Introducing Chappie Chapman
As one of New
Zealand 's best known fly fishing guides Chappie explains the passion
that he has for fishing.
" I caught my first fish at age six. It was not a trout, but I
discovered fly-fishing at thirteen. Where I grew up, there was a
mountain, from whose graceful slopes flowed no fewer than three hundred
streams, most of which held trout.
Some of those streams were small, and that's where I
started to learn my craft. To this day my preferred fishing, is with a
dry-fly in a small stream. In the mid 1970's I did something that was
considered radical (at least in those days). I sold up and quit my job,
brought a 4WD vehicle and a caravan, and went fishing for the next three
and a half years. I guess if you do something for long enough, you are
bound to get proficient at it sooner or later!
I have been guiding anglers for over twenty years,
although that has not always been a full time job for me, as it is now.
I spent a good number of years in the fishing tackle industry, both at
wholesale and retail, during which, I have had the opportunity to be
involved with design and development of some of the more popular brands
of fly-fishing tackle on the market today.
In addition to fly fishing guiding, I run about
twenty five, two day fly-fishing schools at introductory to mid level,
and about five or six three day advanced level.
"Fishing is my
life. I hope you can come and share the kiwi experience with me"