Nancy is David’s partner in business and in life. She’s fished for tiger fish in the Zambezi River, tarpon and bonefish in Cuba, and Australia’s baramundi. Closer to home she enjoys streamer and dry fly fishing on the Bow River within minutes of home and work and loves fishing to Cutthroat trout in nearby smaller waters.
Recent trips to Cuba, the Bahamas, and Belize have whet her appetite for more flats fishing excursions. Few moments in her fishing experience rival her solitary pursuit of Mayaguana’s bonefish and subsequent hook up with a “ghost of the flats.” Simply put – she can’t wait to do it again.
More about Nancy….
How long have you been fishing? I fished a little bit as a kid. Strangely my Dad says he always figured me to be the least likely of his kids to be interested in fishing or the outdoors….
How long have you been fly fishing? I started fly fishing while in university and while traveling in ’94-’95. I fished a fair bit between ’97 and 2002 – dry fly on the Bow, other area streams, salmon fishing in BC’s lower mainland, and a few excursions into cold and warm saltwater. In 2002 we had our first child which (as most parents can probably attest) seriously cut into the fishing time. I feel like I have a bit more flexibility now and love that the kids can come along for a walk and wade or Bow river float trip. We even shared a couple of days on the Cuban flats with them last November.
How did you get started in fly fishing? My Dad offered me my first introduction to the sport, but it wasn’t until Dave and I were dating that I really started to enjoy the sport.
Favorite species?
- Freshwater – It’s a toss-up for me. I love cutthroat trout because of where they live, but the Bow River with its Rainbows and Browns is so close to home….
- Saltwater – I don’t have a favourite saltwater species yet. I love the whole tropical saltwater experience – I don’t like being cold. I loved the explosive leaps from my first real battle with a tarpon in 2010. Bonefish are fun because of their screaming runs. Permit intrigue me because they’re permit and I’ve yet to hook one. Barracuda’s aggressive streak is impressive. Too many choices (and too little time….)
Favorite water?
- River – The Bow River; it’s an incredible fishery and only a 10-minute walk from home….
- Lake – Don’t get to fish a lot of lakes lately. I love the beauty and solitude of the lakes in Canada’s North.
- Saltwater – Cuba’s flats.
Favorite technique? Sight fishing
Favorite flies?
Freshwater:
- Peacock Caddis
- Skid Bitch
- Rubber Leg Squirrel
Saltwater:
- P’s Bunky Shrimp
- Clouser Minnow
- Tarpon toad
Favorite fishing book or DVD
- David Ames – “Good Life Wasted”
- Miles Nolte – “The Alaska Chronicles”
- Kirk Werner – The “Olive the Little Woolly Bugger” series – a great series for bedtime with kids!
Favorite Vise (as in the tool.) I don’t tie much but when I do I use the Renzetti Saltwater Presentation 4000 because it’s what’s here.
Prefer to fish alone or with friends? I definitely prefer fishing with friends. I’ve only fished alone once that I can remember.
Two things you wouldn’t go fishing without (aside from rod, reel, line, flies) Sunglasses and camera
Interesting anecdote (ie. Embarrassing moment with a fly rod, interesting story about something you caught, etc.)
During a self-guided (Dave, Rob, and I) excursion on a flat in Mayaguana, Bahamas I became very focused on casting to a boxfish. I’d stated early in the trip that I had no interest in fishing for sharks. I was so focused on this sole boxfish that I didn’t notice the large black tipped reef shark heading my direction on the flat until Rob called out to me “I thought you said you didn’t want to fish for sharks.” He still laughs about me yelling back “David I’m terrified” as I virtually ran across water to get back to them.
Most interesting (remote, distant, crowded, etc.) location you’ve fished.
- Mayaguana, Bahamas – remoteness
- Namibia with guide named Zebra. We were targeting tiger fish and seeing crocodiles, hippos, fish eagles, etc. The one fish we got to the boat the guide offered to feed to a passing fish eagle so we could get a good photo opportunity. The bird got the fish – I missed the photo. The guide didn’t have fish for dinner.
Your destination/species wishlist:
- Permit
- Tarpon – I want to touch it next time….
- Rooster Fish – Mexico
Given the opportunity who would you choose to fish with? Or someone who has inspired you as an angler/tyer/teacher/guide.
- Despite what I say about not wanting to hear what Dave (my husband) has to say about my technique, rowing ability, knots, etc. I still like to fish with him.
- Our kids.
- Other anglers who are out there to have fun.
