Vol. 13 No. 14

WARMWATER FLY-FISHING AT NIGHT

For the last couple of years, I find I’ve been getting my fly-fishing and fish-catching fixes more and more often at night. I suppose there was something of a natural progression for me to gravitate towards this type of fishing. I’ve never been afraid of the challenge of fishing after dark. In fact, I’ve caught some nice fish, and often good numbers of fish, after the sun goes down. here are a number of good reasons to fly-fish at night.

MEMORIES

It’s Christmas time, a time of year that means many things to many people. Somewhere in the memory bank of most of us there are memories of all the Christmas days that have gone before. For some the reminders may be happiness mixed with sorrow as memories of Christmases past bring to mind those that have passed from the scene; fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, husbands, dear friends – loved one all. Gone but somehow never forgot at this time of the year.

TIMELESS RHYTHM - A SONG

Our very best wishes to you for a Blessed Christmas and Joy and Happiness in the New Year. We thank you for being part of Fly Anglers OnLine - we couldn't do it without you! A special thanks to our U.S. Military wherever you are. We won't forget.

FLETCHER’S FUZZY WUZZY

Fred Fletcher opened up his fishing lodge in the 1930s. His lodge was situated on the Mangamutu Stream near where it joined the Waitahanui River before it flowed into Lake Taupo. Despite the depression, the lodge was a success and Fred became a well known local celebrity. A book on his life, entitled “Mr. 100 Percent” was written by a friend of his, Keith Draper.

OUTLAW REVIEW

I am very happy with the pontoon craft I am using. It is manoeuvrable, stable and light enough to portage to the river’s edge. It provides a stable casting platform for 2 anglers and is designed to be piloted by one oarsman. I can shoot rapids right up to class IV-V or spend an entire day comfortably seated. On the down side, it is less transportable than a canoe. The inherent design of a framed pontoon boat means there are lots of places to get tangled up on (foot pegs etc) and if you drop something, it’ll most probably end up in the drink. It is often preferable to beach the boat to land a big fish.

PORK MARSALA

An absolute flavor treat of fancy restaurant quality. This recipe is for four serving portions. Wear ear protection to prevent injury from smacking lip noises.

BAILLIE'S [STEWART'S] SPIDERS

James Baillie was a commercial trout fisherman around 1850. His job was to catch trout for the local hotels to serve to their guests. He was very successful as a trout fisherman using three flies of his design. When WC Stewart, a gentleman fly fisher and author of fishing books, was in the area he asked James Baillie to be his guide (Ghillie). While acting as Stewart’s guide, James Baillie showed Stewart how to dress his three spiders. The flies were so effective that Mister Stewart published a book containing the recipe and tying instructions for the spiders. The credit for these flies is usually given to Stewart, while James Baillie is often forgotten completely. Such is the power of the pen. These flies are so simple to tie that I’ll just demonstrate the Black Spider and list the recipes for the other two.