New Zealand, South Island- Pro-Angler has 9 trips planned to the New Zealand South Island for the 2008/9 season.
The best value kiwi guided quality-fishing trips available. Expect to learn, expect to fish differently, expect to see fish that will make you tremble, expect scenery that will blow you away…expect to be home a day and start planning your next trip!
That once in a lifetime trip, will become the annual trip, guaranteed!
Whilst it would be great to have the same faces year after year, that scenario is really defeating our purpose. We want to improve your ability, your knowledge and your decision-making, so that next year, or the year after, you can come across the Tasman and do it yourself with confidence.
Sure you might sneak a day or two with the local guides, but ultimately we want you to become better, to become the best angler you can be, and enjoy your experiences with success.
The trips are based around the best fishing times, and just as importantly, the quietest tourist times.
Whilst we can appreciate that January fishing can be terrific, I personally would hate to travel all the way to NZ and see the same amount of people as you would on a weekend on the Goulburn or Thredbo! The seasons have changed over the years and whilst we can’t guarantee the weather, it certainly is a safer bet for the best-settled time of the year for deceiving wild trout.
Watching videos, seeing enormous trout in magazines, listening to stories from experienced NZ travellers can sometimes give new anglers a misleading impression of how easy fishing in New Zealand is.
Guides work on the basis of 2 to 3 good fish in the net per day is a good day. Sure they have days where good casters will get 20+ when the conditions are right, but that is not the norm. What you will get though is the opportunity to cast at 20+ feeding fish, some stretches on the Mataura for example we will see over 100 fish, all 3-5lb in a day, cast to maybe 50, the rest is up to you!
Early season the majority of fish will take nymphs, pheasant tails, hares ear, and stick caddis. The rest will readily take dries if feeding in water less than a foot, or if there is a hatch on. As it is a very visual experience, either way is just as exciting. Later in the season the roles are reversed and 70% will take Wulfs, duns, parachutes, Humpies and the like.
Book now to secure your place!
Contact the Pro-Angler stores for more information.
Destinations
We have 2 exciting destinations available this year , and while we are based in Athol, on the banks of the famous Mataura river, and Moana, on the shores of the West costs’ Lake Brunner, we are certainly not confined to any single waterway. Each area boasts literally dozens of options dependant on the situation, be it weather, ability, or time of the year, all within 10-45 minutes.
Southland Adventure
Flying Air New Zealand direct to Queenstown, or via another airline with a connector on a Saturday. Its a breathtaking 40 minute drive to Athol, just below Queenstown, in the Heartland of the Southland region.
We use accredited New Zealand Guides such as Nigel Black, Len Prentice, and Julian Peters, all exceptional local guides who specialise in the Southland district. They all have many years experience between them to ensure your trip is successful.
Southland trips depart from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane airport, flying Air New Zealand direct to Queenstown, or a connector with another airline, flight time approximately 3.5 hours. West Coast trips are via Christchurch.
West Coast
Flying directly into Christchurch on a Saturday, it’s a breathtaking 3-4 hour drive to our accommodation in Moana. Surrounded by a multitude of rivers and lakes. Our guides, Brent Beadle and Russell Hanson, will treat you to freestone rivers, spring creeks, sight fishing from boats, and an optional overnight stay in a backcountry hut in the Grey Valley System.
Helicopter fishing is also available into remote wilderness headwaters of streams. Conditions apply and extra fees apply.
Each trip member receives at least 4 full days with the best New Zealand guides available, fishing the best Kiwi rivers and streams, plus 2 days shared fishing with the Pro-Angler host.
New Zealand guided fishing usually starts at around 8.30/9am, dependant on areas fished and travelling time, finishing around 5/5.30pm.
Whilst it is not the marathon efforts that we often do in Australia because of heat, time of day and fish captures; due to the walking distances covered and the amount of large fish that you will find, those hours are generally more than enough, six days in a row.
However, if you are still yearning, feel free to fish well into the evening rise and into the night if you needed to, the Mataura and Lake Brunner are literally loaded with wild fish. Although I guarantee this extra fishing will diminish after 1 or 2 times, the days really are packed with enough fishing time to give anyone a genuine fix!
The guide or Pro-Angler host will cater for all your needs, lunch, drinks, flies, tippets, etc.
