Community Member Spotlight
Nancy Crabtree
The reason we have such an awesome fly fishing community is the people that make up this community. I am continually amazed at the commitment and generosity of our community members. This month’s community member spotlight is the epitome of commitment and generosity with her time.
She is an Arizona native and has had a passion for fishing since she was a young child. As a child her dad would take her fishing , even though he wasn’t a fisherman himself.
She began fly fishing about 10 years ago, and has been an amazing ambassador of our sport from the very beginning. She has been involved in education and conservation since right after she began her journey. She has been intimately involved with Arizona Casting for Recovery since AZ Fly Shop opened, 3 years ago. When the idea of AZ Fly Shop was born she was willing to help out any way she could. Over the last three years she has volunteered countless hours to make Casting for Recovery success in Arizona. She volunteers with a joyful heart and commitment for making a difference in the lives of others. She is willing to do whatever she can make a difference, and never seeks attention for her contributions. Nancy Crabtree is a gift to the world, and the Arizona Fly Fishing Community is lucky to have her as a member.
-Chris Rich, AZ Fly Shop Founder
What does fly fishing mean to you? What about fly fishing offers you most satisfaction?
Fly fishing is a wonderful way for me to take a break from my daily life. It involves a whole mind and body experience of hiking to a location or launching on the lake, taking in the surroundings, and stopping to breathe deeply. The sound of the water helps to clear my mind, transforming negative thoughts into positive ones. It is definitely a Zen experience for me! The anticipation that comes with a perfect cast and a successful strike keeps me coming back for more!
What does having AZ Fly Shop in the community mean to you? What do you like about AZ Fly Shop?
I was excited when I learned about the AZ Fly Shop. It is an official fly fishing store that offers high-quality fly fishing supplies and a desire to connect individuals who enjoy fishing. Their community outreach is also outstanding, as they support organizations such as Casting for Recovery by bringing the fly fishing community together to support the various organizations in our State.
Tell us your most memorable fly fishing story
One of my most memorable fly fishing trips was when I went on my first fly fishing trip to Pyramid Lake, and it was amazing catching the big Lahontan trout. The challenge was waiting for the pods to come back through, and the weather was also a significant factor. We could see the fish porpoising on the surface and heading towards our area, which gave us an adrenaline rush. Although I’ve had the opportunity to fly fish in other unique locations, my heart is always in the White Mountains of Arizona, where I spend six months a year fly fishing and hiking as much as possible. It is my slice of heaven on earth!
Is there any advice you would share with the fly fishing community?
If you are starting fly fishing, connect with other fly-fishing individuals, and if you haven’t, invest in a lesson with a fly-fishing guide so that you don’t develop bad casting habits. You’ll learn alot by spending the day on the water with a guide and the next time you go out, you will feel more confident in what you are doing.
I recommend giving back to your community by volunteering with organizations such as Casting for Recovery and the Homeless ID Project. This can help you maintain a positive perspective and appreciate your blessings.
A quote from a favorite book: “The charm of fly-fishing is that it is the pursuit of what is elusive, but attainable–a perpetual series of occasions for hope.” Anonymous
Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?
I am fortunate to have a great group of friends who share my passion for fly-fishing. They have been instrumental in helping me enhance my technique and in joining me on various fishing expeditions. In 2019, I was able to complete both the Arizona Game and Fish Trout Challenge (23rd person to do so) and the Wild Trout Challenge (51st person to do so). My husband Phil, and my fishing buddy Cinda Howard, provided invaluable support throughout these challenges. In my opinion, it is always beneficial to connect with other fly-fishing enthusiasts and venture out together!
What a great write-up on Nancy. She is a valuable member of our fly fishing community. Thank you for sharing her story.
Even though I’m not a fly fisherman I’d like to learn someday. I loved reading about Nancy because I know her personally & I’m so proud of her accomplishments not that she’s out to bring attention to herself. She’s behind the scenes quietly helping & volunteering. Way to go Nancy!
Even though I’m not a fly fisherman I’d like to learn someday. I loved reading about Nancy because I know her personally & I’m so proud of her accomplishments not that she’s out to bring attention to herself. She’s behind the scenes quietly helping & volunteering. Way to go Nancy!
I’m so proud of Nancy . She’s a behind-the-scenes quiet person who doesn’t bring a lot of attention to herself. I’m proud that she’s so involved with helping others through flyfishing. I hope someday to be able to learn how to do it.