Pre Trip: In Brief

Ponoi River Pre-Trip Information In-Brief

Please note: If you are in a hurry, this condensed checklist is offered for your convenience, but we do urge you to read the comprehensive version.

RODS: The correct choice of rod is crucial if you are going to make the most of your trip to the Ponoi. We recommend a medium action double-handed rod of 14 or 15 feet matched to a 9- or 10-weight line, or if you prefer a single-handed rod, a 9- or 10-foot rod for an 8- or 9-weight line would be best. Shorter double handers of 12 and 13 feet are great fun in the summer with lighter flies but will be weak in the wind so should not be the only choice of rod. If you have never used a double-handed rod before, casting lessons are highly recommended, although the guides are all experienced instructors.

REELS: It is important to have a large capacity reel capable of holding 30-40 yards (approx. 30-40 m) of fly line and at least 150 yards (140 m) of backing. A reliable drag system is essential. All joins (e.g. backing to fly line) should be checked before you leave home.

FLY LINES: For the first two or three weeks and the last two weeks of the season, fast sinking tips (such as Rio or Teeny lines) or full sinking lines are very useful, although often fish are still caught on the floating line. For the rest of the season, a floating line is most commonly used but please ensure you take a standard sink-tip in case of unusual weather which can occur during any week.

FLIES: Please remember that barbs must always be pinched down. A selection of the following hairwing flies tied on double hooks should be the foundation of your fly collection for the Ponoi. Sizes 2, 4 and 6 are the most useful with a few 8s and 10s in case you encounter a spell of hot weather.

There is a full range of flies available in camp at a reasonable price. We would recommend that rather than buying the wrong flies before you leave home you should wait until reaching camp and buy the right ones for the prevailing conditions. In our experience, guests are not necessarily sold the wrong flies by their fly shop, but conditions turn out to be inappropriate for the flies purchased.

Flies, which have had good results in the past include Ally's Shrimp, Thunder and Lightning, Mickey Finn, Yellow Ally, Willie Gunn, Green Highlander, Hairy Mary and Ponoi Reds or Greens. Bombers and Muddlers tied on single 4s and 2s are used with some success from mid-June to mid-September.

Early and late in the season tube flies are highly recommended. These should be between 1 and 2 inches (2.5-5 cm) on brass, copper or aluminium tubes. The most reliable patterns are Mickey Finns, Willie Gunns and Ally's Shrimps.

OTHER ITEMS:

Wader repair kit
2 pairs of Polaroid glasses
Waterproof boat bag
Leader material (12 lb and 15 lb)
Forceps
Hook hone
Clippers
Small needlenose pliers
Dry fly flotant
Tape measure

CLOTHING: Throughout the season on the Ponoi there are likely to be sudden swings in the conditions you will encounter while fishing. Often dramatic changes occur during a 12-hour period that will involve adding or subtracting several layers of clothing. It is important to ensure your layering system accommodates all the extremes that you will encounter at the time of your visit. Extremes of cold may be encountered at the beginning and the end of the season, and at any other time temperatures can range from 30 to 90ºF (-1 to 32ºC). Rain is possible at any time.

WADERS: Neoprene is suitable for the early and late season but may be rather hot during the summer. Gore-Tex is suitable throughout the season, layers being added when necessary. Chest-high, stocking foot waders with separate felt-soled boots is the best choice.

OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS

Insects: From the end of June to the middle of August there can be large numbers of mosquitoes on the river and in camp. Good insect repellent is essential, as are antihistamines and hydrocortisone cream. A variety of "bug proof" fishing clothing is also advisable.

Special Requirements: If you have any unusual dietary needs due to a medical condition, or have any health worries that may be a potential problem during your stay, please notify us in advance when you fill in your Frontiers questionnaire.

Gratuities: All gratuities are gratefully accepted and a matter of personal choice. However, we do feel that as everyone in camp puts in an enormous amount of effort on your behalf, many of them behind the scenes, it is fairer if you pool the entire amount and give it to the camp manager. As a guideline, 5% of the fishing package ($450 to $850, whichever is the greater) is about the right amount although obviously this depends on how you rate the level of service.

Daily Schedule: When you are in camp the day breaks down as follows:

6:00 a.m. Generator starts
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Depart to fish
1:00 p.m. (approx.) Lunch on the river
6:00 p.m. Return to camp
8:00 p.m. Dinner
9:30 p.m. Tackle shop opens
11:00 p.m. Generator shuts down
Catch and Release: Please remember the following guidelines:

Never pick up a fish by its tail.
Never drag a fish up onto the bank.
Keep the fish in the water as much as possible while unhooking
and photographing it.
Never handle a fish with dry hands.