Which is the best rod?

Fishing cancelled this morning – Tongariro below at 9 am flowing over 300 cumecs.

(the normal flow is less than 10% of that at around 27 cumecs.)

Which is the best rod for the Tongariro?

The photo on TRM Facebook yesterday showing part of our arsenal of rods raised the inevitable question – so I dodged the question to give me more time to consider and suggested it would be answered on today’s report…

So which is the best rod for the Tongariro River?

TRM guests have over 20 rods to choose from.  These include all the usual brands and a few not so usual.  Why so many? 

TRM have been the fortunate recipient of gifts from anglers who have retired or have discovered they have several old rods in their collection which they no longer use and have donated them for us to use for teaching kids or for novices to try out. 

Several generous inmates names spring out – all from West Island – Doug Davison, Ian Muntz, Garth James, and too many others to mention. 

Trade names include Hardys, Scott, Thomas & Thomas, St. Croix, Loomis, Sage, Greys, Composite Developments, Echo, Daiwa, etc. etc.  Ditto reels of every kind from all around the world.  The rods vary in weight and length so there should be something suitable for every situation. 

So which is the best?

An impossible question.  The point to emphasise is that the choice of rod is not so important on the Tongariro.  Of more importance is the “package”.  Line choice is more important these days to suit the pool or the technique of the angler.  The advances in specialist line technology in the last ten years is quite remarkable.  The key is to get the rod and reel and line in balance for the angler to be able to make the best “presentation”.  Only an expert in the sports shops can do that for you.  Then you can ‘try before you buy’.  That is more important than being purely price driven.

Fortunately in Turangi there is ample expertise available in three excellent specialist fresh water tackle shops. – more than Wellington or Auckland.  Even Taupo only has two.  So wannabe anglers can browse through a lot of gear to find the best “package” – rather than just the cheapest – to suit their requirements. 

Whilst anglers will always find a rod on-line over the web that will be priced lower, the key is the professional expertise and personal attention from the personnel in these shops to fit a novice with a rod-reel-line package to the angler. 

An elderly dry fly angler requiring a delicate touch will require something very different from a younger ball-breaking wet liner wanting to throw out a heavily weighted line.  Horses for courses.  OK?  So I hope that answers that impossible question…

Below is some of the feedback on Facebook:

John O I’m exhausted just reading your list Ross.
 
Don T Has somebody been into my secret rod rack. Looks like my manrobe with the door open.

 

Terry S One of the things I worry about is when I die my wife will sell all my fishing at a lot less than I paid for it.
John O Or she’ll sell it for what you TOLD her you paid for it!!