After many years of testing TRM are delighted to settle a much disputed argument to confirm once and for all, which is the best most successful deadly irresistible fly for fishing at the Tongariro delta. 

This is a big call so several years of exhaustive experimental testing was necessary using custom made flies by TRM inmate and Ace fly tyer, Chris Seaton from Brooklyn, Wellington. 

He is always accompanied by his father – Ross Seaton from Timaru (he regrets all their local trout rivers have dried up…) – so you might see where this is leading. 

The only way to decide on the best flies was to use all three winning patterns at the same time in the same conditions at the same depth with the same sized hooks, same line set up,  etc.

To make it official they appointed an experienced referee to adjudicate – local fishing guide, Whiskery Mike – who chose the most suitable spot at the mouth of the Tongariro.

Weather was typical of a winter day in Turangi – a bit of a frost to start developed into a beautiful clear day, no wind, no swirl, just prefect calm balmy conditions for such an important event.

 Chris used a yellow & black woolly bugger pattern called the Hurricane pattern. 

Ross used a red & black woolly bugger pattern called the Crusader pattern.

Mike used a more traditional All Black pattern.

Wellington won easily.  OK? 

By how many I hear you ask?  Who cares…

They all landed plenty of Rainbows over 4 pound in peak condition and had another memorable day out fishing – for TRM inmates that is the most important factor. 

The fly competition added some extra spice to the fishing to keep their concentration as preparation for the post match strong cup of tea…

Even DoC  cannot find a more scientific method of analysis than that.

So that settles it.   Now you know.  Hurricanes rule!

(Tomorrow the TRM Daily Report reviews a similar analysis of fishy inmates to select the best one fly applicable to the Tongariro River.  Already an objection to the Hurricanes yellow & black ribbed Woolly Bugger has been lodged from a ‘naki supporter – more on that tomorrow.  We promise the result will surprise you.)