Charley May Fly Fishing

It's been awhile between posts, so I wanted to make this one a good one.
I'm delighted to say my new original drawings are ready for sale! This pelagic series features some of fly-fishing's most hallowed saltwater species.
These big three are the ones people dream of chasing and get a heart condition when they do! I've sold the bonefish already but the GT and the Permit are still available.
If you want a one of a kind piece of fine art then DM me. And know that 20% of the sale will go to Mending Casts Inc.

Anyone else hanging for the start of the season? I can't wait! However, I've been keeping myself busy in winter working on a new project that combines my love of fly fishing and art for a good cause.

Last year, I unveiled my first original trout series at the Victorian Fly Fishers Association Christmas Dinner and it was a terrific result. Thanks to the generosity of the club we raised $1,600 for Casting for Recovery Victoria.

Right now, I'm completing my 2024 pelagic series and I'm giving you a sneaky peak about why you need to own one of my works. https://www.charleymayflyfishing.com/blog/2024/8/19/art-angling-and-altruism-sketching-limited-edition-series-for-a-cause

Sun was shining on the Stevo yesterday but they made us work hard for the goods. Loved watching my Jedi land some lovely browns.
I’ve been fishing this river for 10 years, a speck in time compared to other anglers, but I’ve seen it change so much over that time. Yesterday the lack of fencing and impact of stock in the section I fished was startling. If only all landowners had an enlightened view of managing their patch of Mother Earth things would be better for everyone.

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. https://www.charleymayflyfishing.com/blog/from-guiding-to-giving-more-to-others

The river has always been the place where I can lose and find myself. 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. Maybe you're also feeling a bit lost? Well, I've penned a five minute piece on how I'm trying to find myself again in a world that seems along way away from how life used to be. You can check it out here if you like - I'd love to know what you think and how you're feeling. Sending you all the best festive vibes people. https://www.charleymayflyfishing.com/blog/gone-fishing-just-me-for-a-while

I don’t know about you but when I cast my mind back to this time last year my chest tightens and I get a sense of impending doom.

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 exactly why:

Gratitude and great fishing - the 2020/21 season so far — Charley May Fly Fishing 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 ...

Is it the weekend yet? I’m starting to get amped for my next fly fishing adventure in NE Vic & I’m confident it’s going to be as good as this one. Meet Matt and Maddy, two legends I had the pleasure of guiding a couple weeks ago. A near miss stepping on a little tiger 🐍 got the blood pumping and then the fishing kicked off and kept everyone’s fingers on the pulse. Big ups to Maddy - a complete beginner- whose persistence resulted in a couple of lovely fish and a cracker brown on the dry. And Matt, that moment when you stalked and so nearly set the hook on that lurking monster will stick in my mind as a highlight of this season. Next time, my friend we’ll get him.