of Inverness.  It was my first time using a spey
rod and my first time fishing without him. When I got on the river and
my guide handed me a 15 ft. 10 weight Rod. I looked at it and was
thinking to myself, “How the Hell am I going to Cast this thing?”  But
once I experienced the sheer power of the rod, I knew I was hooked.
After fishing three days sun up to sun down in the freezing rain, I
got my first Atlantic Salmon! The hunt, the struggle and the victory
left me in tears.  I don’t think I’ll ever have a more joyous moment
than pulling in my big beautiful hen out of the Alness river!

Thanks,
Christin Aucunas”

Ashleigh Paulk with a beautiful trout from Spring Valley Anglers www.springvalleyanglers.com

Anna Riggs teaching a new generation of fisherwomen the joy of the sport on the White River in Arkansas.

Jenefer Smalley (she’s one of my favorites)

“So This BAD ASS Beauty was caught off shore Lacey off Langara Island in the Queen Charlottes.  So PIMP!! (as Yos would say!!)  This was one of the best days of my life!  It was a dream come true to catch and release a Tyee!

Hooked line and smashed her it was all me!  I’m a DIE HARD Bad Ass man and I would love that hoodie and street cred haha!!

I’m relatively new to fishing. All it took was two summers in the Charlottes with the boyz workin hard, fishen hard, gettin ragged on for farmin fish…then proving myself with my Tyee and many other incredible Salmon.  I now own a 5 pound test fly rod which I have put to the to good use and caught some lil beauty’s on this summer.  I have found my true calling/passion…through fishing.  I’ve heard you speak and share your passion. There’s nothing like the challenge and pay off of a successful battle and release.

UPness,

Smalley”

Jeanette Lark

“Hi April,
I hope I’m not too late to enter the contest. My name is Beth Godin. I live and fish in Vermont. Not only am I a bad ass fisherwoman, but my toy poodle is too! (See her behind me in the carp photo!) No…she is NOT Musky bait! Don’t get any ideas!  : P

I have the great fortune of being engaged to a fly fishing guide and been “used” (oh poor me!) as a scouting partner. We fish for many “unusual” (well unusual for VT) species such as gar, carp, bowfin and sheephead. I really enjoy the sightfishing aspect of targeting these fish and I don’t think I’ll ever understand why anyone would just sit in a boat or on a bank waiting to feel a tug…how boring!  Fly fishing engages all my senses and many interests. From photographing and viewing other wildlife, to getting a fun and good workout rowing the canoe around. And of course having fun adventures with my fiance. We plan to go to Belize for some flats fishing for our honeymoon! I almost am more excited about that than the actual wedding!

And I agree with you…I’m not at all against fishing bikini babes either. You can catch some nice bass in a bikini top…and man, does it feel much more comfortable on a 90 degree day on Lake Champlain than some fancy SPF infused expensive shirt! Ventilation flaps? So what…You get some extreme ventilation in a  triangle top!

Tight lines (and tight knots on those bikini tops! Wouldn’t want to pull a Janet Jackson while fighting a big carp!)
-Beth”

Terry Polk

“This is my Mom who is an amazing woman all around, but who really shines on the water…She sent me my first rod when I was living in Colorado and I was missing the water, never realized that the best fishing is a long ways away from the Chesapeake Bay sometimes. Anyhow her and her husband travel pretty much every chance they get to hike and fish.  She says, the best thing about trout fishing is that trout live in the most beautiful places in the world and we get to visit when we fish.

I’m attaching a couple photos of her in Idaho and Oregon where she has a little fishing cabin. She is the real deal and outfishes the boys a lot of the times we are out. Well, there you go!

Hope you like these, regardless of whether she wins or not.  Oh and she just called and wants me to add that not only is she a mother, she is now officially a fishin’ grandma. The last one is a pic of the family, me, my lil sis, my mom and stepdad fishing the Wallowa near Hells Canyon in Oregon.

Skoal!

Martin”

Sarah Exton is a hard-core angler who travels the world in pursuit of fins.

“Hey April,
My name is Stormie Tench.  I live in Northeast Georgia.  I have only been fishing for about a year now.  My boyfriend got me into the sport.  The photo that I have entered into the contest was a picture that was taken the first time I went fly fishing.  Although, it took half the day for me to even hook one of the rainbow trout, and it wasn’t the biggest fish, I was so proud of myself!  The feeling of hooking onto a fish is so awesome!  It is very exciting.  I enjoy this sport and want to continue learning all the techniques.
-Stormie”

Caca Zarif-Pires

“Hey April,
Robin from Portland here!
Hope you are doing well, here is a picture of me on the Deschutes that
my husband took.  It’s always been one of my favorites.

