After posting two Daily Reports commenting favourably on the Woolly Bugger – a popular streamer pattern – TRM have attracted some ‘stick’ from TRM inmates for going over to the dark side?.  We understand.

For the last ten years we have always been warning of wet liners so it is probably time for an explanation – now that I have been unfairly accused of tying some deadly woolly buggers for WG’s successful Canadian salmon fishing.

Basically there are four fundamental reasons why TRM are naturally cautious in encouraging wet liners.

1   Wet line techniques are very similar to spinning  which is not allowed on the Tongariro River.  OK?  That is about as ridiculous as the regulations can be.  Yet spinning is allowed on more sensitive places such as Lake Otamangakau – our trophy lake, Whakapapa River, Wanganui, etc..  i.e. Just to show how fair we are, TRM have a spin fishing angler staying in November who has allocated 40 days for exploring and fishing many North Island rivers – in correspondence he commented:

“Unlike what most people think Spin fishing in Europe has become a highly sophisticated technique as well as very productive in any kind of environment and conditions, we strictly fish single hook catch and release.  Out of the well known rivers that you’ve mentioned (some of them fly fishing only) I will fish as follows: Manganuiotao,  Rangitaiki, Waikato, Waipunga, Ruakituri, Waiau, Mangapoike, Ngaruroro, Tukituki, Waipawa, Manawatu,  Mangatainoka, Ruamahanga, Mangahao, Whirinaki, Waioeka, lake Aniwhenua, lake Tarawera”

2   My fishing buddy, WG, always prefers a wet line and consistently out-fishes me.  That is so unfair.  No respect at all.  So naturally TRM Daily Reports are prejudiced against them.  We even have evidence – recent emails from him sent to prospective guests to persuade them how much easier wet lining is and providing them his own  ‘pumpkin heads’ patterns?.  That is treason?

3   Wet liners need to wade to be effective to cast across and down and retrieve.  Certain un-named elderly anglers cannot physically wade any longer (due to joint replacement parts, etc.) on the Tongariro stoney river bed.  Often it is more than just difficult and can even be considered dangerous when the stones grow slime and become very slippery.  TRM cannot afford to lose inmates.  To encourage wet lining would be unfair on those real nymphing anglers, although a flaw in our strategy is apparent as if TRM encouraged them more, it would leave more space for real anglers nymphing.

4   TRM have many novices wanting to learn fly fishing casting techniques.  Flinging heavy wet lines should never be described or considered as the gentle art of fly fishing.  As indicated above it is more like lure fishing.  If novices ever want to graduate to dry fly it is almost an impossible ask.  But if they learn how to cast a nymph and mend and achieve a natural drift they are most of the way there.

For more details on the Woolly Bugger variations refer to the ‘bible’ on fly tying:  “New Zealand’s Best Trout Flies” compiled by Peter Scott, Edited by Peter Chan.

Hook: Black Magic ‘A’ series, #6-8, or Tiemco 5262, #6.

Lead: medium 1 layer, 7-8 turns to head of fly,

Thread: Danville size A, lime green or olive,

Body: olive Arizona Simi Seal fur dubbing or HSO (dubbed lightly)

Hackle: grizzly dyed olive green 5-6 turns

Rib: medium copper wire

Tail: chocolate brown marabou.

Angler contributors’ comments on the Woolly Bugger include:

Peter Chan comments in the introduction:

“Of the general ‘attractor’ patterns, the ubiquitous Woolly Bugger remains the favourite for many of our anglers.  In his book The Complete Guide to New Zealand Trout Lures, Derek Quilliam picked the Woolly Bugger as the lure that he would choose if restricted to just one pattern.”

i.e. Page 165: Rob Vaz: “Some flies you have to admit will consistently outfish all others and take priority in the fly box they sit in.  Second to none is the Woolly Bugger!  etc…”