Mike Thomas is a scallywag!!!!

[Gringo]

Holy Moses Mike I nearly died when I logged on to find my ugly mush on the front page of my beloved FAOL!!

Refer:

http://www.flyanglersonline.com/feat...ide/downunder/

Nicely written tale my trained killer friend, but you forgot to mention a couple of facts:

• It is not possible to scream breathe or swim when you suddenly submerge fully laden into NZ water running fresh from one of them glacier thingies: Brrrrrr....
• Chris and Q were lying on the bank at Mill Race because we were totally knackered from climbing rocks and cussing them bloody huge fit fighting fish what know well how to break off heavy tippets using the strong current;
• I might have gone fishless on the Wanganui River but so did the six or so other fishers that were there including the Canadian International Fly Fishing Team delegates!!! I think they know how to fish so I stand fishlessly vindicated!!!
• Lastly the Major Jones pool - you did not mention the underbreath cussing and mechanical casting coming from you while I hit twelve in a row before you had a touch????
• Now really really lastly: I like to have a rest, enjoy the sunshine and dry out after a swim until the feeling returns to my limbs.

Mike, you are a fishing machine. You are fit, (show him a stream and he's like a mad mountain goat when its tether snaps,) devoted and possessed. You have great skill, ability and local knowledge. Your happiness and positive mood is always infectious; your generosity seems to have no bounds. I am proud to call you a friend.

In fact if anybody really does want to catch up with Mike and learn how to catch real fish for real on man sized tackle, he is not only good, but a great chef too. I have been back and fished with Mike and Q since and had another ball.

See you again soon mate, and thanks from the bottom of my heart.

So, in true Ozzie salutation; "Bastard."

[Betty Hiner]

LMAO!!! You guys are a total hoot!! Boy did I need this this morning!!!

[flybinder]

(quote) "totally knackered"
Uhhh, can one get, and/or, take shots or proper medications for this "condition"!?
Does is begin with a mild rash and escalate, or, merely hit you all at once and that's it?
Great story! Fun to read,thank you!

[Mike Thomas]

Hey Chris, thanks for the Aussie compliment! I look forward to seeing you in October. Those Trout better watch out!
Mike.

[JeffHamm]

Great story Mike! Sounds like a good time was had by all, but how could one do otherwise.

- Jeff

[Gringo]

Uhhh, can one get, and/or, take shots or proper medications for this "condition"!?

My Medical Faculty of New Zulland Home Dictionary describes as:

"Recognized by the victim lying supine and breathless, occasionally lifeless. Often near a waterway. Sometimes tongue is protruding. Appears exhausted, or deceased. May even seem to be smiling."

Cures include leaving the victim for an hour or so to recover; and occasionally a medicinal tonic; or the sound of a large 'splash' in the nearby stream will induce a spontaneous reaction.

[ohiofly]

Sounds like great fun!! thanks for the good read, from the other Island Nation "Ohio"

[JohnScott]

Geeessshhhhhhh - Mike.

I've always wanted to see New Zealand and since I've started fly fishing, to fly fish there.

Now I got to deal with those images you put in my head along with all the other stuff ??!!

Give me a break. ( Or a roundtrip ticket would be better ).

Great report and pictures. You would do well here in SE Idaho. If you ever get over here, you have a place to stay and a guide to show you around.

John

[Gringo]

Its generally pretty bearable, but take some heavy tippet material. They tend to run if they reach the faster current.

[Gringo]

By the way, I notice Mike was too shy to post a pic of himself in his story, so to save him the embarrassment I will put one in here:

He'd love Idaho too.



Cheers Mike, thank me later!