Robin Healy”

Danielle Will- Simms Field Testing Coordinator

“I am super proud to be a fly fishing woman. I am competitive in nature (usually just against myself) but I drive along the rivers, watching people fish and 99.9% of the time it’s all men. Ever hear the song, “Anything you can do I can do better”? Well that songs starts up in my head and I get excited. I get excited that hell yeah I can do that just as well or better.

I am super stoked on more and more women joining this amazing sport and will do my best to push the development of new and improved WOMEN’S products.

By the way-ever going to make it to Bozeman one of these days?”

“One look at my picture and you might not think that I qualify as a “bad-ass” angler, but I can hold my own, even at the age of 49 and standing all of 4’11″ tall. (I’m sure I would never get a job as a model at that height!)

Mini Fly Gal….

My girl Rebekka!

Ginger Rowe

“I wish this was a better pic, but here she is…. your bad ass girl!   She is my sis, and she is the one who got me into fishing!   If it weren’t  for her, I never would have picked up a fly rod! Like I said, not the best pic but she IS BAD ASSSS!”

Shannon Beall of BC.

“As for being a bad ass I am soooo not but…  I am happiest with a cold wind
at my back and ice forming on the guides.  They don’t call me “Blue Toes”
for nothing!  Love ya girl, can’t wait to catch up, Shannon.”

“Hi April,

This was taken of my first steelhead fishing trip up at the Salmon
River in NY in February.  I had been having a bad couple of weeks due
to a miscarriage and a cut in hours at my work, but my husband, an
avid fly fisherman, insisted that we continue with the trip.  It was a
great idea — being on that river, hooking several steelhead and
bringing in a few, I was able to take my mind off of current events.
I was very proud to land this one — the biggest fish of the day.

As I said before, my husband is a big-time fisherman, and going out on
the rivers with him has been a great way for us to spend time
together.  I’m still getting into the sport, but each fish I catch
brings me a little closer to being a true “flygal” myself.

Thanks,
Alicia Michels”

True Fly Gal Susan, who is about as bad as they get!

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PHOTO OF HER HOLDING THE BOAT WHILE THE BOY STANDS BY!

Caitlin Patrick

“These pictures are from my trip to Alaska to fish on the Agula Pak river off of Lake Nerka. The trip was amazing, spending 8 hours a day on the river, I caught lots of fish and had a great time with my guides, especially Nick and Isaac English.

The first picture is with a 22in grayling. Caught with an adams.

the next two were a 19in grayling caught on a nymph.

The last picture is a 22in char caught with an eight weight and a streamer, put up a good fight.”

Val Young fishing the morning midge hatch while waiting for
her coffee.  She is no slouch with the flyrod either and will outfish
the boys on most days.

The wonderful, fish crazy T-Bird (Teresa VanWinkle).  This gal is beyond kick-ass!  Her fly-tying skills speak volumes and she fishes more days than most.  Damn you’re hot T-Bird!  Keep rockin’ the nails baby!

My guide from the Queen Charlotte Islands;  Sumiko Sakiyama.  Sumi’s my favourite guide so far!  If you’re heading to the Charlotte’s anytime soon, look for Sumi…she’s guaranteed to make your trip excellent!

“Hey April!!!   I am entering this photo because it is something a little different compared to fishing in waders! I am a salt water fishing guide in the Queen Charlotte islands, ten hour days in all sorts of weather hunting the elusive chinook salmon.  This day it was blowing 30-40 northwest, we are actually sitting in a 17 foot boston whaler waiting for a chinook bite! These days are pretty crazy, fighting the water and when you do get a fish on it can get pretty interesting when the fishing guide can barely even stand in the boat!   I am super proud to be a “bad ass fisher girl” because I am able to spend time with people from all over the world, share that amazing adrenaline filled feeling of landing a giant salmon and show them a piece of BC that holds a special place in my heart.  And to top it all off, I am just a little girl in green Hellys!”

“Hi April!  Well I saw the contest on your blog and thought I would share my fav of the few pics that I have of me.  I am on the water here in New Brunswick on the Dungarvon with my husband over the July long weekend.   The HUGE smile on my face is because I just busted out a beautiful double spey cast and I  was so  damn proud!  I had been practicing for what seemed like forever and my hubby has been so patient with me since I started fly fishing with him this year. I love to fly fish because it is something g that we do together as a couple, we have been together for 7 years now and just celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary on August 9, 2009. We are already planning our 10 year anniversary trip to Patagonia or Alaska, I can’t wait, and yet I can, I need more practice!  I’ll be learning to tie flies this winter and will be sending in my creations for Flies For Fins.  This chick loves fly fishing so much that my husband now fears he has lost his Meiser!

Kickin’ tail in NB,

Kristy Arnett”

“Hi April!

I decided to send in a picture for your awesome Fly Gal contest. Still enjoy reading your blogs…and thanks again for all the advice you’ve given me!

