About

I have been fly fishing for 55 years, 38 of them in New Zealand fishing many river streams, lakes and dams, mainly in Otago and Southland, but with quite a few trips to other parts of the North and South Islands. I have averaged between 30 and 40 days fishing per year for my 38 years in NZ, and try to add experience with a new fishing spot every year.  

The most important thing that I have learned about fly fishing over the years is that there is always something new to learn and that I will never know it all. The way to get better is to be constantly pushing the limits whether it is fishing in difficult conditions, or trying to catch wary fish. There are always failures but if you never fail you are not improving.

I started fly tying 53 years ago when the river was too high to fish in the school holidays, and after so long it would not seem right fishing with a fly that I had not tied myself. Although I have not been averse to using a fly tied by my regular fishing mate Murray Smart when I have run out of the pattern of the day.

Over the years I have tried to pass on some of my knowledge by running classes in fly tying and fly fishing, as well as publishing several books and being the angling correspondent for the Otago Daily Times for 36 years. I now hope to help you on your way to being a better fly fisher.