 Well May is nearly over and I was hoping to get away up the back country rivers before the end of the season, to actually get a fish this season. I had planned to go for the last 3 days of the season up one of the clear freestone rivers that run into the lakes which are still open during May. But, yes would you believe it, its been pouring with rain (again) and snowing for the last three days.. So that plan did not work and now I'm fitting a new, bigger window into the back of the shop instead - so that customers don't need a head lamp on when they are at the counter, and I can now look into their eyes as I ask how big their FISH WAS!!! :) Mind you, you would think buy now I should know that nobody ever tells lies.
I'm also flat out working on the roof of the house and catching up with all the jobs I cant get near during the busy fishing season. Soon I'll be back at the vice to finish a few new fly design projects I have been working on. One that I'm pleased with, is finished and is for sale, is my new take on the CDC bio mayfly. I had been fed up with people saying they could not see them and ones that they could buy were nearly all on cheap hooks that would not hold the big nz browns over here. So I've re-vamped an old pattern, using the best CDC plumes available, the best Tiemco hooks and now with the strategic positioning of white CDC plumes mixed with darker ones they can be easily seen!
So these are now available from me for the fans of dc and can be viewed here: Due to the recession it looks like I'm not going anywhere this winter and my new saltwater outfit is going to gather dust :( So "YES!!", I hear you say, "The online shop will be open all winter!!". Also it looks like the shop motor bike will have to get sold (if I can find a buyer at this time of year) as well, to keep things ticking along. Do not worry, I will refuse to sell my leather pants!!! :) - as I find them perfect for winter fishing under waders. So if you know of anybody that wants the coolest looking street racer fly fishing bike ever, give me a shout or a company to sponsor
Normally at the shop, people photograph the shop, the bike, land-rover and my tongue and cheek signs. But this year I had to take a photo of this cool band painted-up camper van that a lovely Frenchman was driving. He absolutely loved the challenge of the Mataura River's brown trout he told me, over the other rivers he had fished in NZ!
Also, I managed to get away from Athol one night and see a new NZ film that's showing in the cinema over here. Its called "BOY" and if you love Kiwis and New Zealand this will make you laugh, touch your heart and smile after it for a day. Before I forget - there are no trout in it ! :) But go and watch it!! Stay warm and have fun! Cheers, |
