~Preparing to fly~

Heli Trip:

Naturally, some of the best fishing nestles in the more remote areas, well away from the usual access. By way of begging and borrowing (though not stealing), I managed to blag myself on a heli trip into an unnamed river on the west coast of NZ. Part of the deal was that this river remained secret... As you can see, it was back to gloomy weather, pity really. Anyway the cicadas were singing and better still, trout were looking up. Using large foam dry flies we managed to tempt some stunning fish from the deep, crystal clear pools. This is perhaps one of the most memorable days I've had ever. Not because we caught heaps of fat trout, but the whole experience and seeing a river from the air gives you a totally different perspective on things. I'm already scheming to arrange another trip!

Paul~

~Flying into a secluded river~

~Touching down next to the river~

~A trout rises up from the mossy depths~

~Uncharted trout...........stunning~

~Clear skies......ideal for willow grubbing trout~

High pressure at last:

In the more remote areas of NZ internet access is understandably patchy. However, I've managed to get on line for a quick update. The weather has been ropey at best down here (I thought I was escaping that when I left London.....). Anyway, we had a high pressure for a few days which brought out the sun and encouraged willow grubs to hatch. These are grub like larvae that cause blistering on the leaves of willow trees. Many of these grubs emerge and fall into the river below, a welcome meal for watchful trout. Now, when willow grubs are in full swing they're present in their teens, so a good representation is required, as is some accurate casting. And when it all falls into place, you can expect some fairly explosive sport. Ian Cole and I had such a day when we tangled with trout up to 5lb. Granted, not double figure specimens, but bloody good fun on a 5-weight and size 20 fly. We're heading west now to more remote rivers in the search of cicada falls.

Paul~

~about the size of grass seeds, trout relish these tiny willow grubs~

~Willow grubs cause blistering on willow leaves~

~Persistence and careful casting will get you trout like this~

~Ian is the first to taste success~

NZ Final Arrived:

I've been quiet the last few weeks-planning a trip to NZ. With the help of Mat McHugh of Fly Odyssey http://www.flyodyssey.co.uk/, everything finally fell into place. Mat's bringing a bunch of folk down next week and has sent me out early to do a little bit of scouting (a lame excuse on my part...). I'm lucky enough to be spending a week with top guide Ian Cole http://www.iancole.co.nz/. We checked out the rivers yesterday and not surprisingly they were running high. Coloured water pushed us onto nearby lakes where trout were found cruising tight along the margins. Some careful casting was reward with a handful of fat, hard fighting browns. We're currently praying for fine weather and no more rain!

Paul~

~My first 2011 NZ trout-not bad for a weary traveller~

~Trout could be found foraging along the weedbeds~

~William fuels up with morning coffee before preparing his skiff~

Unsung Heroes:

I've fished with many saltwater guides and can only say the team at Casa Viejo Chac are second to none. Aside from giving you an experience to remember they're extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the environment. Friendly and upbeat they understand our British sense of humour so a day with them is always fun. At the hub of a successful operation they're the unsung heroes and I'm already looking forward to seeing them in 2011. Fly Odyssey have reserved two weeks in Nov 2011. These trips offer great value for money and include accommodation, all meals, guides and fishing-for further details contact Mat McHugh:

email: m.mchugh@flyodyssey.co.uk tel: 01621 743711

Paul~

~Marcus and Tara prepare to ferry lunch for our final day~

~Rosette Spoonbills and Herons look on at our rescue efforts~

International Rescue!

You encounter all sorts when out for a day on the flats of Mexico. A first for Pete Eville and myself was this troubled cruiser, she'd managed to run aground on a sand bar close to a long Island. Our guide Manuel decided to motored over and after attaching a stout rope (Pete's new leader material...), we were able to pull her into the safety of deeper water. Just as well really, as hours later a storm came blasting through. Good deed done, we went in search of a few more fish before light stopped play.

Paul~

~Nearly there~

~Guide William cradles a good sized Bonefish~

Them Bones:

For my money, nothing beats wandering around in ankle depth water and targeting tailing Bonefish. Over the past few years, we've seen the average size of Bonefish in Ascension Bay increase. Some of my fondest memories included encounters with such streamlined and graceful fish. I was fortunate to enjoy several days tip-toeing through skinny water and flinging a shrimp pattern at some impressive Bonefish, roll on next year!

Paul~

~Bonefish like this head my species list~

~An Infant Permit...........Stunning~

Little & Large:

Now, I know many of you think I'm not wired right, as permit really don't do it for me. Despite this I can be persuaded to go in search of these illusive if not downright moody creatures. And occasionally, things happen to fall into place. The baby permit above actually snaffled my fly before a huge bonefish.....not that I complained. However the fish below were sighted and cast to. Believe me, when you see permit like this tailing on a flat "buck fever" sets in. I now understand why you need at least 250 yards of backing on a reel, as their initial run beggars belief. We were very fortunate to interact with permit every single day of our visit, proof that above all else, Ascension Bay truly is a permit destination.

Paul~

~My best to date, a huge permit in anybodies book~

(note the size of the eye.....)

~Jonathan with a decent permit~

~A handful of teeth....!~

Underrated Barracudas:

Wade across any bonefish flat and chances are you'll soon come across the menacing shape of a barracuda. And although needlefish are their common prey they're more than happy to snap up mullet and even bonefish. Many people pass them up, but believe me these fearsome creatures make for some of the most exciting fishing you can ever wish to experience. Firstly, they strike with lightening fast speed, before sprinting off at a rate of knots. Chances are they will then start tail-walking in a bid to shed the hook. Better still, Cudas are often in a feeding mood and because of their sheer size, are relatively east to spot, even during poor light. From now on, I'll always have a rod set up with a wire trace and baitfish imitation.

Paul~

~An impressive set of gnashers~

~The remains of my fly following a single encounter~

~Angry storm clouds gather over Ascension Bay~

Taking the rough with the smooth!

If you spend any appreciable time fishing in the Caribbean, it's not all roses round the door as sooner or later you're going to run into some pretty nasty weather. Thankfully this often proves the exception rather than the rule, but nevertheless, be prepared. A cold front from the north brought with it threatening cloud and some pretty fierce winds. Obviously, being hardened fishers, we battled through 2 days of adverse conditions and despite murky water, it was still possible to find the odd fish.

Paul~

~Graham hooks a baby tarpon in a riot of mangroves~

~Such fish brighten up any dreary day~

~Guides need to adopt a stealthy poling approach during low water~

Low water brings out the Snook:

Whilst everyone bangs on about potential sport during a rising tide, fishing at low water has its benefits too. Not least the chance to get on terms with secretive Snook. These impressive ambush predators can easily melt away into the mangroves at high tide. Yet, come the ebb they're pushed out of their hidey holes. Now, cruising the margins, it's possible to target them using small streamers and baitfish imitations. Steve Langan (The Doc) and I had an interesting day chasing such fish. Admittedly, we'd started our adventure in search of permit, but things weren't working out, so quick to revise our plans, we went in search of Snook and were duly rewarded.

Paul~

~Guide-Phillip and the Doc with a good looking Snook~