What To Bring
I can provide a selection of rods that includes Sage TCR, Kilwell Innovation, St Croix Legend Ultra and
others, from 5-10# outfits; custom flies, leaders and tippet; and a safe, clean four-wheel-drive vehicle. I also provide
fresh gourmet lunches a notch above the rest. You should bring everything else you want or need.
New Zealand is a long, narrow country with mountains close to the sea. Because wind is often an issue, and the trout
are large, most anglers prefer fast-action, nine-foot, #5 and #6-weight rods.
Licenses can be purchased online, and there is no special charge for nonresident anglers.
Waders can be purchased here, but it’s less expensive to bring them. In a pinch I can provide a limited selection of
common sizes, but as with your favorite clothing, you’ll be most comfortable with your own.
If you want to bring a fly-tying kit to NZ, all natural ingredients, i.e., feathers or furs, require a license to
import. You can apply for this a month before your trip. For a nominal fee, the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries
can fumigate your fly tying materials, but this often takes them a week or more to process. And it requires a forwarding
address. If you, like me, want a fly tying kit to decompress after international travel, you have a couple of options.
You can stick to synthetics or bring a few items of commercial products with receipt in unopened packages and the
customs folks are sometimes quite reasonable, particularly if the items are dyed. Always declare these items if
you attempt to bring them in.
- New Zealand fly fishing is active. I would recommend studded Aqua Stealth boots, studded felt boots, or
High-Tec-style lightweight hiking boots. On wet grass, studded Aqua Stealth is far superior to felt. My current
personal favorite wading boot is the LL Bean River Tread with studded Aqua Stealth soles.
- In midsummer conditions, locals often wade wet in boots and shorts, or synthetic trousers or long-john
bottoms in sandfly country. This is fine, and I often do this myself on warm days, but not more than one day in a row.
If you try this I highly recommend a personal lubricant to prevent chafing.
- Gore-Tex or other breathable rainwear.
- Polar fleece with wind block.
- Synthetic wicking under-wader wear. Cotton is worthless in the outdoors here.
- Wool or synthetic gloves.
- Sun protection. This includes sun block and a synthetic long-sleeved shirt with a collar high enough to
protect your neck.
- Insect repellent. Always have more than you think you need.
- Your favorite polarized fishing glasses. This is one of the single most important items. I recommend rose, copper,
yellow and amber lenses, in that order. Gray is a last resort that works only on the brightest days.
- A wide-brimmed hat is essential. You may want to bring two: a wool one for cold, wet conditions and a straw
or waxed cotton, canvas or synthetic one for hot, sunny days. The New Zealand company Drizabone makes a nice oilskin
hat you may want to purchase here.
- Camera and waterproof bag
- Fly lines in dull tones, ie, olive, camel or gray. Leave neon-bright lines at home.
- Dull colored clothing, ie, olive green, brown or tussock colors. White, blue, red or yellow won’t help your
chance of stalking cagey wild trout.
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