Photo Attached:

Jessica Ruskin with golden trout, caught in Cherokee, NC. 19 inches and approximately 4 1/2-5 pounds. Caught on a hare’s ear nymph. My husband (who has been fly fishing since he was 10 and taught me to fly fish) and cousin had been attempting to catch this particular trout for hours while I was away shopping with my mother. I met up with them later for some fishing, took 2 casts, landed the fly right in front of this fish, and screamed in delight as I realized I’d actually hooked up with this beautiful trout.  She put up a hell of a fight; I was actually shaking when I landed her.  Please excuse the fact that my husband is in the picture – we forgot to bring the net, so he had to help me land the fish.

I’m proud to be a bad-ass woman of the sport because it allows me to prove to my husband that I can clean house and decorate, have dinner ready every night, dress up in a cocktail dress for a night out, yet still kick his ass out on the river. It gives me a chance to take part in a beautifully creative art form and is quite an amazing stress reliever.”

Jessica Ruskin

Proud Mother Adriana (above) and daughter, Tyla.  While fishing for chub and other little critters, Tyla (6) managed to hook this sturgeon and landed it on super light tackle and 8lb test!

This is a family who truly loves spending their time together on the water!  Check out Adriana’s lodge on the Fraser River at www.fraserriversedge.com

“Hi April,
My name is Caitlin Gifford, Im nineteen and have been fishing since I was
six. My home waters are the Bow River in Calgary AB and thats where I
spotted this brute.
I work in a fly shop full time during the summer and part time while I’m
at the U of Calgary, I literally don’t remember a part of life that hasn’t
been centered around fly fishing in one way or another. As soon as he
could my Dad threw a fly rod in my hands and I haven’t put it down since.
I’m a “bad ass fishing chick” because thats what I was born to do, I talk
fish all day in the shop and fish on my days off. I’ve traveled the world
in the name of fish from Mongolia to Cuba and many more to come. I fly
fish not only for the catch but also for everything in between, the cast,
the fly, the laughs, the eat. It’s my world!
On a side note check out the shop blog at
http://countrypleasuresff.blogspot.com/
for Bow River/southern Ab pics and such.
Thanks and if your ever in Calgary we should hit the river, there’s
nothing better than dry fly fishing for big ass browns on the Bow.

Caitlin”

Kaylin Bickle with an awesome Alaskan rainbow.

The one submerged was my largest GD…32lbs…largest they have caught there…about 40lbs…girl power!

Anyhoo—just enjoy the fish porn…

Cheers,
N”

I am Louise Dunn from Arkansas.  Here are a couple of my photos I am submitting for this contest.  This 22 pound brown was caught at the Bull Shoals Dam on the famous White River.  This is my once in a life time fish!!  Or maybe not.  What a day!!  It was the most thrilling day of my life to cast to this beast and have him take the fly and have the rush of my life when landing him.  Not to mention being the only woman on the river and have all these fly fisherman stand and watch in amazement.  This is my bad ass fly fishing adventure!!
Louise Dunn

PS- I had to just throw in this photo.  One of my favorite fly fishing destinations.  Alaska,
What a week of being in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and to catch these huge trout,  one after another, and to be so fortunate to be fishing with the bears what an adventure!!
Thanks Louise”

Me, proudly teaching two young fly gals at a trade show in Abbotsford.  These two ladies picked it up so fast!  I was beyond impressed!

Well, there you have it folks!  Some seriously kick-ass ladies who help to make the sport more enjoyable with that feminine touch….

Damn, I’m proud!

Hope to see each of you on the water!

Ape.

For The Fly Gals- Part 2

So, here’s the way I see it…..

Websites and magazines hold regular “Women Fishing” photo contests that seem to create a larger stir amongst the male portion of the angling community than the truly dedicated female population.

I would hope that one would be able to read between the lines of my writing enough to see that the hype and immaturity of “silicone induced, bikini babes holding bait caught fish”, make me gag a little every time.

Now, listen to me carefully….

I am not against silicone, nor am I against bait caught fish….What I am against are the contest entries of legitimate, hard-core, bad-ass fishing “chicks” who don’t get half the credit they deserve because they’re overshadowed by a model whose primary purpose in the photo was to serve as boat decor.

This said, I would like to announce a ‘contest’ (though it’s truly more of a statement with a hoody as a bonus).

Winner receives this Fly Gal zip-up hoody in desired size.

“Contest” Description:

Send in a photo of you on the water (or of something super cool you’ve photographed while fishing), with a brief description of what it is, who you are, and why you’re proud to be a bad-ass woman of the sport.

Photos don’t need to be strictly fly-fishing related; you’ll find no discrimination here to the ladies of the spoons and spinners (though, you know it’s my job to try and convert you, so expect some ribbing from me).

Feel free to break away from the usual grip and grins, and don’t be shy!

