I cannot recall where I read it, so apologise as I have not acknowledged it, but it goes something like this.

Of all the sports and recreational pursuits in the world, the most popular, comprising 80% of the total participation, is – you guessed it – fishing.

Of all the many, many books published on fishing, 80% of them are based on freshwater – particularly trout fishing.

Of all the books published in NZ on trout fishing, 80% of them are about the Taupo region.

Of those, 80% feature the Tongariro River.

So recently this popularity theory was tested by a post on TRM’s Facebook page.

This leads into the recent phenomenal growth of the internet.  Perhaps reading fishing books is becoming obsolete?

In the last 20 years, I am only aware of one book featuring the Tongariro River – you can guess which one in the above photo. Grant Henderson’s book, “Fishing the Tongariro”, is already a classic history of the most popular trout fishing river in NZ.

Before this was Brendon Mathew’s “Volcanic Trout”.  We used to leave copies of these books in the units for fishy inmates, but they went missing so often that we now only lend them to guests we trust…

Another notable book repeatedly on TRM’s missing book list, was NZ’s Best Trout Flies, published in 2006, compiled by Peter Scott and edited by Peter Chan.

Needless to say, the other book that regularly goes missing is Tongariro Skulduggery.  But that was our fault, all part of TRM’s cunning selling strategy.  Guests start reading it and feel compelled to finish to search the background behind the “who-done-it, what-happened” nature of the mockumentary plot, so they take it with them.  We confess it is not really comparable as a fishing book, but the “Tongariro” in the title was needed to attract buyers.

They are warned: we know who you are!

Now, back to the power of the internet.  TRM are still shocked, bewildered, thrilled, and confused that a cute little motel in a small town can post one photo on FB with the storyline of two young boys innocently fishing off the Tongariro Bridge.  Now the response is still increasing daily and has broken all our records.

The latest stats one week later for the 27 July post:

Now 421,868 views from 258,963 viewers with 54,106 engagements, having 5,245 likes with 322 comments and 36 shares. 

For us, that is incredible!  Naturally, SWMBO takes all the credit.

I doubt that any other traditional fishing book could match that.

Meanwhile, the two bridge anglers have become celebrities at TRM.  To avoid any problems arising from their fishing-off-the-bridge strategy, we trust you understand why we deliberately did not identify them. Nearly all comments were positive and congratulated them for their initiative.

Among the many replies were complaints about DOC’s encouraging attitude, topped by a letter published after a 9-year-old, practising his casting technique with a stick and some string, was approached and warned by two Rangers for breaking the law!  He was guilty of being a kid!  One would imagine DOC Rangers would have more important priorities than that.

We also hope you understand if TRM missed answering all the comments.  It is impossible for us to forecast any long-term effects, as 98% were “non-followers”.  i.e. Fresh meat!  But one thing is clear, that DOC need to realise too.

Did you realise that the sport of fly fishing is more popular than any other recreational activity? 

TRM’s blog response proves the appeal is huge. 

Now it just needs promoting.  

Also remember, at the moment TRM blogs are competing for attention with the All Blacks touring somewhere for a series of tests as well.

Some may disagree that competition from handheld devices, iPhones, etc., has eroded trout fishing licence sales.  Over the same period, promotion of the Taupo fishery in particular has dwindled.  Previously, the Government Tourist agency handled all advertising, but since that responsibility was delegated to a Government Department, DOC (Department of Conservation), which, among its other tourist responsibilities, also operates as the Taupo Fishery Managers, their trout fishing promotional activities have been abysmal.

How could the Fly-Fishing Industry Boom?

Just follow the perfect precedent…  Instead of writing a book about it, do a movie!  The original book was boring.  It needed another Peter Jackson to transform it.

As an election bribe, I wonder if Government might promise to invest in an immensely successful low-budget film, like “A River Runs Through It”? 

But was it the plot of the story or the brash young actor, whose name I have forgotten again, that was the attraction? 

I must have a word with Peter Jackson, or someone called Chris might like to pass this immense opportunity to him…

Can it happen again?  Should we sign up the two boys from the bridge fishing post?  The results from the TRM blog have proven how HUGE the potential market is.

Below are some of the posters older anglers may remember adorning every public building, like railway stations and bus terminals.  Those were the days!  But now we have the internet; the potential and possibilities are endless…