Tonyg26 wrote: Did you end up getting that on spinner or fly? Well done mate

Lost Rod. Anyone fishing Ngongotaha Stream, second carpark on Fairy Springs Road, I left an 8 weight rod at the carpark when I drove off New Years Eve, and would really like to get it back.
Paul at 0272458090

Heard a report that someone pulled a 32lb brown out of Rotorua recently, believe it was one of the fish released into the lake by F&G a few months back. Imagine that for a surprise!

Think it might be legit, heard it from a builder who was working at a house near ours at Rotoiti, he said apparently the fish was smoked up and eaten!

They were carrying out some maintenance on one of their show ponds at the hatchery which meant they had to do a release of extra oversize fish into rotorua several months back. I know someone got one of the 15 or 16lb models within a couple of weeks at the liberation point, and they mentioned there were some 20lb+ models in the release. So wouldn't suprise me if it's legit!

Well, one thing for it~~we need to get out there to see if it's got a big brother

Good to see you are all still well and ready to get into them come warmer water.    I am planning a trip in Dec with a few salty kayakers from the Naki keen to try out trout jigging.     Done 5 weeks of winter fishing on the Tongariro experimenting with soft baits on fly gear.    Worked well as the grub and paddle tail 2" got a  lot more movement coming across the current.     Bit of a negative reaction from some traditionalists but according to DOC unscented softies are legal on fly gear.    Will try some out at Rotoiti.    However, will tie a new bunch of smelt flies to cover all the bases.    Today my neighbour who runs a commercial trawler gave my a brand new expensive looking drogue he fished up in his net.     Used to use them all the time but since I have learned to hold over fish with the paddle I only use them when fish are spread out.