I’ll be posting entered photos onto my blog, so please make sure you’re sending a photo that you’re comfortable sharing.

Contest expires August 31st, and I’ll announce the winner that day.

Send photos to april@flygal.ca

Rock on ladies!

I look forward to seeing what you’ve got!

Ape.

For The Fly Gals- Part 1

As previously printed in the Canadian Fly Fisher magazine (2008).

I have a confession to make.

I’ve always been a sucker for a woman casting a fly rod.

I can’t help but watch in awe as she casts effortlessly into the cool breeze, gently throwing mends upriver, concentrating on her fly’s presentation before stripping the line back in and preparing to cast again.  I try so hard not to stare but, the truth is, I just can’t help myself.

Ade you’re sexy as hell babe!

Don’t get me wrong, I love to watch a tight loop cast from just about any angler, man or woman, but there’s just something different about a cast kissed with a feminine touch.

Ape throwing one out there.

Hello ladies, please allow me to introduce myself.
My name is April Vokey and I’m an avid angler and fishing guide in beautiful British Columbia.  Like so many of you, I’ve been bitten and deeply infected by the fishing bug, and, quite willingly, I allow it to consume my life.

Mathew Moisley photo.

My fascination with  fishing began when I was a little girl.  Never having the luxury of a father or grandfather who was really serious about fishing, the origins of my obsession with the sport has always been a mystery both to me and my family.

Nevertheless, my parents, always huge supporters of quality family time, were more than happy to take my sister and me to spend the day at the water, picnic basket and mini fishing rods in tow.  Although, as children, we had great fun casting worms and wedding bands, it wasn’t until I was old enough to drive, that I was able to take myself fishing and truly learn the ways of the river.

My first car; the Blue Beast (Buick Skylark).  This thing got me to the river and back and was the most reliable fishing buddy I had for a long time.

Getting started was intimidating.  I had a lot of questions and, with no one to answer them, I made my way to the library and took out every book I could find on different species of fish and methods of catching them.

I learned how they fished in the UK and the habits of countless ocean-dwelling creatures, but remained fairly ignorant about fishing in the Lower Mainland, B.C.  For this, I had to seek help from somebody with experience, so I headed to my local tackle shop.

The guys in the shop were more than helpful and provided me with knowledge about the river that I was interested in fishing, making sure that I was properly equipped.  They set me up with affordable gear, drew me detailed maps, and explained the basics of proper river etiquette.

Off to the river (Damn, BC is awesome!)  Aaron Goodis photo.

Little do they know it, but that was a day I will never forget.  Barriers dropped, and fears were forgotten, as I was welcomed with friendly faces, sincerely interested in showing me how to grow in the sport.  In return, that shop gained a loyal customer, never too proud to ask for advice and always eager to share her reports and experiences.

It is a relationship I strongly urge any aspiring angler to commit to.

As my days on the water accumulated and the years passed, a natural progression began. I found myself being lured by the beauty of the art of fly-fishing….. I longed to cast that fluorescent line with ease, my body flowing gracefully and my fly taunting unsuspecting fish as it swung across the current.

It has always seemed romantic to me, a classic sport as old as time, consisting  merely of a patient angler, several trusted flies, fly rod, spooled reel, and sheer appreciation of the tranquil surroundings and therapeutic songs of nature.

I never could, and never will for that matter, wrap my head around why such a poetic pastime has for so long been pursued primarily by men.

April Vokey photo.

Aaron Goodis photo.

Andrea and Jenna ready to rock ‘n roll (Trevor Welton photo).

For the longest time, my friends and family thought I was losing my mind.  Seeing me endure long drives and freezing weather, they knew there must be something extremely unique about this sport that I  continued to stubbornly pursue.

Typical scene of a BC canyon wall.  Looking back now, no wonder my parents freaked….

Even my little sis, Dana, began to understand what all the fuss was about (Steve Morrow photo).

I suppose it was inevitable that I would eventually find myself agreeing to bring some of my close girl friends out with me to share the experiences of a day of catch-and-release fishing on the river.  The outcome proved to be something I’d never experienced before.

As an angler who had always preferred to fish solo or with capable male fishing buddies, I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t slightly concerned as to how the day would unravel.

April and Nicole (Marcel Saring photo).

The truth is, I was completely taken aback by how incredibly enjoyable our time together on the water was.

With conversation not varying much from that we’d exchange over a cocktail on a girls’ night out, we easily lost track of time as we enjoyed our freedom and surroundings—hiking along the river bank, searching for that single adrenaline-packed moment.

It was much like taking a yoga class or a cleansing hike with a close friend—the adventure, movement, relaxation and concentration of fishing provided an escape from all the accumulated stresses of work, home, and life in general.  Spending time on the river with these patient, energetic and persistent women, it didn’t take me long to conclude that having a woman fishing buddy was the link that had been missing for me.

