To guide, or not to guide. It’s a question I’ve been asking myself since I’ve been on my sabbatical. Some days I’d recall the juggle of balancing a full-time job, family and a serious side-gig. Others, I’d remember the golden days where I thought I had the best job in the world. Then it came to me and fly fishing became fun again. So, here’s why I’ve hung up my guiding boots.

The river has always been the place that feeds my soul and powers my dynamo for life. Fly fishing, along with art, are two pillars of creativity that have always been constants I could hold on to that anchor who I am and what I stand for. But what happens when you step into a stream and feel nothing? An identity crisis, that’s what. Here, I explore how I’m trying to make sense of a crazy world and rediscover my sense of self. Feel free to join me :)

If there’s one positive of 2020 it’s my new level of love for the little things. While life feels a bit more normal everything remains fragile - like skinny tippet bearing the strain of a big wild brown that could snap and break your heart. For now, things seem to be holding up and hope is most definitely on the horizon. But that’s the thing about a global pandemic, you just never know what’s around the corner. For me, it was great fishing and a new level of gratitude … and here’s why.

I discovered the Glen Valley in 2011 and have visited it every year since. The reason is simple. There is nowhere else on earth that makes me feel at peace with myself and the world around me like this place. It’s here I’ve met some of my best friends, mended a broken heart, and had some truly epic fly fishing adventures. I was recently asked to talk about why it’s so special. Here’s what I said …

When you mention ‘chalk streams’ to most fly anglers, the Test and the Itchen spring to mind. However, if you head ‘up north’ you will find two of England’s finest chalk streams that represent the pinnacle of the sport. I’m talking about the Lathkill and the Wye. Last year, I got to fish them and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. So, here’s why.

I qualified as a Certified Casting Instructor (CCI) on 26 July 2019. It took me 16 months to reach the standard required to pass the exam. It was a big deal. But it’s only now having had a bit of time to reflect, that I realise what a big achievement it was. So, I’ll share with you what I learned from the experience if you’ve got a spare five minutes.

I’ve been lucky enough to study with some seriously talented fly fishers. Each of them has gifted me a skill, lesson or piece of wisdom that I carry with me and pass on to my students. So, as a tribute to my fly fishing mentors and good teachers everywhere (because they deserve a bloody shout out), I’m going to share what they’ve taught me here.

Compared to basejumping or big wave surfing, fly fishing is pretty chill. However, it offers its own brand of adrenaline that many anglers (like me) find thrilling and totally addictive. So, when Red Bull asked me to take them out I jumped at the chance to show them how heart-stopping fly fishing can be…

I’m not usually a big fan of being cooped up in a car but with fly fishing it’s different — I actually love the trip. Why? Well, because it usually involves turning on my fave tunes, trundling along through gorgeous scenery, and letting my mind aimlessly wander down memory lane. So, I’ve decided to share the tracks that take me back to the people and places I love in my life.

Recently, I got a call from a very dear friend who wanted to go fly fishing with me to see what it was all about. After a tough day fishing and a hard-won brookie, Tayla got the hang of a few casting techniques. But most importantly, she mastered the philosophy of every great fly angler — that sometimes it’s more about nurturing your spirit than netting fishing.

Until recently, I thought I was the only female fly fisher in Australia because I’d never seen another woman out on the water. But that all changed when I was introduced to Val Young & discovered Girls Gone Fly Fishing. Here, I spill the beans on the awesome weekend I had in Tassie fishing with these awesome chicks.

For me, autumn is a time to catch my breath and reflect on a busy season of fly guiding. It might seem strange, but it’s the people I’ve fished with rather than the fish themselves that spring to mind first. So, I’d like to give them all a shout out right here because they are what makes Charley May Fly Fishing so great.

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of taking out my first international client. Out of all the guides available, he’d chosen me — so, as a relatively new guide, the pressure was on to show him how great Aussie fly fishing can be. We had one hell of a day! So, I wanted to share the experience with you too.

I recently had one of the worst times on the water I’ve had in a long while. It got me thinking about all the ways in which I could turn a tough day's fishing around. So, I've decided to document them here as a way to help you avoid similar heartache.

Fly fishing gives you a hard earned thirst. And when my mind wanders from trout to tinnies, I know it’s time to put down my rod and head straight to the esky. Here are my current five faves and why I think you should pack a few when you head out bush or beach. Enjoy!

Most people get what bait or spin fishing is all about. Fewer are familiar with fly fishing and this can lead to lots of questions. Like why bother doing it if it’s hard. Well, I’ll teach you why right here.

I recently (9 September 2017) went to the Goulburn River for the first time with a new fishing buddy called Tim Nash.After enjoying a full day and seven fish to hand I can verify that it’s an awesome river and I’ll be back soon! Here’s why…