Thats where we going - somewhere way back there!
Simon, I can’t tell you how much I appreciated everything you did to make my fishing trip unforgettable. That trophy brown was totally unbelievable! Frankly, I’m surprised we were able to land him. That was one of the longest fights I’ve ever had with a fish. Fighting that trout and the river current was a whole new experience for me. Your advice and help were invaluable. I will definitely call you the next time I get to New Zealand. And I really enjoyed your website article and photo. Thanks again Simon for putting me in position to catch the fish of a lifetime. And it was almost a few fish of a lifetime. All in all…brilliant!!! Harry D – Feb 2010
What a fantastic week. The only problem was it had to end. Not only did you put us on some of the best Browns and Rainbow I’ve ever seen, and showed us some of the most beautiful country NZ has to offer, but you spent the time with each of us to improve our technique and that is priceless. I would do that trip again in a heartbeat. I look forward to fishing with you again in November. Andrew Rankin March 2009
“I’ve fished the world with many guides in many waters with my fair share of successes and, um…challenges. I was very apprehensive about New Zealand due to my very recent foray into the cult of fly fishing, and the reputation for extremely large and always equally wise wild trout. Being in NZ I wasn’t about to miss the opportunity to try my hand at fooling these bruisers, knowing if I couldn’t land one I’d die trying and have fun in the process. My wife and I decided to splurge and chartered a helicopter for a full day. If you can afford to do this I promise you will not be disappointed — it is the absolute best method to see the glorious country and provides a pure sense of weightless freedom (think it and you’re there…) It also gives you the opportunity to fish multiple amazing spots in one day that would be impossible by car or foot. Simon was an excellent guide. He tirelessly stalked and located monster fish for us, presented countless opportunities to cast to these “trout of a lifetime”, and patiently worked with us on technique and approach to ensure maximum success. He possesses keen knowledge of the local terrain, virgin streams, and most importantly, what the fish are eating that day (nearly every fish I cast to took the fly within seconds!) I could wax eloquent about the positive experience my wife and I had with Simon, but I’ll sum it up by saying “attitude is everything”, and our day was overflowing with excitement, awe, adventure, and indelible memories that will last a lifetime. The home cooked lunch over a bottle of local NZ wine at the top of glacial tarn overlooking an enormous waterfall was the cherry on top of one of the best days in my life. Oh, and the massive fish I caught wasn’t too bad either! Thanks again Simon, we’ll be back. Tight lines my friend.” Noah and Tamara R – March ‘09
“a photo me with a brown trout that was taken while fishing with guide Simon Wilkinson. The friendliest and most knowledgeable guide I’ve ever had the pleasure to fish with and who got me a shot casting to more big brown trout than I’ve ever seen, though I did a fine job of screwing up the hooking/catching part in most cases. Please, if you ever have the chance to fish New Zealand, get in touch with Simon. It’ll be the best choice you can make to increase your success rate, both short and long term, and his wife’s home cooked lunch was worthy of making the trip in itself.” Chris Carlin (Rod Maker – www.farnorthrodsmiths.com) Feb 2009
“In all my years fishing I have never met anyone who could spot a fish and get a hook up like Simon can. The coaching, direction and easy going yet professional approach set us up for two fantastic days of fishing. To go out fishing with you only makes you want to fish more. Can’t wait to do it again. Thanks for Two sensational days, and see you in March for a few more.” Andrew Rankin December 2008
“What a great fishing experience. Simon took our fishing to another level. My mate and I had two days with Simon. We are both working out how quickly we can get back to do it all again for longer this time. Fabulous. ” Brad Johnston. Dec 2008
Simon,
Thank you for the video – it was fun to watch and was a fabulous way to remember the trip, especially that one day above the Noonya. I felt very fortunate to have had the opportunity to fish with you as my guide. You not only delivered the type of stream I requested, but also presented many opportunities for me to catch huge rainbows and browns, lent me equipment and helped me with my casting technique! In 4 days you did all of the above AND we caught fish! I will never forget the one day that I hooked 20 trout and landed 14 of them, starting at noon and ending at 4:30! That memory will stick with me as long as I live. Thank you, Willie Willie Drake November 2008
Your slide show brings back wonderful memories. Would love to come fishing with you again. Dave Ritchie - July ’08
“I’ve been back for two trips to New Zealand with Simon, whose enthusiasm and knowledge of the South Island is unparalleled. Flexibility and a willingness to work with the weather seems to be key down there, and he has the means and the contacts to get you into the best fishing for any conditions. Don’t miss the opportunity to fly into Fiordland if you get the chance – imagine crystal clear azure blue rivers running through temperate rain forests, with snow capped peaks all around you – surreal – and the likelihood is no one’s been there for months. Simon has put me in front of several feeding 10lb+ fish – just my incompetence proving the problem………” James Chataway – Dec 07
“Great hospitality. Remarkable patience. Great teacher, great time”. Ian, Feb 08
“Wonderful food, skilled guiding, Great landscapes. Loved the holiday”. Bruce Feb 08
“I come 5yrs now – always very good fish, very good fun”. Aki Dec 07/Jan 08
“Fabulous fishing, sightseeing and food”. Mike Jan 07
