Wilderness + a fly-fishing guide = heaven

The satisfaction of landing a beautiful rainbow, especially after a good fight is sensational.

Many of you will know the Central North Island rivers are famous for fly-fishing, with rainbow and brown trout in abundance, but only if you know where to find them, what tackle to use, how to read the water, when the trout are moving up-stream to spawn and much more.

Playing a feisty rainbow as it takes you upstream is challenging.

Another beautiful rainbow.

I’ve been fishing for years with our son and can throw a reasonable cast, but the river changes constantly and what was once a great fishing pool can change in a heart beat, so having a little local knowledge is important.

There is nothing like a little solitude for the soul.

I love the solitude in the wilderness and a guide won’t make that any better, but they will increase your strike rate turning a great day into an incredible experience, as guide Andrew Christmas and his colleague did on our recent fishing trip.

Before handing a trout it’s important to wet your hands. They don’t mind a photo or two and appreciate my stringent catch and release policy.

With myself and three keen novices, this is what our day looked like with Andrew. All inclusive, he took care of everything from fishing licences, waders, rods, tackle, humour, fun and a delicious picnic lunch with a glass of wine.