Support the Locals

As most places will probably say, it is best to keep things in the local area. As a fisherman in New Zealand, I believe there is some of the best fly fishing water in the world, and I know I'm not the only one.
New Zealand certainly has a lot to show off and there are a few guys out there who make their living off such an awesome resource. Clear, fresh and full of fish, most rivers around will be worth any time you invest in trying to catch a decent trout, and they are there.

There are plenty of guides in NZ that depend upon keeping nature in this country pristine. This is the pick of our local guides, which also happens to be who our guiding jobs come through... Funny that... It's just one more way to support the locals. http://www.waikatoflyfishers.co.nz/. There is a little spiel on the home page about them but this is pretty much the best guiding you will find for the King Country area in particular. You can also let us know through here if you want to know any more.

There are the local shops too like Fish City, that really rely on the local, loyal customers of the area. It's not a business owned by an offshore money bag who doesn't really know the general populace at a personal level. I'm not saying these people are bad or don't work as hard, but the local guys really take pride in getting to know each customer and tend to fish and hunt the same areas. With this information and close rapport, fishing can become an even better experience for everyone. To visit, go to  http://fishcity.co.nz/

Another local, and one who is making some noise on the International scene is film maker Nick Reygaert. His company Gin-Clear has produced a few really top notch fly fishing films in the past and is the headliner for the upcoming Rise Fly Fishing Festival. Nick is super passionate about his filming and fishing and it really shows through in the work he produces. This little teaser trailer is for the major film of the night and looks awesome really. The camera work, attention to detail and the places it is set are fantastic. Have a quick watch of the trailer and let us know (and Nick too) what you think.


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Backcountry - North Island Official Trailer from Gin Clear Media on Vimeo.

After watching this, you will probably want to come along and check it all out right? Good idea!
You can buy tickets for the event, which is being held all over the show, with dates and venues on this website. http://www.gin-clear.com/filmfest/

The boys up at ManicTackle are also impressed what this guy does and are backing him all the way, being the major sponsors for the whole film festival.

Anyway, all this is just to highlight that the big guns of the world don't run things. Get in and support the locals, the shops that bring all the best stuff in and the guys who grew up fishing the are and are truly passionate about what they do. Don't forget the guys like us and Nick from Gin-Clear, who want to showcase New Zealand as the best fishing destination to the world. Just remember to not give away ALL the best spots...