BOOK SHELF ADDITIONS
Ian Ainslie digests some recent New Zealand fly fishing publications.

A Taupo guide book from Brendan Matthews, an anecdotal and somewhat instructional book from Chappie Chapman and a ‘coffee table’ work from John Kent and David Hallett have provided me with some interesting reading over the past few months.

Volcanic Trout, A Complete Guide to Fishing the Taupo Region by Brendan Matthews (Shoal Bay, 2003, soft cover, 224 pp, NZ $44.95) contains, as you would expect, many chapters filled with maps, photographs and suggested techniques for specific locations within the Taupo fishery. The text is liberally illustrated with some 200 colour photographs that set the scene nicely.

As well as the traditional ‘guide book type’ information there are sections that deal with the geography and ecology of the area, equipment suggestions, licence requirements and conservation considerations. A very well put together publication and I’m especially looking forward to trying the Cajun-glazed trout kebabs recipe next summer!

Dancing Rivers by Chappie Chapman (Halcyon Press, 2003, soft cover, 160 pp, NZ $39.95) is a delightful collection of tales and information from one of New Zealand’s well known fly fishermen. As he says in the Introduction: “It would seem to me that there are many fly fishers who without any regard to the type of water they are about to fish, will use the same techniques for all rivers. It just does not work that way at all.”

What follows is a rough classification of New Zealand’s rivers into eight categories with suggested techniques and flies for each. Without exception the chapters emphasise the need for careful observation and accurate interpretation of what we see. Chapman has guided anglers over the length and breadth of New Zealand for the past 20 years and uses his vast experience to good effect with anecdotal evidence to prove the points he makes. Nice photographs and lovely line drawings enhance the text.

Classic Fly Fishing in New Zealand Rivers by John Kent and David Hallett (Craig Potton Publishing, 2003, hard- cover, 149 pp, NZ $49.95) is a large format ‘coffee table’ style work that profiles 23 of the most important fly fishing rivers in New Zealand.

Well known guide book writer John Kent explains what is special about each river and how to access and fish it. David Hallett’s photographs put you right on the water and confirm him as one of New Zealand’s foremost fly fishing photographers.

Whether you’re an armchair-angler or planning a visit to one of these NZ rivers, Classic Fly Fishing provides a wonderful insight to some great fishing spots.