My Passionate Curiosity of Fly Fishing
My name is Nancy Smith, I became a member of the Santa Cruz Fly Fishing Club, 1 year ago February 2025 after seeing an announcement posted on the SCFF website for the new member orientation meeting. I boldly walked through the doors for the first time to attend a monthly club meeting, I scanned the room for someone I might connect with. I was surprised to see the familiar friendly face of long-time member Rick Chace. He graciously introduced me to many established members, focusing on the women. I instantly felt welcomed and connected, my inner question was why I had not done this sooner!
Twenty-four years ago, I took a fly-fishing course through SC Parks and Recreation looking to satisfy an ambitious deep curiosity in the sport. The instructor was a member of the SCFF Club and had brought the opportunity for the students of the class to join. A seed was planted and took root to the recesses of the mind. At the time I was intrigued by the mindfulness practice of meditation and the graceful aspects of Tai Chi. As an adventurous woman with the fascination of a love of nature, I have hiked miles of trails, summited many a mountain top, backpacked into the depths of our sierras and traveled to many different destinations around the world. My enthusiastic line of thinking was incorporating fly-fishing into my journeys and broadening life experiences.
Over the past three years I was reintroduced to the sport of fly-fishing via the exploration of the drift boat on the Sacramento and Trinity Rivers with a well-seasoned guide. My partner at the time had experience with the sport and I aimed to make an impression! I had a fortunate serendipitous encounter with the instructor from twenty-four years ago, shared with him the truth of my aspirations and inquired about a refresher course. He didn’t hesitate to offer and joyfully suggested that we meet at Antonelli’s pond, he would bring the gear and knowledge! Everything seemed to fall into place, destiny was at play, I gained skills that I applied to the first, second, and third trip, always achieving more skills with each outing. Needless to say, during one of the heavily rainy days on the drift boat working the Sacramento River I hauled in the biggest fish!!
Since then, my path led me to the SCFF Club, where I heard President Scott Kitayama say at the new member orientation, “get involved, volunteer, attend the casting classes and fish-out’s, ask questions.” I DID!! I reached out for help and the generosity of members stepped up to the plate. I attended many a casting class with Alex Ferber both on land and the San Lorenzo River. Acquired great gear at the annual swap meet in May. I now hold the position of Marketing/Publicity on the board. Another long-time wish was to attend the Annual Fundraiser Dinner I had heard so much about. This year I was fortunate enough to collaborate with experienced members and jointly contribute to the event.
Through the fish-out announcements I became familiar with Surf Fly Fishing. In the description of the event it read to reach out to the fish master and let them know you plan to attend, I did just that! Lance Boling was ever so gracious to take me under his wing and show me the ropes. I was told how challenging this mode of fly fishing is which actually made me want to experience it even more! Tis true there are a great deal of hazards, techniques and gear to be aware of, but heck that all leads to living in the moment! Fortunately, we don’t have to travel a great distance to enjoy the beaches and the surf! Other exploits have been on the East Carson River, the Brule River in Wisconsin, SCFF Trinity River fish out, Spey walk & wade combo drift boat with Alex Ferber on both the Trinity and Sacramento Rivers.
My quiver has grown for each style of fly fishing and body of water, my gear takes up a corner of my home and I am forever grateful that I never let go of the passionate curiosity of fly-fishing!
Posted on March 23rd, 2026