Guide Kate Taylor knows what I’m talking about.

Soon, I began to get phone calls and emails from other friends and acquaintances and, before long, I was taking women of all ages with me to experience a sport which so many of them had an interest in but were too intimidated to try.  These women included co-workers, relatives, friends of friends and guiding clients.

My girl Ashley.

Client Sheila.

It’s such a shame that intimidation prevents so many women from participating in fly fishing.  Afraid of lacking the strength and the skills necessary to be a successful angler, a vast majority of women opt to stick with sports more suitable to the physicality of a woman.  This is truly unfortunate, as there is nothing further from the truth than this major misconception.  In actuality, it is a fact that women are better casting students than men.

Giving a lesson.

Ask any reputable fishing guide or casting instructor, and most will agree that women do indeed learn more rapidly than men.

This is not meant as a put-down of the opposite sex, but rather as an observation of how each sex absorbs instruction and how easily they apply it to the task at hand.  Enthusiastic and open-minded, women sincerely listen to constructive criticism, immediately focusing on improving their faults.  Please note that this is not always the case when receiving instruction from one’s significant other, as that can often cause more harm than good.  You all know what I’m talking about!

Women tend to have a more gentle stroke, controlling the fly rod with careful movements, taking special precautions not to overpower it, the way most men do so regularly.

Maintaining the rod tip’s proper path in casting is crucial, and women are more apt in applying that unexaggerated, delicate motion, in which the tip is prevented from being forced too far back or too far forward on either side of the angler, enabling a sweetly loaded rod which delivers a beautifully timed, tight loop. With the realization that brute strength plays no part in the process of becoming a great caster, the intimidation factor is soon overcome and forgotten about completely, being replaced with the joy of perfect, effortless motion.

Right Shannon?  (Rod Vanderlinde photo)

As a firm believer in equal opportunity and a fishing buddy to both men and women, I have spent countless days on the water with a wide ranging assortment of anglers.

Over the years, some days have proven to be undeniably frustrating, and others, unbelievably picture-perfect.  However, my favourite days are just indescribably……..girly?

Yup!  With bright pink hats and manicured nails, I am self-admittedly a ‘girly-girl’.  I’m simply a woman who likes to play in the water, rather than a diva or a feminist—a serious angler in touch with my feminine side, who spends all of my free time chasing fish in the hope that they, in turn, will chase my fly.

You can be certain that there are more of us out there than you might think there are, and with time, as each woman begins to break through the subtle barrier of what has been up until now a ‘boys only club’, we are slowly finding each other and establishing our own niche.

Sarah Exton is feisty with her red nails!

Although it’s only natural that there will be days when an intense conversation with a female fishing companion is the last thing you wish to engage in while angling, I strongly encourage all women to make some effort to get to know other fellow female anglers in their area, as these fishing relationships do have a lot to offer.  If meeting a stranger isn’t for you, don’t give up, chances are that one of your close girlfriends or co-workers are probably interested in having you take them out for a day or two.  Whether it be meeting someone in your area, or introducing that lovable but completely novice friend who wants to accompany you (remind them that instructional magazine articles for beginners are not gender specific), your local tackle shop should be able to assist you.

A local angler, Radine, who has blessed me with a smile on more than one occasion.

A day of fishing with a female friend is like nothing else, as it forges a bond that only another woman can fully comprehend.  Women speak the same language, and with this advantage in communication, we are able to teach and learn from each other with great ease.  Accepting each other’s flaws and idiosyncrasies, there is an inherent comfort level between us that makes the day so special.

As in Sex and the City (only without the sex and without the city), we giggle as we hike, discussing relationships and life, never fretting about how much we are sweating or how often we have to use the bushes as a bathroom.  It’s a perfect partnership.

A day of fishing full of laughs, girl talk and serious misbehaving….

We hurt from laughing the next day.

Alright Fly Gals, unite!

Stay tuned for a chance to win a free hoody in part 2 of ‘For The Fly Gals’.

Ape.

For The Love Of Iceland

I remember the first email I ever exchanged with Icelander, Rafn Valur Alfreðsson.

I couldn’t pronounce his name, and I certainly couldn’t pronounce his river, but the rest of the text was clear.

April, my name is Rafn Alfreðsson and I run a lodge on the river Midfjardará.  We would like you to come to Iceland to put on a women’s school in June next year, are you interested?

Iceland is famous for it’s incredible scenery and world renowned Atlantic salmon fishing…..Of course I was interested.

The lower and flatter half of the “Midi”.

The deal was simple……  Eight days, four of which were my own personal fishing days and four of which were to be spent instructing, guiding and laughing with twenty-four lady anglers from around the country.

The school was to take place on the third week of June, making fishing tricky, as June 19th had been opening day and the fish were scarce.

