Equipment
Here’s my equipment check list so you can make sure you have all the equipment you need.
Flies: This is a guide only, flies that I find particularly useful, but many other flies will work on our trout
Dries:
Adams Parachute 12- 18
CDC Emerger 14 - 16
Dad’s Favourite 12 - 16
Black Gnat NZ 12 - 16
Blow Fly 12 - 14
Cicada 8 - 10
Humpy’s Selection 10 - 14
Kakahi Queen 12 - 14
Royal Wolf 8 - 16
Nymphs:
Stoneflies 10 - 12
Hare and Copper 10 - 16
Hare Ear 10 - 16
Hare and Pheasant 10 - 16
Pheasant Tail 10 - 16
Willow Grub 16
Bead head Nymphs;
Hare and Copper Black Tungsten 10 - 16
Hare and Copper Gold Tungsten 10 - 16
Pheasant Tail Black Tungsten 10 - 16
Pheasant Tail Gold Tungsten 10 - 16
Fly Lines:
Now these are really important, if nothing else, make sure you do have a dull coloured floating fly line. Every guide you talk to will tell you this, our waters are very clear and the big old browns are no pushovers, they’ll spot any bright coloured fly lines and that will be that! It’s handy to have a spare spool with a fly line that’s one line weight heavier than your fly rod to use on windy days.
The Airflo range have two good lines; the Platinum and the Ridgeline.
The new Ridgelines are great, they fair whistle through the guides, you should try them!
Leaders and Tippets:
Longer leaders are recommended in heavier tests, 10 - 13 feet in 7 - 9lb test to which you add your tippet material so the total length can become quite long. Tippet in the 4 - 8lbs test covers most situations. Again the clear waters mean that any advantage you can get can make the difference so long leaders are recommended.
Flurocarbon or Nylon; It’s really up to you, I don’t personally have a preference.
Fly Rods:
A 6 weight fly rod is what I recommend as a general fly rod for fishing our local conditions. 5 weights are good for smaller streams and 7s for larger waters or windy days.
I can recommend the Fetha-Styx range of rods. These are a high quality rod at a reasonable rate. Custom rods can be made to order.
Fly Reels:
Bring reels with a good drag system and plenty of backing. Large abor reels are best for this with room for enough backing, and also ensure a good retrieval speed. There’s nothing worse than to see your fly line disappearing off your reel knowing that there’s not much left as a big fish heads off down stream….
Wading:
Wading boots are preferred my most fishermen for footwear *. Light weight breathable waders are popular and are what most of my clients wear, and it’s certainly good to have them if the weather is cooler. A lot of Kiwi’s wet wade wearing shorts and long thermal underwear to protect legs from scratches, sun and insects. Personally on warmer days I wet wade in long light weight trousers that dry quickly.
* Please note that as of 1st October 2009 felt soled wading boots are illegal in NZ waters.
General
The weather in New Zealand can be changeable so bring clothing for both warm and cool conditions, all clothing should be dull coloured to blend with the natural environment.
Make sure you bring;
- Wet weather gear.
- Polaroid sunglasses.
- Hat with a wide brim or cap.
- Sun cream
- Insect repellent
- Wading sticks are also useful
P.S. Don’t waste your precious holiday time driving around tackle shops, get everything ready now and avoid that last minute rush when you’ll have plenty of other things to take care of anyway. If you want to order gear from us, send us off a list at least two weeks before you are to arrive so it’ll be here ready for you when you arrive. We get discount rates on most gear!
