Fly Fishing In The Modern Age: April Vokey Opens Up
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ot many folks can say that they knew what their life’s passion was from the time they could walk. April Vokey is lucky to be one of those people. She began fishing as a toddler, and has been hooked ever since. Now, fishing is her livelihood and love. One of the most respected anglers in the fly fishing world, April is making waves as a conservationist, tv host, writer, and host of her own podcast, ‘Anchored’. She founded her company, Fly Gal Ventures, at the young age of 24, and now she travels the world fishing, teaching, and spreading awareness about important conservation issues. Here, April opens up to us with some incredible insight into the fly fishing world today.
First of all, tell us a little about yourself and your relationship with fly fishing.
My relationship with fly fishing? I suppose for me fly fishing is like the relationship I had during college — it makes me feel alive, special, invigorated, and as one with nature. Even when said partner runs around with the other girls on campus, I still can’t help but come back for more. It can be a sickness, this fly-fishing thing.
When did you realize or decide that fly fishing was going to be something that you built your career, and, really, your life around?
I would have been 18 years old. I stumbled through the forest to find several fly-fishermen working a run. I just sat there and stared at them (creepy, I know). My dad says I came home in a daze muttering that, “there just has to be a way to make a living doing this”.
You are a very respected angler in the fly fishing world. To what do you attribute your success?
Hard work, hard work, little sleep, hard work, an absolute defiance to haters and bullies, and a whole lot more hard work. Being from BC didn’t hurt.
