Owner/Operator Donald has been fishing the southern end of Lake Taupo for over 50 years (since he was 5). During this time he has built up a wealth of experience in boat fishing.

We concentrate on the five types of boat fishing: Fly Fishing, Harling, Jigging, Down-Rigging and Trolling.

Fly Fishing

The Tongariro River Delta is world renown for its quality and quantity of Rainbow Trout. The Mariri II is ideally suited for fly fishing anchored at the Tongariro Delta.

This is a unique opportunity to try fly fishing that normally only the experienced fly fishing person would attempt. Donald has fished the Tongariro Delta for as long as he can remember and has relieved the lake of numerous trout over this time.

Absolutely no fly casting experience is needed. Donald will do that for you. Realistically only two people can fish from the boat at any one time when fly fishing at the Delta.

There is nothing more exciting than hooking a good conditioned, fully fit rainbow trout on light fly fishing gear. Frequently you will find your line being stripped off your reel to the backing and just when you think you have it beaten and ready to land off it goes again tail walking (jumping out of the water and walking across the surface on its tail) in the process.

Whilst Donald will guide you through the process of playing the trout, it is up to you to play the fish and to land it. Nothing in life is guaranteed and winning this battle is certainly not, however win or not the experience is addictive.

 

 Harling

This is similar to trolling except you use light fly fishing gear and troll a fly instead of a spinner or lure. Because of this you are able to fish in shallower water and pick up the fish feeding on the surface usually early morning of early evening.

Also because you are using this light gear you have the same feel when you hook a trout as you would in pure fly fishing.

There is nothing more relaxing than slowly harling over the shallower water in Stump Bay watching the sun appearing over the eastern ranges or the sun going down over the western hills and the ensuing sunset colours.

Its even better with a fish tin that isn't empty!!!!

 

Trolling

Very much the same as harling but using heavier fishing gear. Typically we would be fishing in deeper water and many times you will be astounded how close we get to the stunning cliffs on our western side. Its very deep right up to the base of these cliffs.

The scenery is simply stunning and even above the humming of the trolling motor the bird life can be heard.

Down-Rigging

Our preferred method of fishing when not fly fishing at the Delta. Why!!! It is very much like Trolling as above BUT instead of using heavy lead lines we use very light gear that is taken down to a specific depth by a heavy lead weight. Once the fish takes the line is pulled off this weight and its just you and the trout with light gear and no extra weights etc. Lots of excitment!!!

Jigging

Very similar to some types of sea fishing jigging has become very popular over recent years. It can be highly productive at times and requires little effort.

Once again its lovely to simply drift around over the favourite fishing spot watching fish on the fish finder and trying to interest them in the various lures and flys on the gear jigging up and down in front of their noses. Sometimes we feel they simply get annoyed and snap at them!!!!! Either way it usually ends up with fish for dinner that night.

The best times for fishing have traditionally been early morning and early evening but theories are made to be broken and often significant numbers of trout have been caught by Donald on hot bright sunny days in the middle of the day!!!

All fishing gear is supplied, fishing licenses issued, and no experience is needed in fly casting. We will do this for you. (Does not include waders or any fishing gear for wading. Only experienced fishermen and fisherwomen will be let off the boat to wade the Tongariro mouth).

Times can be negotiated but three hours is the MINIMUM wharf to wharf.

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