Following the report recently from a Tongariro angler who explained that often it is not the trout that attracts him back year after year to the Tongariro….
Today’s report is another from a dedicated Tongariro angler who cannot be described as a TRM inmate as he does not stay at TRM. He has a holiday home across the road.
Stephen Kyle has the best reason for preferring the Tongariro… he got married on the Tongariro.
In response to TRM’s questions he replied:
1 Name, brief background, where do you live. age, etc.?
Stephen Kyle age 56 from New Plymouth. I have a very busy rather stressful professional life and love to get over to the beauty, tranquility and companionship of the Tongariro. Its always great to catch up with friends.
2 When and where did you start fishing the Tongariro?
Over 40 years ago I fished the smaller rivers north, believing I was not good enough to fish the Tongariro. I guess I felt it would be like a very amateur golfer playing a round at Saint Andrews, watched by professionals. Around 25 years ago I was introduced to the Lower Tongariro and realised the Tongariro fisherman were largely just journeyman fisherman like myself, there for a good time. The fishing was fantastic, as was the scenery and the friends I made. Now it is the first river I fish. I still occasionally fish the smaller rivers. Its now a bit like a trip to Auckland, reminds me how much better home is.
3 What was your reason to start and keep returning to the Tongariro
The Tongariro is big, powerful and moody. I love the challenges it provides and hope he ( I said she and my wife says he) is in a good mood when I get there.
If the fishing is slow I will bike the loop track on a spying mission or cheat and ask Ross for an update.
4 Which is your favourite pool? Why?
Probably Judges. It is a short walk, I don’t need to drive. It is easy to fish on the true right and usually there is someone there for a chat.
My wife can walk down to the opposite bank , give me a wave on her walk or call me back for dinner. Its pretty consistent, I don’t get skunked too often.
The true left can be worth a look just need to roll cast.
5 Your most forgettable and/or unforgettable Tongariro incident?
Slipping on Ice in my neoprene waders and breaking my Left wrist on the first day of my holiday. Fortunately it wasn’t my right wrist so I could still cast. Make sure if /when this happens to get a waterproof cast so you can still fish. Use your phone and photograph your XR’s so you can show your Surgeon when you get home. Don’t forget your ACC forms, if you can’t work, hopefully you can still fish. Its also good physiotherapy expediting your recovery.
6 Your best Tongariro achievement?
Getting married beside the Tongariro . Strongly recommend it , makes a great back drop for the wedding photos and guess what you can do while everyone is mucking around. You should easily get your limit while your wife to be is becoming even more beautiful ( she will be checking this). No one will miss you. Fresh hot smoked trout for the wedding dinner. Everyone is happy. Play your cards right you can even have your honeymoon there – bliss. Anyone doubting this, ask Ross, all true, he even donated a smoked 10lb Brown for the day, how good is that! This has made for a long happy marriage and thinking about this now, i think Ross should offer Fishing/marriage packages. He would make a great celebrant. Who needs Vegas.
7 What do you like most about the Tongariro?
Refer (3)
8 Which is your favourite fishing style – dry? nymph? streamer?
My favourite style is the style that catches fish, legally of course. If you haven’t got past page one of the Kama Sutra, fine, stick to streamers. You know who you are! For those of us who are more adventurous try them all, each method has its optimal time and place. Versatility adds to the enjoyment. Hey, I am talking about fishing here!
9 Your favourite Tongariro fly fishing trip?
They are all my favourites, except when I broke my wrist. That memory has largely been deleted or at least over written.There is always something interesting,challenging, funny, believe it or not, even when you break your wrist.
10 Anything else would you like to add? Please include photos…
Catching a nice Rainbow is like catching a Bar of Silver, Catching a nice Brown is like catching a Bar of Gold. Priceless. What better place than the Tongariro. I recently attended a Legasea meeting and was saddened at what is happening to our marine fish stocks. Freshwater anglers are generally very environmentally conscious and we have more opportunity to protect our resource . Thankfully trout don’t have a price on their heads in New Zealand, what amazing vision by our forebears.
We “Band of Brothers fresh water fisherman” must stick together, be vigilant and fight to preserve our fishing rights and the quality of our Lakes and rivers. Don’t mess with us and our rivers!!!
