Tag: snapper

Salt Fly School is back

After a small hiatus we’re back in class with a new series of salt fly schools for 2024. If you’re new to the sport, wanting to upskill or add a little finesse to your approach then be sure to register via lucas@kingtidesaltfly.com

Early bird enrollments go in the draw to win an Airflo Flats Master 2.0 fly line, quite possibly the best saltwater fly line that exists and certainly a firm guiding favourite.

The day consists of learnings built from over the years and covers the following plus much more.

  • Salt vs Fresh
  • Gear and set ups
  • Locations/Approach
  • Fly casting
  • Flies
  • Knots and rigging
  • Species
  • Trip management

Your day will cover all the bases you need to succeed in chasing fish armed with a fly rod and is a great way to meet like minded individuals. Upon arrival you’ll receive a generous welcome pack from our sponsors, plus a lunch that would be better than any school lunch your Mum made.

Spaces are filling, be sure to secure yours today.

Leftys Loop Knot instructional video

We recently teamed up with the good buggers at Manic Tackle Project for a weekend of fishing. In-between all that I sat down and went over some basic set ups and preferred knots. Take a quick look at one of the strongest salt water fly fishing loop knots and a few tips to tie it crispy clean every time.

For a few other loop knot options jump back to a test we ran a few years back here.

New rig finally gets wet

It’s been a busy winter and spring for us at King Tide. The crew at FC Boats have been flat tack custom building a new FC535 centre console guide boat. A few more tweaks and we’re away for the season.

If you want to come dance on the massive new casting deck then send us a message through the contact link here.

A day with Saltfly fish 

Recently I spent the day with Matt von Sturmer onboard his vessel Saltfly. He was hosting Josh Hutchins from Aussie Fly Fisher, showing him the amazing winter fishery he has right on his doorstep. The plan was to fish for snapper in really shallow water. “Wafting” flies for savage hit and runs or the complete opposite subtle take being a huge appeal to Matto. 

Capt. Matto, about as passionate to his fishery as they get.
Josh using the last lucky fly hoping the rubber legs are the right tone.

What wasn’t planned was the weather! Saturday dawned with the expected 35kn winds that were set to lash the country. The ferry from Half Moon bay to Waiheke was bumpy enough without having to jump on a smaller boat to throw flies for the day. 

The cats got the cream the day prior. A nice bluebird winters day gave way to horrid conditions the following day.

This is where knowledge of a local guide who fishes their own waters almost daily in all conditions is invaluable. Add to that the safety protocols in place to operate in a professional manor and you’re onto a winner. Despite passing through some rough passages of water Matto had us fishing in areas that we could cope with easily between the frequent gusts. 

Such a great inshore opponent. And delicious!

While the day didn’t herald any of the bigger specimens that make for a great fight in the shallows we caught a dozen or so scrappy fish. The shit talking and catch ups are always welcome, even if Matto and I had to have a few serious moments to discuss safety drills and training as part of our Maritime requirements.