The commute from Oklahoma to Iceland was an interesting one to say the least.  I was traveling alone, at times feeling like a contestant from the Amazing Race.
Connections, insanely lengthy layovers, and underground trains to off-map terminals kept my tired eyes alert, testing my navigational skills.

Finally, I settled into the cozy seats of Iceland Air.

Nearly 24 hours later, the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean kissing Iceland’s green fields filled my window and our plane descended.

It was obvious I was in a foreign country.  The toilets flushed differently, the electrical sockets were funny looking, and the language surrounding me was one of a kind; quite literally.  (Icelander’s have their own language and even their own letters.)
Try pronouncing one of their words one day….make sure there’s no one in front of you, ‘cuz they’re bound to get wet.

My guides name was Jonni (pronounced Yonni).
A quiet, reserved, handsome, early forties, local, Jonni had woken up early to be at the airport for 6am.
(Side note:  During these months, Iceland doesn’t get the slightest bit of dark even once throughout the evening!  There’s something strange about being able to get a sun tan at 3 o’clock in the morning….This said, they have set fishing rules, and it is illegal to fish past a certain hour at night).

Jonni’s face said it all; ‘it’s opening day on the Midfjardará and I’m stuck here picking up some high maintenance, over hyped blonde chick….’

Yup…..this one.  (Photo by Larus Halldorsson.)

Jonni didn’t know it yet, but we were about to become extremely dear friends.

Jonni you’re a babe!!  I miss you buddy…… (Vokey photo.)

The truck ride to the river was two hours long and I hit Jonni with 1001 questions.  This was the most beautiful country I had ever seen!

Ocean view, volcanoes, rolling hills, gin clear water and picture perfect waterfalls told me that if the fish were as beautiful as their surroundings, that I had found heaven.

Cliff top view of the “Midi”.  (April Vokey photo.)

We headed straight for the river in true Vokey all-nighter fashion.  Man, I’m starting to get too old for this whole live without sleep thing…..

The first run we hit up was a flat, steady flowing piece of water that required no more than a short roll cast.  Our flies were small and everything that I had imagined fishing for Atlantics would be.

‘Oooooh so romantic!’  I squealed to myself.

The “blue box”…

Arriving at the run.  (Vokey photo.)

Cast, strip, cast, strip, I worked the run and moved step by step through the pool.

The run widened and my casts lengthened.
I cast, adjusted my footing, and then looked back at Jonni to ask him question #1002.
His eyes almost popped out of his head; he was looking straight past me.
Idiot girl had missed a nice sized salmon splashing at her fly.

“Damn!!!”  (The censored version).  There was no need to be disgusted though, for Jonni was disgusted enough for the both of us.
He shook his head and looked down.

Great start.

I tried at that fish for another ten minutes before Jonni took the rod from my hands.

Three casts and his rod was doubled over with the perfect specimen of a fish jumping on the other end.

Bastard.

My, uh I mean, Jonni’s first salmon of the season.  (April Vokey photo.)

The day went on and we hit countless other pools.  Every so often I’d close my eyes to take it all in….I was in Iceland!
For me, this was a dream come true.

Our rig.  (Vokey photo.)

Near the end of the day we hit a long run, and I cast into the head of the pool.
I recognized pools like this one from the steelhead rivers in BC.

I cast.  Only this time instead of stripping, I let my steelhead instincts set in and prepared to let my fly swing through.

“Oh my God, this run is money”, I said to Jonni, anticipating a tug.

Sure enough, a large mouth broke the surface and my small black fly was engulfed by a magnificent fish!
I raised the rod tip and prepared to battle.
It jumped, ran, splashed and turned for close to twenty minutes.
I was getting my ass kicked!!!

Eventually I landed my first Atlantic Salmon.  My God, it was beautiful!  Chrome and spotted with sea lice, it was one of the most magnificent fish I had ever seen.

Yay!  First Atlantic ever!  (Jonni Birgisson photo.)

It was well worth waiting for.

When I first started fly-fishing, there was a perception that I held in my head.  When I would close my eyes and envision the epitome of why I was so drawn to the sport, I would imagine a romantic stream, with cascading waterfalls, classic flies, floating lines, tight loops, and flawless silver fish.

Flawless…. (photo by Helgi Gudbrandsson)

Casting at holding fish beneath the falls.  Can you believe we actually caught fish in here!?

Iceland was everything I dreamt fly-fishing would be.

Oh so cute (Jonni Birgisson photo.)

Soon, the ladies arrived from various towns around Iceland; every one of them excited to learn and have a shot at a fly-caught Atlantic salmon.

I’ll let several pictures speak for themselves……

Ape with a glowing angler (photo by Helgi Gudbrandsson.)

Ready for release (photo by Helgi Gudbrandsson).

