Reel Life November 2011

November 2011

Fishing Heats Up as Summer Nears

Welcome to another issue of Reel Life – Fish & Game NZ's dedicated newsletter for anglers.

First up, a quick "thanks” to all those readers who submitted images to be considered for the 'cover shot' of this issue. Please keep the pictures coming – details below – it could be your turn on our opening page next issue!

This time around we've selected a cracker of a picture taken by Andrew Thompson of Dave Salter looking up an un-named Southland stream.

While the weather of late hasn't exactly been too kind to anglers across many parts of the country, we can anticipate more settled conditions as spring fades and summer moves in.

Mixed weather hasn't dented the South Island salmon fever though as the runs begin. Before the recent deluge, reports of a good start to the season were starting to flow in with the Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game team suggesting their region was witnessing the best salmon runs in years.

With the summer holiday season fast approaching, why not spend some time introducing your friends and family to salmon or trout fishing? Fish & Game has a wealth of resources available to assist through our regional offices or our website. You can even check out our www.fishaway.co.nz site which has great tips for beginners on gear and where to fish.

And don't forget to sign up as a friend of Fish & Game NZ on Facebook & Twitter – it's an excellent way for you to stay in touch with all our news and alerts!

Until next month, happy fishing!

P.S - If you want to submit a photo to be considered for the Reel Life 'cover', email your image to hcarnachan@fishandgame.org.nz with the appropriate details – i.e angler's name and rough location (we're not asking you to divulge your secrets spots!).*

* Fish & Game NZ reserve the right to use any images submitted in other communications, publicity or promotional material so make sure you're looking your best!

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Creasy's Column - By Hugh Creasy

Of windy days and the lucky angler…

For weeks the water stayed wind-whipped, trees bent and broke to fierce gales, all new green growth stripped and scattered, spring-tender willows shed their leaves and the river carried the detritus to the sea.

On the banks we anglers stood, rods held tightly in case they, too, would leave our grip and be carried off, as we searched the frothy water for a sign. There, a glimpse, perhaps, of fin or tail or the flashing scarlet of exposed gill plates or orange-spotted flank. But then the downstream gale came again and we knew a cast would be hopeless, but, just on the chance, we perhaps should try?

Ted's a lucky angler and he shook free a line with heavy leader to punch through the wind. To the tippet was tied a muddler minnow that could represent anything from a porina moth on the surface to a small fish if it sinks. He waited till the gale slowed to a breeze and cast the fly towards the left side of the pool. The muddler is a big fly, even tied as small as #8. The wind caught it and while the line landed true, the fly was in the middle of the pool... Read More

Angling Club Newsletters

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