Lochlan’s PB!
I’ve never know a season to hurtle past as fast as this one. It feels like it’s just begun but we’re into late January already. It’s a busy time, I just finished a 12 day trip a couple of days ago and in an hour I’m heading off to pick up a mate from the airport for a 5 day mission into Southland. My boxes are well stocked and I just installed a new rod holding system in the back of the Hilux. Good use of a day off!
The highlight of the season so far was taking Lochlan out for a fish a few weeks back. He’s very keen now even though his attention span rarely lasts more than 2 hours. Good enough for a 6 year old. Part of the reason he enjoys it is because it sometimes involves the pub afterwards for a game of pool, a glass of apple juice and a bag of chips – but more importantly there’s always a little 4 wheel driving. He gets excited when I flick it into 4 wheel drive and if we go for a river crossing he insists on low range with the rear locker engaged. He knows where the buttons are so I can’t fake it. This is what watching 4×4 24-7 most evening will do!
We went to a few pools on the local river but there wasn’t much happening. Lochlan was spinning the deep pools while I fished the riffles, I sighted one on a drop off which I covered. It totally ignored my fly but when I picked up to recast it turned and chased my nymph. I called Lochlan to come up hoping it would repeat the chase. As luck would have it, his cast was spot on. As he reeled in, the fish once again turned and chased but this time nailed the soft plastic. There’s only so much you can tell a 6yo about playing a fish. I just hoped for the best as he forcibly reeled the trout in. Great excitement as the fish went into my net – just as the hook broke. What a beautiful moment. It was his best fish to date and he loved every second of it.. as did I. “I can’t believe that just happened” he said.
My flies over at Fulling Mill available here or in store at Patagonia Queenstown. Some gaps in April and throughout the winter. Next season is filling fast. Also have a couple of days available mid February due to a cancellation.
Right, I gotta go! Places to go and fish to catch! Tight lines and Free Palestine. Ronan..
bead it has the advantage of weigh small and heavy.
moment as he took my kiwi dun over black rocks.
the external rod tubes. I think this will work well.
