Fish On: An Ambition Fulfilled

Audley Client Ian Wynn traveled to New Zealand, with his wife Dianne, to go fly fishing

By Audley Travel

November 20^th, 2018

My wife Dianne is very understanding, we often do many things together. My fly fishing however is generally a solo activity. "What you want me to stand about in the cold water and then wave a rod about? I will stick to my sewing, thank you!" Therefore, a trip to New Zealand was the perfect compromise. The country being a place where I could fish for wild brown trout, and while doing so Diane could spend her time walking and taking photos.

The trip would, of course, focus on the sights and experiences of New Zealand. Specific areas were shortlisted such as visiting Napier and Hastings on the North Island, both famed for their Art Deco architecture — a particular love of Diane. We planned to walk the Tongarerio Crossing for the sheer excitement and challenge; plus taking a heli-hike so we could walk on the Frans Josph Glacier to see ice caves.

Oh and did I mention the fishing? Some on both the North Island and then a guided day on the South Island.

Ian and Dianne enjoying time on the beach

North Island

We started our trip with the Tongariro walk, the next day was planned as a sightseeing and fishing day. After a good breakfast we headed into Turangi — a small, sleepy, and friendly town in the south west corner of the lake.

We headed up the Tongariro River and explored the various pools and runs, I started on the far bank as there was a good space to work a 100 foot long bend in the river which provided a variety of opportunities for drifting a heavy fly through the current. While I was attempting to hook into anything that would look at the variety of flies I had attached to my line, my wife had been exploring the local area and taking photographs. So to the end of the day and we had both enjoyed ourselves, Dianne’s results seem to have been more productive than mine but I had learned a lot about the section of the river and tomorrow was another day — ‘I would be back’.

The next day dawned with clear blue skies and warm sunshine, paradise found as we looked out from our accommodation across Lake Taupo. Back out we went, crossing back across to the slower side of the bend where I fancied there would be a fish or two in this water. Same fly, same technique. Soon enough another lovely rainbow fish obliged and rose to take the cicada. This time not only had Dianne returned from her wanderings but she managed to video the catch — proof at last that I had achieved my goal.

A beautiful day for fishing, River Wairau

South Island

Next was the South Island. Wine tasting and visits to national parks were all on the agenda, but my real treat was about to begin. I was to fish, Dianne would come along and enjoy the scenery, read a book while sitting on the bank and — when and if I got into a fish — take a picture or two.

Soon enough we were ready to set off, our guide, John’s instructions were simple; “stay behind me as I will scout the river and then call you up when I find the fish.” After wading through deep water and fighting through river reeds John found some fish holding up in a side stream to the main flow. I quickly caught 6 fish, but could I make 7— one for each day of the week?

John was on top of the bank and told me he's seen the one that I had come to connect with. Every bit the fish of a life-time, he estimated it to be around the 10 lb mark. Time seemed to slow to a snails pace as the fly dead drifted down the edge of the river close to the bank. A huge head appeared and gulped down the fly - 'fish on' and was this some fish.

Off the fish went into the fast ad deep water, the lines resistance simply making him more annoyed. a schoolboy error then took place: running downstream was not an option with me having already chanced my luck in wading up this narrow ledge close to the fast moving water just a couple of feet away.

Instead of increasing the drag I made the error of using my hand as a brake on the rim of the reel, the pain this would cause would have been worth it to get this fish to the net, instead of slowly bringing pressure upon the reel my hand caught the winding arm and — ping. ‘Fish off’.

Deflated, angry at making such an error I climbed the bank and we made our way back to the road reflecting upon what was a fantastic day. Yes, I had failed at the final hurdle but in real terms the success and elation of sight fishing for wild brownies in gin clear water in New Zealand had become a reality. A story to be told was safely in the memory banks, and on the memory card in the camera.