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Most frequent comment
on departure.....
"I'm
going to work on my casting techniques before I come back next
time!"
Clear,
water, and big, wary fish combine to up the ante on the
casting stakes. Those who have fished here before will tell
you that you will encounter fewer but much bigger fish, and
that you will need to cast further than you've ever cast
before!
As
guides, perhaps the most common challenge we have is coaching
clients to extend their casting ability -
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Distance
- consistently making those 60-70 ft
casts
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Accuracy
- dropping the fly on the mark, without "lining"
the fish, or catching stream-side vegetation.
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Presentation
- a graceful, even delicate placement of the fly on the
water - preferably not a slam-dunk....
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Speed
- getting it out there promptly, before the fish moves on.
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Efficiency
- maximum of 2 false casts - this reduces chances of excessive
movement spooking fish, and prevents OOS/RSI. A full day
on the water will see you make hundreds of casts - the
fewer false casts, the less fatigue and the more
enjoyment.
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Shooting Line - most people seriously underestimate how
far line will shoot with good technique.
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Picking up Line - most people seriously underestimate
much line can be lifted off the water with good technique,
and instead retrieve too much, only to have to false cast it all
back out again...
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Dealing
with Wind - most afternoon we will have a breeze blowing
in off the sea, right up into the mountain valleys. High
line speed and tight loops make it easy/easier.
Fishing
from a drift boat is a new experience for many guests, and
imposes special consideration of casting techniques - mainly
from a safety perspective, with other people in close
proximity! Keeping the back cast high, crisp and straight is
comforting for all concerned....
Recommendation:
If you
are a novice/intermediate fly caster, that you seriously
consider attending a casting clinic before visiting NZ
to fish. This will maximise your fishing opportunities while
you are here, and will be an investment that will stand you in
good stead anywhere else in the world as well.
Everything
else being equal, the best casters catch the most fish!
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“To
fish fine, and far off is the first and principle rule
for trout angling.”
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Charles Cotton
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“Master
Cast” Fly
Casting School is a joint project between
Ben Kemp & Tony Gutberlet, professional fishing guides based on the West
Coast of the South Island. Each has a life-time of flyfishing experience in
local waters, and years of professional guiding experience.
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Sponsored & endorsed by
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"New Zealand's premier rods & first choice of
Master Cast
guides & instructors!"
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"Guide to NZ
Fishing" Menu
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Sight
Fishing
This unique fishing technique is the specialty of New
Zealand's premier fly fishing guides!
Equipment
Outline of clothing and
accessories required to make the most of your NZ
fishing vacation..
Fly
Selection
A list of popular flies suited to our local
conditions.
FAQ's
This page contains the answers to most of the
questions you might want to ask...
Drift
Boat Fishing
Drift boats are the answer to difficult bank access,
and provide a safe & comfortable fly fishing
platform.
Seasons
You can check out the West Coast's seasonal variables and
conditions you might encounter at differing times of
year.
Access
Brief outline of angler's access rights to NZ lake,
river and stream margins.
Weather
The West Coast is noted for its rain forests
-and the weather plays a significant part in the
day to day fishing opportunities.
References
This page provides personal comments (and contact
information) from previous guests on their experience
with us.
The
Angling Report
"Serving the Angler
Who Travels" This influential web site
produces a fine newsletter on international fishing
destinations, and has an extensive trip report
database - check US out there for independent
comments on our guiding services, meals and
accommodation! See reports in issues for June 2003,
Vol. 16 No.6, and Dec 2002, Vol. 15 No.12
Fishing
Links
Links to international fishing sites, guides, lodge,
rod & reel manufacturers etc.
NZ
Fishing Books
List of the best NZ fishing books, all available
online, with descriptions example pages etc. |
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