One thing all fisherman love to collect are lures. There are so many varieties available these days that its hard to keep up with all the latest releases. We have NZ’s largest selection of trout trolling and spinning lures from the old traditional Black and Gold Toby, to the very latest Spinsect from Black Magic.

Fishing continues to be excellent out on the Lake Taupo. Early morning harling has slowed down a bit now, with mostly smaller fish being caught, and many dropped fish due to them biting the tails of longer flies and not hooking up properly.

I finally got myself a proper fly tying table, somewhat of a life long dream. No more piles of feathers and dubbing shoved in the corner of the lounge, hooks spilling onto the carpet, always upsetting the rest of the family.

Lake Okataina is one of those very special lakes that can offer solitude, scenery and trophy fish all in one afternoon. I managed to get over there this week with good friend and avid fisherman Peter. It was Peter's first time on the lake, so the pressure was on for me to put us onto fish, especially as I had been bragging for weeks about how well I know the lake.

Each angler derives their own pleasures from fishing.  For some it's the solitude of the river, a well derived brake from the pressures of life.   For others it's the hunter-gather instinct, providing food for the family table or a special occasion.  Many of us just love the shiny gear we get to collect and play with like little boys with new toys.

I had the great opportunity to stay at Kereru lodge this week, in the secluded reaches of the Tauranga Taupo river. After a busy few weeks in the shop, a night up here with a couple of fishing buddies is just what I needed. Being my first time, I was really surprised how remote and peaceful this place feels, considering it's only 3km off the main Taupo - Turangi road.

After a long, dry summer, it seems that we are not going to get much of a winter either. Conditions here in Taupo remain mild and dry...

Some nice fish are being caught in the lake lately, but in general a lack of ran in our region has continued to leave our rivers low, clear and difficult to fish.