The Weekly Five - 23
Rods, Rivers and Royalty
Welcome back to The Weekly Five, Episode 23 and we’re at the end of January already.
In Wānaka, New Zealand, we’ve had our first rain for 2025 this week, refreshing the local lakes and rivers after an extended dry spell. February promises more summer sun and excellent backcountry angling with terrestrials.
Here’s our ‘five’ for this week:
After ordaining Dick Marquand as ‘King of the Kingfish’ in our Weekly Five Issue 5, we were shocked to read of the death of Richard George Marquand on January 2nd, 2025, after a day of fishing his local Tauranga flats. RIP Dick. You’re a true legend within the small New Zealand fly fishing community, who have responded to this news with many heartfelt tributes.
The Upper Waiau River running between Lake Manapouri and Te Anau in New Zealand’s South Island has been fishing brilliantly this season, not surprising with hundreds of fish per kilometre. Although there is bank-side access, if you get a chance to drift boat or jetboat fish this hydro-controlled water, you’ll have a blast with some very feisty rainbows.
Talk of the Bahamas government banning DIY bonefishing on the flats is proving to be inaccurate, but does raise concern for access to this incredible fishery. Surely a big financial backlash would ensue if a possible new regulation preventing ‘wading without a guide’ was introduced. Understandably, the new rules specify that two or more licensed anglers (aged 12+) on a vessel flats fishing does require a guide – with all guides to be Bahamian and all vessels, Bahamian.
The release of a wave of mid-priced rods from US rod makers continues, likely in response to pressure on the ‘US$1k’ rod market from declining premium tackle sales. Taylor Fly Fishing has pre-released a new Destiny range (circa US$450) with their 9’ 5wt weighing a mere 75 grams (2.65oz). One ponders the impact on premium rod sales from these modest priced entrants.
Saltwater angling magazine, Tail Fly Fishing, received a revamp with the arrival of new editor, T. Edward Nickens. Keep this hard copy bi-monthly alive with an annual subscription. We are.
Any mates of Southflyfisher wanting to come to Ikari House Fishing Lodge, Christmas Island (CXI), 14-21 May 2025, please speak now or forever hold your peace!
Also tell us what you want to read here. More tackle reviews? Which brands? Destinations? Guest commentaries? Please drop us a message to help shape our content for 2025.
Recently Published
Coming in Feb-March 2025
Hubless Reels are back. We gave the new Epic Trutta Model 3/4/5 a real rainbow workout over the break.
Have Camper, will Fish. Why taking a camper around New Zealand’s South Island this summer is so (painfully) popular.
We rate Timberland’s Motion Access Waterproof Mid Boot. (or ‘What I’m Wearing This Summer.’)
Three rod reviews, three reel reviews … all currently in test.
Southflyfisher on the Socials
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