Ever since I started fly fishing, I had heard of the legendary New Zealand waters. For the past many years I have been reading countless magazines, articles online, and watching videos of the... View more
Ever since I started fly fishing, I had heard of the legendary New Zealand waters. For the past many years I have been reading countless magazines, articles online, and watching videos of the beautiful sight fishing for big trout that New Zealand is so famous for. Honestly it has been a dream of mine for many years to experience that, and when I arrived in New Zealand I had a lot of trouble fishing the waters on my own, because it can be a really difficult place to fish without a guide. I was really bummed that I hadn't been able to make that dream come true so I reached out to Dion. Dion made that dream come true, and provided a day that left me absolutely speechless. He took me out on an absolutely beautiful crystal clear stream, where we did some true adventure sight fishing. All day long my heart was beating with adrenaline as we spotted massive trout from the bush, and made our plan to land them. This day took what I dreamed of New Zealand fishing being, and blew it out of the water. The stream had unreal amounts of large rainbows and absolutely beautiful browns. We were in an incredibly beautiful location, it was pristine sight fishing, and my rod was bent all day. Dion was an amazing guide and we worked as a team with him hiding in the upper banks of the bush spotting trout as he helped me and my cast into the perfect position. He was extremely patient with me and very kind in helping me land trout even when my casting wasn't the best. He was a great teacher and I learned so much from him. He taught me so much about landing big trout, it really was amazing simply learning so much. His knowledge of the best spots in New Zealand is something that tops all other guides in the area. After my day with him, I can truly say that choosing Dion as a guide will allow you to get on waters that will make for a day you will never forget. All day we sight fished for big beautiful rainbows and massive browns, and boy was it action packed. A beautiful rainbow we nicknamed "Turbo" gave us quite the aerial show, launching out of the water countless times as we landed it. The massive brown of the day was one I will never forget. After patiently working with Dion we finally found the perfect recipe big brown was hungry for. With one aggressive and powerful strike it slammed the fly and immediately took off giving my rod a run for its money, completely bent. After sending my real spinning and having the battle of a lifetime, Dion's expert net skills landed us an absolute beauty. To say my dream came true is an understatement. I had one of the best days of my life, and undoubtedly the best day of fly fishing of my life. I am so thankful for Dion as without him it wouldn't have been possible. Sight fishing on crystal clear beautiful New Zealand waters, for massive trout, in unreal numbers, with a kind and more than helpful guide, what more can you ask for.