Requirements
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Faster action, 9ft, 5, 6 or 7wt rods, generally along the lines of the Stalker Guide Series or Master ranges really suit the NZ conditions perfectly. -Dull coloured grey, brown or khaki weight forward floating lines.
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Rubber studded wading boots are a must. Breathable waders just make everything much more comfortable. The kiwi idea of wet wading is still popular as there are no snakes, but warm and dry sits better with most anglers.
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An assortment of "commercially tied" flies, specifically tungsten beaded nymphs, parachutes, duns, humpy’s, etc.
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Quality amber polarized glasses; we have found Mako to be the best quality available.
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Peaked cap, dull shirt, light vest or chest pack, camera, insect repellent and a big smile are all that’s needed!
All customers booked on a Pro-Angler trip receive a one off 15% discount on purchases made prior to departure.
Generally 3 anglers per Pro-Angler host.
Southland trips depart from Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane airport, flying direct to Quennstown, flight time approximately 3.5 hours. West Coast trips are via Christchurch .
Duration is one full week. Transport is all provided complimentary via the Pro-Angler host or the kiwi guides. All meals throughout the trip are provided.
It is your responsibility to provide; flights, travel insurance, fishing license, and any alcohol that is required.
Pro-Angler Bentleigh Trip dates still available
Southland:
-November 2008 30-Dec 7th
-March 2009
West Coast:
-Nov 2008 8-15th
-Feb 7-14, 14-21 2009
-March -April 2009
Why are we doing trips?
After hearing too many instances of our customers being disappointed with trips to NZ, be it from bad weather, poor guides, information, planning, or simply from a lack of basic knowledge, we decided it was time we used our extensive experience and contacts and helped our clients get the most out of the best fly fishing destination in the world.
Why use Kiwi guides, aren’t they expensive?
Yes, they may seem expensive at first, until you actually use them! The Pro-Angler guides we use have been fishing their local areas for 20-30 years! Imagine the knowledge they have gained over that time, be it fly choice, access choice, river choice, or even simply what the conditions need for success.
Compare that to the knowledge someone has gained who has been there for a couple of years in a row! Sure if the water, weather, and fish are perfect you could almost do it yourself if your abilities are up there, but if something is not perfect… is guesswork, trial and error, or blind faith the answer to your hard earned week of a lifetime?
Why aren’t flights included?
In the past we have, but it doesn’t benefit the first few guys who book in at the early airline rates, and lately there are fly buys, extended stays etc. So it simply makes better sense and fairness to make flights separate. Dependant on the advanced time of booking expect to pay from $350-550.
Why isn’t travel insurance included if it’s compulsory?
Cameras, gear, luggage, length of stay… where does it end, it simply is easier to leave it up to your individual requirements.
Are there different levels of accommodation available?
Yes, with enough notice we can organize separate accommodation needs, but from our past experiences we all thoroughly enjoy the shared accommodation.
If you are travelling with your partner, we can obviously ensure suitable accommodation is available.
What ability levels do I need?
We can cater for all ability levels, but it pays to practice here first, so once you arrive you are all set to start loading up the rod with a tear away fish!
Most sighted fish will be within 10 to 15 metres, so when you consider the rod and leader/tippet length take up 6 or 7 metres, your only casting your fly line 3 to 8 metres. While it may look good throwing the full line, it is of no use in NZ!
So, you will need to practice casting short. Practice hitting a radius of half a metre 4 out of 5 times at that distance, which is actually harder than it sounds. The first two casts are the most important. Get them right and you have a 75% chance of hooking it. Subsequent casts will half the % of catching it, so practice and get it right in the first two. We'll get the net and camera ready!
Tailored trips?
If you’re an experienced angler and would like to arrange a different trip, sure just let us know and we can tailor a package to suit your ability and requirements. 3 like-minded anglers are required.
Other concerns or questions?
Just ask, we can find a way to make certain this trip will be one to remember, for the right reasons!
Trip costs :
$2,500.00 per person
A $500 deposit is required to lock in your place; the remaining amount is due 1 month prior to departure.
Pro-Angler promotes catch and release in all NZ rivers.
Conditions for all trips.
If space can be rebooked, your deposit will be refunded, less a cancelation fee based on a percentage of the total cost of the trip. Balances are due by the dates specified . If payment is not received by this date, all deposits are non refundable and trip is cancelled. A $500 deposit is required to confirm dates.
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