One of TRM’s special inmates is an angler who is blind. Toni Marks will be exploring the Tongariro River town pools for the next few days, usually accompanied by a “minder”. So could other Tongariro anglers please look out for him?

He is an elderly tall lean character who might be more easily recognised by his favourite fishing hat, which looks like it was stolen from Indiana Jones – see old photos attached. He will not notice you so do not wade into his casting sphere without having a word first.

Toni is naturally shy of any publicity as he has fished the Tongariro River for many years and does not consider his handicap to be anything particularly special. The trout do not realise he is blind…

As he relies on “touch” he prefers swinging and retrieving a wet line. “The tug is the drug”. It is amazing to watch him fishing as it is not apparent that he cannot see. His other senses are far more acute. He even changes flies by feeling the knot with his tongue. Quite remarkable.

So if you are passing by him, just let him know if you are within his range. He will usually have a buddy looking out for him.