Hooked!

A photographic study by Gebhard Krewitt

On a river somewhere … nearby …

On 7 March 2021, the NTFC once again got together for a day of fishing on the Motueka River. These club days are as much about good company as they are about sharing knowledge, swapping tips and learning from each other.

That Sunday, though, I left my rod at home and took my camera instead. I spent the day moving along the Motueka River, watching and photographing my friends fishing.

Early in the afternoon, near the confluence with the Graham River, I came across Tony Entwistle showing a newcomer what fly fishing is all about. Marc was highly motivated, but had never caught a trout on a fly before.

I watched the two of them standing waist-deep in the river and learned quite a bit myself along the way — while Tony was slightly concerned that my well-behaved dog Leica might scare off the few fish around.

Then, at some point, I heard Tony say: “There’s a trout rising over there. Can you see it, Marc?” My camera was already trained on the two anglers standing in the middle of the Motueka.

What happened next is the story told in these photographs. After a well-placed cast, Marc hooked the fish and, with Tony calmly guiding him through it, landed his very first trout on a fly.

Marc was absolutely delighted. And he’s been hooked ever since — not just on trout, but on fly fishing itself. Today, he’s a dedicated and valued member of our fishing club.

One happy fisherman … and a beautiful trout!

Happy tutor too.

Mark Jowsey … Standing Without Fish