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FISHING WITH SPRY FLY NZ
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Two fly rods are recommended for the travelling angler. The first would be a light rod, around line weight 5 and 9 feet in length. This rod would suit most fishing situations, for dry & wet fly and nymph fishing, providing maximum ease of manipulation of the fly line on the water. The second rod of choice would be in a heavier line weight - around a seven weight rod, to assist when casting weighted nymphs, when fishing on some of the larger rivers or, when casting into a strong breeze. Whilst Spry Fly NZ can provide rods for anglers, it is always nice to have a familiar rod as a standby in the event of a breakage.
Spry Fly NZ also recommend the use of four or multi-piece rods where possible, as they are much easier to travel with and to carry at all times.
Full floating lines are recommended, however a sinking line may be useful for some lake fishing situations. We find that double taper lines are the most suitable option for the following reasons: firstly, most casting will be done within a distance of 60 feet - no long shoots or large aerialisations required. Secondly, roll casts and mends are so much easier with a double taper line, especially over larger distances, which may be quite common when fishing some larger rivers and streams. Spry Fly NZ makes great use of the "Roll Cast Mend" in nearly all moving water situations. Thirdly, in the event of damage being done to a fly line, it can be reversed very easily and will not leave an angler off the water for any great length of time.
Make sure you use plenty of backing as the trout in the area can make some long runs at times.
Nine foot, commercial tapered leaders, with a tip of around 4X are favoured in most situations. These may be altered as the need arises, especially when fishing to a deep lying fish. In this event, level leaders will be adopted. Please make sure you have plenty of 6, 4 and 3 pound tippet material on hand. Spry Fly NZ recommends the use of Maxima tippet material in most situations, for its strength, reliability and resistance to kinking. Leaders and other terminal tackle products are available from Spry Fly NZ at reasonable rates.
Whilst a full range of trout flies for the area are available from Spry Fly NZ, many anglers prefer to bring their own. Useful flies include the following, all in a range of sizes #10 - #18:
Royal Wulff, Kaufmans Stimulator, Kosciusko Dun, Iron Blue Dun, Elk Hair Caddis, Black Midge, Black Gnat, Greenwell's Glory.
Mrs. Simpson, Hamills Killer, Olive Woolly Bugger, Black Woolly Bugger.
Bead Head Nymphs - Hare & Copper, Peacock & Copper, Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymph. Weighted & Un-weighted Nymphs (in various weights) - Hare & Copper, Peacock & Copper, Flashback, Stonefly - both Dark & Pale, Black Nymph, Green Nymph. Emergers: Klinkhamer Special in greens, browns & grey.
Spry Fly NZ recommends stocking foot thigh waders, with felt soled wading boots over the top. Alternatives include chest waders, "Gore-Tex" type waders, or simply, wet wading with shorts or long pants and felt soled wading boots - this is a favoured method of wading during the summer months. As there are no snakes found in New Zealand, this is a much more suitable alternative than in some countries. In any case most fishing is done from the shore, with mostly only shallow wading done.
**CARE WHILST WADING IS IMPORTANT!**
These are generally not carried by your guide. The use of a landing net is helpful in some cases, but is not always necessary. If using a landing net, make sure it has only soft netting and not nylon netting, as these can do major damage to fish. Around 99% of all trout caught by clients of Spry Fly NZ are released.
As the wearing of glasses for safety reasons is a policy of Spry Fly NZ, anglers are urged to bring the following eyewear. Polaroiding glasses are a must. Much sight fishing is done during the day, and a good pair of Polaroiding glasses, (with side shields, or "wrap-around" style) are mandatory for such fishing. As the day progresses, polarising glasses become redundant - a pair of clear glasses will become necessary. Spry Fly NZ will not allow its clients to fish without eye protection.
A fishing vest, broad-brimmed hat (not a peaked cap), long sleeved shirts and liberal doses of high SPF sunscreen are essential equipment. Make sure your wading clothes are comfortable for long days of wear, both with and without waders on over the top. Whilst days are mostly warm especially during summer, warm clothing is recommended throughout the season, with synthetic "polar fleece" products being most suitable outerwear. Thermal underwear is useful early and late in the season, as the mornings and evenings in particular can be quite cool on the water. Wet weather gear should consist of a lightweight, long, waterproof jacket and hat.
Other items to consider include a good sense of humour, some jokes and a friend. Please make sure you leave your worries at home!