No Fishing Idea

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  • First fling with freshwater fishing

    As I was scrolling through Airbnb’s near Matamata for a friend’s wedding, I stumbled across a cosy little cabin sitting on the bank of the Waihou River. Of course, I immediately saw this as an opportunity to make a weekend of it and pop my freshwater fishing cherry.

    I did my due diligence – buying a winter season’s licence and reading up on the local fishing laws. A five-pack of Edge Freshwater Spinners was bought, rod packed, and itinerary sorted. So I sat back and rubbed my little hands together gleefully. Somewhere, somehow, I had gotten it into my head that this would guarantee me a catch.

    Turns out, I was sorely mistaken. What do you mean I might not catch anything, even if I have followed all the rules?? Where is my reward? No, but actually, it was a truly wonderful time, despite having to fall back on Woolworths for protein for our dinner. One theory of where I went wrong is my leader – I bought 6 lb fluorocarbon, but I fear I may have made it too short and spooked the fish.

    Nevertheless, it was perfect autumn weather – crisp in the shade and a dry baking heat in the sun. The valley provided shelter from any wind. And the city was far, far away. This felt hugely contrasted to my experience with fishing so far, which has been all ocean-based. I had become accustomed to the roaring wind, sand or sharp rocks underfoot, and the smell of salty brine in the air.

    Fishing from the river was, by comparison, a meditative experience. Don’t get me wrong, I love our wild, powerful ocean. But I definitely appreciated the serenity of the flowing river. Overall, the experience reignited my fishing fire. And also, I would like to make use of the $94 spent on the piece of plastic that is my licence.

  • just a girl on a quest to become an independent fisherwoman

    Contrary to what my website icon may indicate, I am not a well-substantiated fisherwoman. Yes, I may have reeled in that big sucker, but it was one of those rare scenarios where a blind guy with his hands tied behind his back probably could have also done the same.

    I have always been interested in acquiring skills that would lead to self-sufficiency – gardening, bread making, preserving. Fishing was one of these skills that intrigued me for years, but felt ultimately inaccessible. Mostly due to my own shame regarding not looking like a typical fisherman/woman.

    Since getting over this ridiculous fear and receiving some basic ocean fishing lessons from my brother-in-law, I have made many attempts to catch the elusive “fish”. Now I use quotations, because I am not sure they even exist. Or whether my in-law is playing some elaborate prank on me – as I haven’t caught a thing without him around. And before you ask, there have been attempts! Boy oh boy, there have been attempts. I have been trying, unsuccessfully, for over a year now to catch one on my own.

    So, if you’re interested – join me in my quest to catch the slippery fish.