NEW ZEALAND TACKLE TIPS By John Horsey

Rods…9’ #5 dry fly only. 9’6” – 10’ # 6/7 for nymphs and streamers – Recommended Greys Streamflex or Hardy Zenith

Reel..Good solid reel with reliable disc drag – Recommended Hardy Ultralite CLS 5000

Line .. WF5F, WF6F and WF7F

Leader… Strong Fluorocarbon – 6lbs min and 8lbs preferable Recommended Rio Fluoroflex or Hardy Mach.  Avoid the so-called finer brands which are expensive, but have poor knot strength and are less abrasion resistant.

Type of base flies..dry/ wets.  Take a range of UK dry flies and also some large Stimulators to act as indicator flies.  Nymphs such as Gold head Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails and Stripped Quill Nymphs all work well in sizes 12 and bigger.  Ensure all flies are dressed on strong hooks, so cheap imports are definitely OUT!  Rod and Reel NZ have a fantastic array of flies at reasonable prices.

Tips/ techniques..… The NZ trout are BIG and many of the rivers are also BIG.  So strength of leader and hooks is vital as you will simply lose that fish of a lifetime.  Take good chest waders and ensure you do not take felt soled wading boots as these are not allowed in NZ.  Studded rubber soled boots are the only way. All nets, waders, flies, rods, reels and other used tackle will be inspected at Customs, so ensure they are all clean and dry.  If in doubt, take new or buy in NZ. .  Take a wading staff and plenty of high factor sunscreen – P20 is superb.

Lakes

Rods…10’ # 6/7/8.  Same as back home in the UK.  Recommended Hardy Zenith

Reel..Good solid reel with reliable disc drag – Recommended Hardy Ultralite CLS 5000

Line .. WF6/7/8F and a range of sinking lines.  I would take a minimum of Intermediate, DI3, DI5 and DI7.  Midge Tip also a good idea.

Leader… Strong Fluorocarbon – 8lbs min and 10lbs preferable. Recommended Rio Fluoroflex or Hardy Mach.  Avoid the so-called finer brands which are expensive, but have poor knot strength and are less abrasion resistant.

Type of base flies..dry/ wets.  Take a range of UK dry flies and also some large Stimulators to act as indicator flies.  Lots of Wooly Buggars in all their colours, but especially Black, Black and Green and Humungous.  Take UK Nymphs such as Diawl Bachs, Crunchers and Buzzers.  Boobies also work but Blobs do not.  Ensure all flies are dressed on strong hooks, so cheap imports are definitely OUT!  Rod and Reel NZ have a fantastic array of flies at reasonable prices.

Disease Control

DO NOT TAKE IN FLY TYING MATERIALS UNLESS MAN MADE. Felt soles on wading boots are not allowed. All items must be clean.