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FLY
ROD TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND
FROM
CHUCK AND POLLY LONGSWORTH
First off, the trip was a huge success and no small
credit goes to your careful and thoughtful
arrangements. Obviously, you know NZ and the guides
and lodge operators, and they know you. It makes a
big difference. Every detail was covered. There were
no glitches.
Our weather was mixed, with heavy rains early
spoiling the fishing, and some strong wind and
clouds mid trip, but every day is not perfect, even
in paradise. We never got wet, never were without
spectacular views and nice people, and seldom
without some kind of shots at fish.
David was our most successful fisherperson, landing
a 10# rainbow and and 8# brown in the same day. He
also had a couple of eight or ten fish days. Polly
and I did less well although I had one day with
thirteen takes, nine on the beach, all on dry flies.
Polly, a less experienced angler, still caught eight
or ten fish, at least one in the six pound range and
several 4-6 pounders. She fished well and was
helped a lot by the guides, all of whom, with one
exception, we found to range from good to excellent,
one outstanding.
We were captivated by the clear water, the absence
of other fisherpeople (we ran in to one couple who
were inexplicably trudging through the water
downstream in the water we were about to fish). The
paucity of fish, offset by their size, makes for
challenging fishing. One or two unsuccessful casts,
as we had been warned, and the biggest fish signed
off and skulked as we moved on. That is not to say
there were not plenty of fish. On the best days we
saw twenty five or more; on the worst days a half
dozen.
Probably our least success was in nymph fishing when
the trout were not feeding enthusiastically. The
timing of the "sip and spit" fishing is something we
did not get and we failed a number of times from
being too slow - or too fast.
We were charmed by Frank Murphy, the president of
the New Zealand Fly Guides Association. When we met
him he said, "I am Frank Murphy. What color line did
you bring", followed by "Fishing should be fun. We
will have some fun". And we really did, with Frank,
and lots of others.
Our travel about by rental car - and we went several
hundred miles - was easy, what with the good roads
and considerate NZ drivers, even though we were on
the "wrong side of the road".
We fished about half of our days in NZ and traveled
about, enjoying the food, the people, and the
scenery on the other days.
The lodges were all very hospitable and comfortable
- Murphy's, Green Hill, Four Peaks, Riverview,
Motueka, and Rotoroa.
All in all, a highly enjoyable trip. Thanks for all
you did to make it so.
Chuck Longsworth
(editorial corrections below from Polly Longsworth)
Just to let you know that I caught 12 fish (not 8 or
10), two of which were 6-pounders, and this despite
fishing two fewer days than the writer of another
email from this establishment, and all but one day
in tandem. I had a perfectly wonderful time,
enjoying every minute we were in New Zealand. My
favorite fish was the monstor who immediately
wrapped himself around a submerged log, so that even
the most masterly acrobatics by the guide couldn't
dislodge him. My favorite stays were at Frank
Murphy's (I hope you heard the story of his teeth
falling out when he witnessed the power of the
famous Argentinian "Green Machine" fly) and at
Motueka Lodge, which I would buy today if permitted
to emigrate.
Thank you for all you did to set up our trip, and
ensure that we would experience the best that New
Zealand offers. Wonderful rugged people, incredibly
beautiful landscapes, and a true workout in catching
fish. Every step was an adventure.
All best,
Polly
TRIP REPORT
Fly Fishing Adventures
888-347-4896
flyfish@napanet.net
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