This fish made this lady work for it! (Photo by Helgi Gudbrandsson)

Fishing with style (photo by Helgi Gudbrandsson.)

Iceland was one of the most mind blowing trips that I have ever taken and if I could preach to somebody loud enough that this is a MUST TAKE trip, I would shout it as obnoxiously as an old-school click pawl reel.

The guides (when they weren’t beating on me in a brotherly sort of way), the food, the lodging, the scenery, and the fishing (during the months of July and August, it isn’t irregular to have 50+ fish days) far exceeded any of my expectations.

The trip’s not cheap, but if you sub your next two trips with this one, I can promise you that it will be more than worth it.

For more info on booking a trip visit http://www.fhd.is/

For so many fresh water anglers, this is the reason we started fly-fishing in the first place, so why on Earth wouldn’t you try to revitalize that passion….

Think about it,

Ape.

(Stay posted for a published article with more details on this trip.)

Last Call for the Women's Weekend Retreat!!!

Just a quick reminder that if you haven’t booked a spot for our Women’s Weekend Retreat on September 19th and 20th, there are several spots still available.

Check out the May 12th blog for more info.

Women's Weekend Retreat- Book Now!

Hey ladies! Need a quick vacation? Have a look at this…..
Space is limited so please book soon!

Women’s Weekend Getaway!
September 19 &20th 2009
(arrive Friday evening, spend Saturday and Sunday on the river, depart Sunday evening)

Join April Vokey of Fly Gal Ventures for a two day women’s fly-fishing retreat, including all meals, accommodations, instruction, and scenic jet-boat tour.

Inclusions:
-Two 8 hour days on the river (learning to fly-fish and fly-cast, while fishing for salmon in the Fraser River).
-Shore side Barbecue on the river each day.
-Accommodations at The Fraser River’s Edge B&B www.fraserriversedge.com
-Breakfast (Saturday/Sunday) and dinner (Saturday). Welcome cocktail and appetizers on Friday night.
-Jet boat transportation to and from the fishing site and a scenic jet boat ride up the Harrison River.

Cost:
$480.00 (Can) per person
(prices do not include GST or fishing licenses).
www.fraserriversedge.com/promotions.html

CALL 1-888-FLY-GALZ or email april@flygal.ca to book a space.

Offer expires June 30th, minimum 6 people must book.
50% deposit required at time of booking, cancellations policy at the following link: http://fraserriversedge.com/rates.html

A Shout Out!

It wouldn’t be right of me to have a blog for fly gals, and not give a shout out to some true fly gals!

K8 rocking the fish dance (Michael Davidchik photo).

I’ll name but a few, make sure you check out their sites!

I remember the first time I met my girlfriend Kate (aka K8). I was beat and trying desperately to get a classic fly finished when her loud laugh shook me up.
“Who wants a Caesar!?” She was just in from off the water and was ready to bust out the vodka.

For the past three years I had made the Hilltop Hostel in Spence’s Bridge my home while fishing the Thompson River in below zero temperatures. Another female presence was rare, and though she was welcome, she startled the hell out of me and several other guys around the tying table.

Kate soon proved that like the rest of us, she was crazy about fishing. Not casting, or meeting guys, or any of the lame garbage that one too many people use fishing as an excuse for; nope, Kate simply loved to fish.

K8 in Alaska

It didn’t take long for me to decide that this was a gal I sincerely wanted to be a part of both my fishing crew and my life.

Kate had started a site called ‘Rogue Angels’. The site was pimped and truly devoted to the bad-ass female anglers who braved harsh weather conditions and equally harsh scrutiny.
I loved it.

Yeah, Kate had me at “Whew, tough fishing out there…”

Check out Rogue Angels http://www.rogueangels.net/

Then there’s Ade. Adrienne and I go way back.
As girly as they come, Adrienne won my heart when I met her working the counter at Michael and Young Fly Shop.
She had the cutest giggle, the slightest lisp, and the most absurd collection of fishing hats I had ever seen!
Ade was a breath of fresh air in a male dominated sport, so I suppose it was only natural that we’d exchange numbers with the intent of wetting a line together.

Adrienne on the lake.

We spent days laughing, crying and jumping up and down like school girls on the river bank. We were a team, and a fierce one at that. To write about Ms. Comeau would take hours so I’ll let her tell you her story in her own words…
Check out her blog at http://www.thefemaleangle.com/

Last but not least, there’s my girl Hannah.
I first saw Hannah while jetting by her on a river in Northern BC. Her hair blew into the wind and her face was serious. Her eyes followed me as I passed by.
I knew exactly who she was. The woman in the Simms catalogue with the intense stare and the enviable fishery on the Damdochax River.
The fly-fishing industry is small, and the female population is even smaller. We pulled in to say hello.

