Sporting Classics Digital

Jan/Feb 2017

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in the depths of hidden pools and anglers waded softly and spoke in hushed tones. On one stretch, the vegetation was so thick that I had no choice but to cast directly upstream, a presentation that minimizes any sort of natural drift. Nonetheless, the tactic worked. A huge fish took my nymph the moment it hit the water, then raced up the riffle toward a large pool. A good place for us to duke it out, I thought. He quickly sensed the error of his ways and charged downstream. I was standing in the middle of the stream with the water up to my thighs when the massive rainbow passed me within inches, like a miniature submarine blasting across my bow. I held my rod up high, but about 40 feet downstream he dove under an old deadfall and snapped my tippet in a flash. I won't admit to a trout giving me a bit of a fright, so I expect it was the cold water that caused me to feel a slight shiver traveling up from my wading shoes. I f you've hunted and fished a few more seasons than you care to remember, you know that it's not the game bagged or fish brought to creel that are the true measure of time spent in the great outdoors. In a sense, it's everything else: It's catching a glimpse of a red stag, his massive antlers backlit in the setting sun, just before he slips back into heavy cover. It's dropping your fly across the stream and a few feet above a nice rise and hearing your guide murmur, "Nice cast." It's an evening at the lodge, enjoying a wonderful dinner and having a brandy or two with a newfound friend. Poronui has all the ingredients that go into making a world-class lodge, from great hunting and fishing to a superb cuisine and lovely accommodations. But the lodge also has a secret sauce that sets them apart: the friendliness of their staff, and the passion these men and women have for what they do. Sure, I'll remember the stag I shot and the big fish that got away. But what I'll miss is the men and women with whom I shared good cheer and great times in a land like no other. Thanks for all you did to make my stay an exceptional experience. And hats off to you, too, Nicolas. You really did deserve that ration of rum. n iF you Want to go Poronui also offers superb equestrian facilities, a variety of nature excursions, and high-quality Maori cultural experiences. I highly recommend spending some additional time on the North Island seeing the sights and enjoying some unique New Zealand adventures. Along with booking your trip at Poronui, Kit Schultze of Esplanade Travel (kit@esplanadetravel.com) can put together an unforgettable tour of New Zealand. S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S • 231 Doug Painter took this red stag, then a big sika buck, and finally this wild sheep from 354 yards away. Opposite: The author and his guide scan the edge of a fog-choked canyon for stags.

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