Saltwater fly fishing
Looking for an additional challenge from chasing big trout? Try big Kingfish!
The Kingfish is commonly regarded as our most revered inshore sport fish. John Gendall Fly Fishing is excited to offer you some of the finest salt water fly fishing you will find anywhere in the World, right here in the top of the south Island we now have a true world-class salt water fly fishery. Where else can you stalk the flats for big kingfish one day, and the very next stalk trophy trout in the cold, clear mountain streams?
Wade fish the flats and sight fish for kingfish and kahawai. Kingfish can be seen riding stingrays, bow waking and even tailing in the shallows as they swoop on crabs, flounder and bait fish that the stingrays disturb. These kingfish are up to 30lb, very aggressive and rip line, plenty of backing and a strong forearm is essential.
Kahawai cruise the shallows busting up endless shoals of bait fish, these fish really snatch at the fly, jump repeatedly and fight as hard as any… pound for pound.
John is the only guide based in Golden Bay and has been working diligently to find ways to tackle these fantastic fish in a wide variety of new locations. John’s sharp eye, extensive knowledge of the flats, tides, weather and fish movements ensures you the best opportunity at hooking one of these magnificent fish. John’s knowledge also ensures your safety of the flats, tides moves quickly and sting rays can cause harm.
“I have salt water fly fished for; Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish and Trevally. King-fishing is a visually exhilarating form of salt water fishing and up there with anywhere else I have fished in the world”.
It really is the best all round sight fishing experience.
The best time of year to fish the flats is December through to April.
Advisable gear:
- 9 or 10 weight rod
- 9 or 10 weight salt-water reel with at least 200m of backing
- sinking tip salt-water line
- Flats boots, gloves, light weight shorts, wading wind jacket
I can provide gear if need be.
If this sounds like something you’d like to try, please get in touch to organise a tailored New Zealand fresh and salt water experience.
