Continuing the report from yesterday…
At TRM we have developed finely tuned radar antennae to hear it before they inevitably begin to ask the same question: SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed has morphed into the fishing guru as well as Manager at TRM) is repeatedly asked… “When is the best time to fish the Tongariro?” We have already covered that question numerous times. But the questions continue with Her latest:
“What gear do I need?”
She has to explain – that is an essential part of Her management job description… This ‘question & answer’ stuff is usually asked by many super-keen anglers with all the “right” gear – wisely invested in the latest most expensive brand named gear.
A typical list might include Simms/Orvis/Riverworks/Redington/Patagonia boots and camo chest waders, designer polaroids, designer shirts, multi pocketed vest dripping with cutters, spools of various weighted trace material, knives, lassoed by a landing net, collapsible wading staff, digital scales, measuring tape, multi use backpack, hat, camouflaged scarf, gloves, optimistic carrying handle, bulging pockets crammed with fly boxes and sun cream and insect repellent and line floatant and lead shot and multi-coloured indicators, silicone water-shed indicator, lunch, emergency rations, water, something stronger (optional?) etc..
Then there are maps, fishing licence, endless other essential stuff hardly ever needed, first aid kit, floatation device, flashlight, camera, cell phone (turned off), etc. What have we forgotten? A rod… It is so unreasonable to have to fund another mortgage for the latest Sage/Loop/Hardy/Scott/whatever rods in several sizes, 9′, 10′, spey, each in 5 wt., 6 wt., 7wt., 8wt., etc. with finely balanced reel and line, to still come away from the river empty handed. How is it possible to fail with such an array of carefully selected expensive kit? To then return from a fishless day tramping and wading on the Tongariro and have to say how they enjoyed it… With all that expensive gear, how could they possibly miss catching a trout? It is inconceivable and so frustrating. 
The stress levels boil over with all the other decisions to make – Up river or down river? Left or right bank? Which pool? Head or tail of pool? Nymph or wet line? Which line? How much weight? How long the leader? We will not attempt to discuss which fly? etc….. 
Fortunately a typical big trout river characteristic of the Tongariro is that the flow and the prime spots are always changing. By the time some of these x spots earn naming rights the current shifts and anglers have to start searching and reading the water all over again.
Add to the confusion the weeks of constant study of other regions, other rivers and lakes, guides reports, analysis of weather patterns, rainfall graphs, moon phases, web reports, fishing magazines, etc. How then, after such dedication, such a serious investment, can anyone possibly fail? It is inconceivable…