What amazing response for TONGARIRO RIVER MOTEL inaugural Ladies Tournament Weekend on 29, 30 & 31 August. The “other place” in Taupo that is holding a similar tournament was showing some of their prizes in their advertising blog, so not to be outmatched SWMBO raided my stack of precious fishing gear and unearthed the following:

The classy new fly rod is a 9′ 6 wt. Thomas & Thomas – a perfect ladies rod and BFR Dragonfly Cartridge reel with floating line of unknown species.

The professional guides wading jackets are by SIMMS top of the line (made in China). One size fits all.

The exquisite (?) vintage wine collection is all from the 1970’s with the pick of the brew surely being a 1971 Montana Cold Duck. (At 48 years old this really is a collector’s item and not for swilling – OK?) So instead this has been replaced with a case of fine wine has been generously donated by a Taupo Rod & Tackle.

The special lucky hats will be issued to all as part of the registration process and must be worn throughout the tournament so TV and press can identify everyone participating in the tournament.

A special anglers notebook and toiletry bag from exclusive tackle shop UK supplier to the rich and famous…

The latest trout fishing books are: “Laird of the Flies” donated by David McLellan – a TRM inmate with knowledge gained from a lifetime of competition fishing.

The older book is Muriel Foster’s fishing diary – long out of print but prized by collectors – complete with illustrations for 35 years – printed in 1913.

A new pair of ladies waders donated – size unknown – they are always either too big or too small? Not sure how we can award them as a prize without fitting first? SWMBO is still working on that…

Some participants from West & South Islands are also bringing boxes of flies specially tied for the Tongariro River conditions. Other generous donations are still being received will be auctioned off on Saturday at the prize presentation. Just amazing. It is going to be a great weekend.

Another prize will be a weekend accommodation with TRM’s fishing guide.

Several have already asked how SWMBO has worked out who wins the prizes? The “Ladies Committee” are meeting at TRM soon to decide on which prizes qualify to be competed for and which will be spot prizes. The programme provides for lots of extras – such as all participants (including TRM management!) will be dined out on Friday night at an exclusive local restaurant as part of the Tournament fee. To qualify, all have to wear a TRM lucky hat and high fashion fishing vest! The primary aim is to have a relaxed fun weekend – not seriously competitive – OK?.

So ph. 07 386 8555 or email Ross@tongarirorivermotel.co.nz asap…

All fly fishos appreciate that increasing participation can help create more advocates for the natural river resources we all love. And did you know the largest opportunity for growth in fly fishing rests with ladies!.

According to Orvis, women comprise about 25 % of fly-fishing converts? According to TRM, on the Tongariro they would not be 5%! So we have a long way to go. TRM are actively courting more ladies to become more involved in fly fishing. It’s a sport that lends itself to both genders equally – there’s no reason for any ladies to be left behind in this fascinating challenging sport-recreation-hobby-interest-addicting pastime..

Tongariro River Motel Ladies Fishing Tournament August 2019

Brief Tournament notes: (these tournament rules may change with the weather – this is a ladies tournament where anything can happen or change – SWMBO rules! OK? Or in other words, SWMBO has never managed a tournament before so She needs to be prepared for any contingency)

1. Fly fishing on the Tongariro River only
2. Only one fish per day to be weighed in per angler
3. Weigh in times are:

Thursday 5:30-6:00pm, daily Prize giving 6:15pm

Friday 2:30-3:00pm, daily Prize giving 3:15pm followed by 5 pm dining “knees up” at a local restaurant. (To qualify, all TRM diners must wear TRM lucky hats and the latest in high fashion wear – fishing vests!)

Saturday 3:30-4pm, Tournament Prize presentation 5-6pm by celebrity MC, followed by dinner at the tavern. To qualify you must be in the queue before the above close-off times’

1. Prizes each day are for the fish with the Best Condition Factor and for the Heaviest Fish
2. Fish weighed in must have been caught on the same day
3. One fish, can only win one prize, per day
4. If two fish are the same condition factor or the same weight, the first fish weighed in shall win
5. Fishing is at your own risk
6. Tight lines and screaming reels, good luck.

$$$ Tournament Price:  $150 per participant for three days.

As at time of posting TRM still have a few beds – sharing a unit – available… Phone asap.