ANGLING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 250, 5 October 1932, Page 2

ANGLING

KARAMU CLUB NOTES OPENING OF SEASON DELAYED. HINTS ON SELECTNG TACKLE FOR FLY FISHING.

(By

“Matuku.”)

Owing to last week’s inclement weather, all the local rivers were running very high and dirty, thus making fishing quite impossible. The Maraetotara and most of the other streams were also very cloudy. However, all anglers are hoping for the best next week-end. The competition arranged for the Ist and 2nd inst., had to be postponed, but will take place on Bth and 9th if the river is fishable. Any further competitors are asked to let the secretary have their names as soon as possible. The club is indebted to Mr C. Bone for his donation of a cup for competition. Fitting Out the Beginner. For the benefit of beginners and enthusiasts generally, “Matuku” has prepared the following notes regarding the selection of tackle for fly-fishing:— On the question ot rods, those most commonly used on the Hawke’s Bay rivers, run up to IDJ feet in length, although in the earlier part ot the season, one slightly longer can be used with advantage, as there is a great deal of surplus water to be covered, which will often hold good fish. However, a 10ft. rod should give the best results right throughout the season. Care should be taken to have the rod as light as possible, as, the lighter the gear, the better the sport when playing a fish. Casting unsuccessfully all day with a very heavy or unbalanced rod, is apt to make one a little disgusted with fishing generally. About 7Jozs. for a split cane, and approximately lOozs. for greenheart in 10ft. rods, are reliabl' weights. For the beginner, a good greenheart rod slightly inclined to stiffness is indicated, as it will stand a great deal of hard work, and will certainly give the tyro the necessary casting experience, and feel of a rod. This is an obvious advantage when a split cane rod is being purchased. A suitable beginner's rod can be obtained for about £2. The best split cane rods are hand built, and naturally the original cost is heavy, but with reasonable care they will last for many years. The writer has used a 30-year-oid light split cano rod at Taupo, and has landed heavy fish with n detrimental eifect on the rod whatever. Two-piece split cane rods seem to be greatly in favour at the present time, and the action leaves nothing to be desired. The only disadvantage they possess is the exceptional length, and this is very noticeable when travelling about in a small car. The first and most important item to be taken into consideration is whether the reel will balance the rod. The two must work perfectly together. If the weight of the reel is out of all proportion to the rod, angling would become more of a nightmare than a pleasure, about a 3iin. reel (weight depends on metal used) should fill the bill nicely, as it will take all the line required. The length of line for these rivers I should be about 80 yards (30 yards line and 50 yards suitable backing), but for fishing in the Taupo area, 100 yards I would suffice. The double-tapered line ■ is the most popular, as it will drive i with more accuracy into the wind. I Level lines also have their advantages, as they are much cheaper to purchase, and quite satisfactory results can be obtained with the better quality type. Sizes: 1.C.1. in the doublej tapered, and E or F in the level line can be recommended for local use with a 9 to 10ft. rod. A slightly heavier line can be used, but the main thing, more so for the beginner, is to concentrate on having rod, reel and line working in unison. Casts can be varied from medium or fine down to IX in level casts, according to the water to be fished, and whether a small, wet fly or heavier lure or light spoon is being used. If the young angler uses a little discretion, keeping the heavy cast for use in the heavy rough water, everything will turn out satisfactorily at the end of the day. Tapered can be used, of course, as they tend to make casting a little more accurate (absolutely necessary when fishing dry fly), but the majority of our local anglers have far more success when using level casts with one dropper fly. The following will be found to be good killers, especially in the Tuki Tuki: Red Tip Governor Greenwell’s Glory. Hare’s Ear and Woodcock, Hardy’s Favourite, March Brown (male and female), Coachman (chiefly in evenings). A size larger can be used with success for late evening or night fishing. When armed with two or three lures of the Matuku, K.A. or the redoubtable hair fly type, and a couple of half-inch fly spoons, the novice should have no difficulty whatever in returning home with some small reward for his efforts, but If the bag la empty as is sometimes the case, it is just as well to bear the following in mind: “If you do not succeed the first time, try, try, and try again.”