Fishing Tackle

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All tackle can be provided for both trout and salmon anglers, but for those who prefer to fish with their own tackle here are a few pointers.

Trout Tackle

Rod. 

8' to 9' in  #5, #6 or #7 is ideal for New Zealand conditions. The most popular rod here is definitely a 9' for a #6 line 4 piece. High Modulus fast action rods are preferred, with an average fish size of 4lb+ you need a rod with plenty of fight. Rods by G-Loomis, Sage, Orivis, Powell, Winston are all used successfully in New Zealand.

Line.

Bring a floating and a sinking line to match your rod(s). Color of floating lines is important when fishing crystal clear water for wild trout !  Lines must be dull or natural in color, Cortland and Scientific Anglers both do lines in grays, olives or the new clear types. All are great for fishing in New Zealand. If you can't source a line locally they are available in the shops here.

Leaders, Tippet.

We fish long leaders, 12 to 14 foot being preferred, tippets of between 2x and 4x are used so bring a range of tippet nylons. Fluorocarbon lines are popular when nymph fishing.

Waders.

Most kiwis 'wade wet' in tramping shorts or polypropylene long johns and comfortable wading or tramping boots.  Breathable (Gortex / Entrant / GII) waders are becoming more and more popular, and wading boots are a definite advantage on a slippery stream bottom. Wading staffs are also a great idea.

Flies

Fly patterns are many and varied with some local favorites being must haves. Most western US patterns (Humpies, Royal Wulff, Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Hare and Copper, Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail) work well. Local favorites can be purchased locally once you arrive.
An archive of local fly patterns can be found here. (opens in new window)

Clothing

Clothing should be muted in color,  a good rain jacket and good quality tramping or wading boots are recommended. Polarized glasses are essential as is a wide brimmed hat.

Salmon

Rod and Reel

A free spool reel and a 7' fast action rod is ideal, the reel should take around 180 - 220 yards of 15 - 20lb mono, and the rod should be rated to cast 15 - 30 grams or there about.

Alternatively a fixed spool reel on a 8 to 9' medium action rod is a good combination, again the reel should hold 180 - 220 yards of 20lb mono.

Line.

should be hard wearing as you are fishing the river bottom where line damage is inevitable, soft 'distance casting' lines are not suitable for New Zealand salmon fishing. Preferred colors are olive or clear, fluro colors are to be avoided.

Lures.

There are two basic types of lures used by the majority of salmon fishermen the Zed spinner (or spoon) and the Colorado bladed spinner.  Both are available locally in a range of sizes and colors.