About Stu's Fly Shop

STU'S FLY SHOP is not just an online shop! Its really exists [Our Location] It's a cute little fly shop and as such,  the only physical fly shop in New Zealand, and what's more, it's located next to some fantastic fishing spots. Against all odds, as a specialist fly fishing shop on an island with a total population of only one million people of which only a very small percentage of them actually fly fish, it has survived throughout the years and is now in its sixth year of operation. That’s thanks to the locals and the overseas visitors, some of whom go out their way every year to visit us and help support us, which we so much appreciate. We hope to expand the shop by adding an extension for even more rods and open a fly tying room as well as our online shop.

Due to the amount of grass out front of the shop and our huge garden it's the perfect setting for helping people with their casting or just to try out a new rod or line. We are gradually building the casting arena with high hoops and slalom cones so that every one that wishes can have a bit of casting fun and improve their skills. Stu is also a FFF certified MASTER Casting Instructor so you will be sure to learn some valuable tips! And there is always a fly tying vice handy for visitors to have a go at tying a fly!

Having the shop has helped us meet many fisher folk who have previously bought products elsewhere and are disappointed with them. With this valuable information resource we know what to stock and what not to stock! Always, our customers come first!

We do our best to sell only products we and our friends have used and tested and are always adding to our stock the newest and best products. You might be surprised at what you will find at Stu's Fly Shop!

Just like our slogan – FISHING INTO THE FUTURE AND BEYOND” says, that’s what we aim to help all our clients do!

About Stu

Fly fishing and fishing in general has been a passion of mine for a very long time. It probably didn't help that my grandfather and great grandfather were champions, well known as great fishermen of the time. At the age of eight I caught my first brown trout (7 inches) which I proudly took back to my grandmothers for tea.. (we'd never heard of catch and release in those days). Two years later I won my first fishing competition, then another, and another. I would win some lovely trophies and cups for coming first but if I won "Heaviest Trout of the Day" I would also win some money, which I saved up enough to buy and build my first fly rod. There was no looking back after that!

During my travels throughout the world my rods were always packed, giving me the chance to fish for all sorts of fish species. I have fished extensively throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia (incl. Tasmania), the USA and the Pacific Islands. For four years I worked and travelled throughout Africa as a safari tour guide. This gave me loads of opportunities to fish the jungles of Zaire, the deltas of Botswana, for the mighty tiger fish, Nile perch and giant catfish, to name a few. The experiences and the stories of these adventures I'll never forget.

During the  cold NZ winters  when things quieten down I work on my fly designs , fly fishing films and as a guest speaker at  the request of  fishing clubs. Recently this has taken a back step as I have been working in a remote area of Australia as a saltwater fly fishing guide  chasing permit which has increased  my knowledge of fishing tackle ,fish species and fly fishing even more.
 
I am very proud of achieving one of the goals that I set myself in life  before I die, to become NZ first certified FFF Master Casting Instructor. I am also a member of new Zealand Professional Fishing Guides Association which has very high ethics and standards in the guiding industry.

When I'm not out with clients or on the river or out researching new waters - I'm at home studying maps and tying new fly patterns, always trying to improve my knowledge and skills that I always try to pass on to my clients. I personally 100% guide all my clients, so this ensures that you will will have the best possible care and attention.

The fly fishing in New Zealand is just awesome. To see the fish - stalk the fish, then if all goes to plan, to catch it. All this makes the blood of the experienced fisherman, or the novice, pump like nothing else in the world, ensuring that a lot of my clients return year after year.

Stuart Tripney.

     
 
(Click images for larger.)

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