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Around Omarama the major river fishing
season runs from the first Saturday in November until 30th April
following. During that time I run courses for clients who
want to learn basic fly fishing techniques. The course is best
for up to three people, but a larger group can be catered for by special
arrangement.
Course cost
The cost of the course,
and any associated guiding, is $NZ450 per day for one person and $NZ275 per
person per day for two or more and includes the provision of the necessary
fishing gear.
Gear
As noted above, fishing
gear for tuition purposes is provided. If you think you would like to
purchase your own gear I can help you to purchase low cost but very
acceptable rod, reel, line, etc. In the first year or two it does not
make sense to spend large sums on gear.
Course Numbers
Three or four friends can
make up a good class group but tuition for one person can sometimes be
preferred.
Course
Duration
The duration and content
of the course depends to some extent upon the amount of time you have
available. The basic casting technique is usually picked up over a
couple of days and can be refined further with any remaining time
available. Expect to be fishing in the river on day one and (with
luck) catching fish.
Accommodation
Accommodation and meals
are a separate cost and can be arranged to suit your
requirements. Note however that because Omarama is a major
overnight stopover point for bus tours it pays to make your hotel or motel
bookings well ahead of time. I am happy to help you arrange bookings for
your visit.
Travel
arrangements
Wherever you may be coming
from, I am happy to help you decide on the travel and accommodation options
that best suit your needs. I'm also happy to help you to arrange
any travel within New Zealand however since I am not a licensed travel agent
I will place your requirements in the hands of an accredited ticketing
agent. Please feel free to give me a call or email me if I can be
of help
Clothing
You'll need casual
clothing for both both hot and cold conditions but please note the following
points:-
• This is a mountain
environment with temperatures capable of ranging from 0 - 40 degrees Celcius
during summer.
• Jeans are fine during
the day, but don't provide adequate warmth in cold conditions
• To reduce the chances of
being seen by the trout, wear sombre colours only. No white or bright
colours. Dull greens, browns or greys are best.
• A hat is absolutely
essential. I prefer a wide brimmed floppy, but shade for the face and
eyes is the main issue.
• Polaroid (brown lens)
glasses are pretty much essential equipment. They protect your eyes
from damage from reflected sunlight and also help you spot the trout.
Fundamentals
The course covers the
equipment - rod, line, reel, flies, etc, how to assemble them, basic casting
technique, choosing the right fly, fly presentation, playing and landing
fish, fish behaviour, etc.
All necessary fishing
equipment can be provided but you are welcome to bring your own if you
wish. If you are planning to buy gear for the first time I suggest you
wait until we discuss your needs as good quality gear can be purchased
locally at extremely reasonable prices.
Language
For those who have a broad
vocabulary, the section on addressing the one that got away will be dispensed
with, although a very basic course is available for those lost for
words.
Licence
An adult whole season
fishing licence for the 2010 year is $105.00 and a 24 hour licence is
$21.00.
Access
In most cases public
access to rivers and lakes is protected by law but courtesy requires that
landowners should be approached for their approval. This is almost
always forthcoming unless there are lambing ewes or dangerous stock in the
area. Landowners are usually happy to give directions to the best places to
fish.
Other
Activities
If your spouse/partner
isn't interested in fishing there are plenty of other places to visit and
activities to enjoy within a reasonable distance of Omarama - see the link
above. I'm happy to provide some suggestions depending upon interests
and preferences.
Currency
The New Zealand dollar is
currently worth around 72c U.S. and 47p U.K. stg and I'm told that in most
cases prices are generally the same, dollar for dollar or pound, as they
would be in the U.S. or U.K.
If you want a rough guide
to costs in New Zealand feel free to email me. I am happy to
help.
F.W.
(Bill) Rolfe
89 Newington Avenue, Dunedin,
New Zealand
Phone 64 - 3 - 467 6147
Mobile 64 - 21 - 256 6826
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