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As good as it gets.
Mon 26th August, 2013
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Last report Mark commented in an email to an American friend that the fishing on the Tongariro at the moment is "as good as it gets".
It's a sentiment echoed by many others and while you'd have to agree that it's good out there, personally I think there's much better to come as we head into spring.
So far this winter some of the rainbow jacks are not only impressive looking fish but are incredibly strong, if they get into faster water even a good 8wt outfit seems flimsy.
Anglers I've spoken with all have tales of the ones that got away, like Duncan Frew and his mates who I bumped into at the old Honey-pot. They'd been fishing some of the smaller rivers before finishing their day off on the Tongariro. They'd hooked and played eleven fish but this was only the second they had actually landed.
Reports of double figure sessions are not uncommon and I've said before that when the Tongariro is firing it can do wonders for your angling ego and really make you feel good.
 
There's a pretty even spread of fish now but with yet more club outings taking place some of the town pools were particularly busy on the weekend. Despite having a great afternoon in the Braids I got up early next morning and headed for the upper river. Fortunately the All Blacks did me a favor and I had the place to myself until around 9.00 am.
The fishing was superb and some of the trout were just as lively out of the water. While unhooking this fish my finger got too close to the trailing nymph and I paid the price. Luckily
I always carry a multi-tool and a first aid kit and managed to flatten the barb to get it out.
 
It doesn't matter too much what you tie on the end at the moment. The old adage of globugs early and late with naturals in between is as good as anything.
I like dark scruffy nymphs when its overcast and nymphs or globugs with flash when the sun is shining, the important thing is to make sure your flies are getting down to the fish.
I know we keep on about it but despite all the advice available out there not everyone takes it on board. There are still anglers who go away disappointed ... it really is vital to fish plenty of weight during the spawning runs.
Now a different kind of " runs ". Its been a few years since I had my last pup and I'd forgotten some of the joys of puppy-hood ... house training for one. This is always a stressful time but I seem to have bought a dog that's crossed with a garden sprinkler and a butchers sausage making machine. Honest to God I have never seen so much stuff come out of the back end of a small pup . To make matters worse this week was also the time all dog owners dread, especially when your new arrival is still confined to the house and garden ... WORMING DAY.
As I pushed the pill down his throat I felt as if I was pulling the pin on a hand grenade !
Blue didn't disappoint and pretty soon we'd used up a kitchen roll, most of my patience and half a bottle of disinfectant ... but you can see what I'm up against. How can you be annoyed when he looks at you like that?
Tight lines guys
Mike |
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