TRM really value so many regular fisho guests from West Island.  We listen to their opinions closely as they really appreciate the quality of trout fishing – particularly on the Tongariro and elsewhere on the North Island central plateau.

There are now so many Aussies that have given up on previous South Island trout fishing trips. Once they have discovered, with delight, the comparable benefits (aka more trout) of the North Island rivers and lakes, they return again and again. 

Nevertheless, after a week or so on the Tongariro and other Lake Taupo tributary rivers, regardless of how successful they are, everyone likes a change. 

(It is just a coincidence that whenever they want to go exploring it is usually a beautiful fine still day when the TRM laundry load is under severe pressure.)

Exploring new rivers and places is always refreshing to the soul. 

So on Monday TRM “guided” another tourist angler from Melbourne.  He has visited TRM regularly for many years now and not needed to explore over the hill west but this was just for a change of pace and different scenery, you understand…

Such guests certainly do not need a prefessional “fishing” guide as they are usually far more skilled than me, but just need a “tourist” driver to show them where to access other choice rivers.  For them it is often more of an awkward decision “in principle” as unfortunately they need another licence to go there. That is  so wrong!

TRM have ranted on about this before but, we trust readers realise, all we are doing is passing on the continual critical comments from these overseas anglers. 

These anglers have often fished elsewhere and with so many choices all over the world on where they prefer to fish they voted NZ  with their feet – so these little niggley licence issue are not helpful. 

It is past the time that one NZ fishing licence was introduced.  I hope the NZ trout fishery managers – DoC and Fish&Game – read this in the spirit that it is written, in  that the role of TRM reports are merely to pass on their concerns.  

It is not always just our own personal egotistical biased opinions.  Of course others may disagree… 

Many suggest that instead of having to pay twice with each licence carrying an additional  loading for overseas anglers, they should get a significant discount for all they do to help the economy. 

When they visit NZ they have to stay for at least one week, more usually about two weeks, to justify their traveling expenses. 

They always spend up in local shops making a considerable contribution to the fishing economy in the Taupo region – so they are more valued in smaller struggling villages like Turangi.  DoC’s own consultants report suggested the trout fishing brings in $29Million annually and employs about 300 locals. 

What’s more, they really love the 100% pure NZ river environment.  They constantly remind us we are just so lucky to enjoy such wonderful trout fishing. 

Anyway, that is our rant over for this month…

Images are of Johnny McDougall from near Melbourne let loose over on the Wanganui and Whakapapa – near Kakahi. 

Thanks Johnny for a great day away from the laundry.