|
Post by FrancisThong on Feb 10, 2008 10:13:04 GMT 8
The plan was conceived many years ago, inspired by a few anglers who returned with many beautiful stories and pictures to share..... I wished it would have happened earlier, but I guessed it was made more memorable to celebrate our 1st year anniversary by going on this dream adventure. ;D The dream was almost made impossible with our works, new house and baptism preparations all taking place at the same time. Coupled with those, I was ill since Christmas but Dr Tay patiently and professionally ensured my steady recovery. Strangely, I fully recovered upon touching down in Auckland. Fortunately, my wife and I drew strength from each other, encouragement from friends and blessings from the divine office etc... Checklist was drawn up, equipment was imported and the guide recommended by Pete was contacted to ensure the success of the trip. During our long flight there, I could not sleep and kept wondering if I missed out on any important item.... Clearing the custom at Auckland International Airport was quite a breeze as our wading equipments were mostly new. We met our guide, Kiyoshi, outside and he promptly led us to his 4WD after some exchanges. He drove us to his shop, Rod & Reel where we picked up new wader, wading staff and many others. I was smiling until I was presented the invoice. It was another 3 hours drive from the shop to Rotorua. Upon reaching there, just like what the travel book had described, there was a strong hint of sulphur in the air there. Rotorua is surrounded with plenty of geothermal activities. Kiyoshi brought us to one of the rivers we would be fishing the following day and we were surprised to see quite a few trouts in such small stream. I found it hard to contain my excitement. ;D
|
|
|
Post by ninetail on Feb 10, 2008 18:02:13 GMT 8
more posting please
|
|
|
Post by FrancisThong on Feb 10, 2008 18:25:48 GMT 8
|
|
|
Post by ShadowCaster on Feb 10, 2008 23:04:06 GMT 8
Those are nice rainbows by any standards!
Well done Mr & Mrs Thong!
|
|
|
Post by TarponCraz on Feb 11, 2008 9:39:08 GMT 8
Good catches. Hope the two of you enjoyed the entire trip.
|
|
|
Post by alberto on Feb 11, 2008 14:45:48 GMT 8
Francis, Thanks for making me loose my mood for work on my first day back Those are fabulous looking trouts ;D regards Alberto
|
|
|
Post by FrancisThong on Feb 12, 2008 0:54:39 GMT 8
We were certainly very happy with the results from the 1st day of fishing. We would be pretty contented if the fishing continued to stay the same for the next day. Nonetheless, Kiyoshi had other ideas the 2nd day. ;D He brought us to a pool that had a darker shade from the rest of the surrounding river. I knew it was deep but I did not realized that there were surprises waiting for us beneath. On the spot, he taught both of us Czech Nymphing and after a few minutes, we realized how effective the technique was. My 1st brown trout weighing 8.5lb A close up of a brown Her 1st brown that was a trophy that weighed 11lb The importance of hiring a good guide was very crucial to catching these beautiful trouts. Kiyoshi is a member of Team NZ and also the fly tyer for the team. He has competed in many competitions successfully and introduced many new and interesting perspectives to our fishing and fly tying experiences. In a financial term, we could probably termed hiring him with his strong credentials and professional commitments as an AAA+ investment! ;D A pool of trophy trouts further upstream! Another speedy rainbow subdued After catching and missing a few, we asked Kiyoshi to fish so that we could learn from a master fly fisherman. He was hesitant, bearing in mind of his professional duties. After some encouragement from both of us, he finally obliged. He immediately hooked up a monstrous trout that sped off upstream but he kept pace with the angry fish. He was never more than 5-8 metres away from the fish and he leveraged on the entire rod. When he netted the fish and weighed it, it was a 20lb brown trout! It turned out to be his personal best! Congratulations, Kiyoshi! Pacing the 20lb fish Posing with the 20lb brown Close up of the champion trout Something quite common in NZ! Another trophy brown We were totally overwhelmed by the good fishing and shared our excitement with our friends in NZ and Singapore almost immediately. Pete, Sean and David etc were certainly sharing in our joy! Thank you, guys!
|
|
|
Post by FrancisThong on Feb 12, 2008 9:15:28 GMT 8
Tan Yik - Thanks for the compliment. It is a huge encouragement coming from such an experienced angler like you Your previous Alaskan report has been one of those that I continued to read again and again. I hope there will be another report from you and your wife again soon. ;D TarponCraz - We did enjoy ourselves thoroughly! This trip had been one of the brightest chapters in our lives. Alberto - I hope your trip this year would come true for you too! In the meantime, I look forward to fish with you soon. ;D Most importantly, I like to wish everyone here a Happy 2008 CNY! Nian Nian You Yu! There will be a few more postings when I have organized my album.
|
|
|
Post by FrancisThong on Feb 20, 2008 23:41:34 GMT 8
|
|
|
Post by alberto on Feb 21, 2008 15:52:18 GMT 8
Dear Francis, I'm going to have to make you pay for a new keyboard. The drool just shorted it out Alberto
|
|
|
Post by Agent X on Feb 21, 2008 22:10:18 GMT 8
i volunteer be your cameraman on your next trip,..... but you must pay for my air ticket.... kekekeke....
|
|
|
Post by trouty on Feb 24, 2008 10:35:21 GMT 8
i volunteer to carry your equipments...hehehe.. ;D
cheers trouty
|
|
|
Post by FrancisThong on Feb 26, 2008 9:31:53 GMT 8
Can you 2 (trouty and agentX) be more sincere a bit? Just say we go fishing together la! ;D haha... AgentX - I nominate trouty to "architect" a trip, including tying all the flies needed. You wanna second that?
|
|
|
Post by roastroys on Feb 29, 2008 10:49:53 GMT 8
Now this is what flyfishing is all about...... ;D And I must say this experience will be remembered like the marriage vow says.....Till death till us part....
|
|