Fly Fishing with Chris Dore

For logistical reasons I dont usually accomodate groups, but here is a bunch of boys that I just cant resist.

For the past twenty years, Dave, Clive, Russel, Mike, Hamish and Vince have gotten together one week a season to play for the highly sought after 'Dredge Cup' (named after one of the crew decided to 'dredge' the Judges pool on the Tongariro with classic leaded 'bombs' in an attempt to triumph).

I have been fortunate enough to have hosted this crew for the past three years now here in the south and each and every time they provide endless entertainment and banter throughout our time on the river.

In group situations it is always hard as an angler working amongst others of mixed levels of skill, and as a guide, to find waters to provide enough opportunities for each angler to keep his eye in on. These guys always work well together, with catching fish as the goal, but enjoying each others company in the outdoors rates just as much importance. 

Anyways, below are a few of the contenders from this years nudge at the cup.

Vince came out early with his lifetime fish, a fat 6 1/4 blowfly munching brown which nearly put the trophy in his hands for the first time since its conception. A couple of other fish pushing the 5lb barrier made an appearence, but Vinces fish reigned supreme. However, it was Mr Lister who thought otherwise and fought back with style, securing an 8lb hog on the fourth day of play. Needless to say, the crew became a touch unsettled and after a few imaginative suggestions for rule changes amongst the dredge committee it was agreed this fish could play, setting an interesting chase.

However, right up to the final whistle the result was never certain, especially when Vince had an absolute horse of a fish close its mouth around his big cicada imitation on the final afternoon. Had this fish held on I would say we may have had a new winner, but the combination of a downstream take and just a touch of slack line ensured this fish was spared the excercise. Secretly, we could see Russ counting his blessings in the background.

Congratulations to Russell for taking home the trophy for 2010 with his 8lber - it was a lot of fun boys and I look forward to next year!