It took her a sec to uncross her arms, and I watched her size me up. Yup, I’d heard about this one. Strong, hard-core and no bullshit, I must have looked like a freakin’ Barbie doll stepping out to meet her. I shook her hand and was sincere when I said, “Nice to meet you.”
She smiled. Man, she had a beautiful smile! Hmmm…..she wasn’t so scary. I made a mental note to shoot her an email when I got home.

Several months later, Hannah and I were headed on a trip to the States to wail on some winter steelhead. She entertained me on the long drive with stories of life, love and, of course, steelhead.
Very few people steal my heart, but I can sincerely say that Hannah did just that.
The damn girl stole my heart.

Love that smile!

Her site is awesome and is great for ladies looking to network and catch up on the latest gear reviews. I highly recommend checking it out!

http://www.flyfishergirl.com/

Hello Ladies….

Wow.  The “Girls just wanna have fun” song is repeating itself inside of my head.  The worst part, is that it’s singing in my head with the same scratchy nasal voice of Ms. Lauper and it’s causing me to sing along with it.

We recently had our ladies learn to fly-cast day and, my goodness, what a day it was!  In a months forecast of rain and snow, somehow myself, eight other ladies, and a little lady in training, were able to coax Mother Nature into hooking us up with some serious sunshine.

Ape teaching on a beautifully sunny day.

The day was hot, the wind was minimal, the burgers were juicy and my ladies were a riot!

Learning knots.

I always have a hard time chatting over a table to a group of fiery women who are chomping at the bits to get a fly rod in their hands.  Half an hour into theory, I notice eyes wandering and we scoot to the field to laugh with each other and intimidate the passing fishermen unfortunate enough to have to walk by us to get to the run.

Paying close attention.

It always amazes me just how quickly the female population catches on to fly-fishing.  Sometimes I sit on the sidelines with a grin on my face, proud as all hell watching them concentrate on their rod tip, and count their timing aloud.  This is why I love my job……

This is why I love my job.  Damn, they made me proud.

So four hours later, goodbyes were exchanged and hugs were given, most of them eager to return and master the double haul.  I hate seeing them leave, as the female angler in me wants so bad to establish the most kick-ass, hard-core team of female fishing buddy’s around, but I wave “so long” and just hope to be able to see them again on the water.

Keep your eyes open, there are some fierce anglers on their way to the water!

On this note, I would like to introduce you to Aaron Goodis, one of the most skilled anglers, certified casting instructors and Spey casters in the lower mainland.  Manager of a fly shop for years, he has a resume both on and off the water that would make your head spin.  He’s also quite sincerely one of the best photographers I know.

Aaron Goodis holding a serious slab.

Aaron has been a saving grace when it’s come to perfecting my Spey cast, and over the past two years, he has taught me more about casting than any other angler I have had the pleasure of fishing with.  He is hands down the best teacher I know.
We are fortunate to have Aaron join us in putting on an awesome two day Spey casting course on April 25th and 26th.  The two of us will be there, starting you from the ground up, helping you to learn everything from the basic fundamentals, to casting long-bellied lines, and everything in between.

For those of you who don’t know what Spey-casting is….. it’s the latest craze amongst the angling world!  A method of fishing that requires very little back casting room, very little strength and lots of distance, it is suited perfectly for many of B.C.’s large and rocky rivers.
Done right, this sport is gentle on the body and ideal for those who experience shoulder and elbow discomfort

The Spey rod is longer than the single hand rod, typically ranging from 12-15 feet in length, allowing the angler to control the drift/swing of the fly with ease.

Typical Spey set-up (photo by Kate Taylor).

Here is the outline:
In this two day course we will teach students, both beginners and advanced, the mechanics of Spey-casting and how to make these long rods do the work for you.

Course Outline:

Day One (Introduction):
-Brief discussion about proper equipment choices and fly-line selection
-Casting demonstration #1- Building a proper cast; the roll cast and switch cast
Students practise
-Casting demonstration #2- single Spey cast
Students practise
-Casting demonstration #3- double Spey cast
Students practise
-Demonstration #4- fishing the fly (mending and fishing techniques)

Day Two (Advancing Forward):
-In depth discussion about rods and lines
-Explanation of different casting and fishing styles, including Skagit and long bellied lines.
-Casting demonstration #1- tighten up those loops! (The V shaped D loop)
Students practise
-Casting Demonstration #2- the Skagit cast
Students practise
-Casting demonstration #3- the West-Coast drop
Students practise
-Casting demonstration #4- casting/fishing traditional long belly lines
-Brief description of different fishing techniques.

Learn to Spey-Cast Workshop- Lunch Included
Dates:
April 25th and 26th in Chilliwack, BC (Fraser River)

Details:
8-10 spots (only four spots left!)
8 hours
$90
Instructors: Aaron Goodis, assisted by April Vokey

Please email me at april@flygal.ca for more info on booking for this class!
Peace,
Ape.