Exciting times ahead!
The planning has started. Contacts have been made. I now have a rough idea of where I'll be heading and whom I'll be meeting. After watching several videos of the type of fishing, the species of fish, the gear needed and the techniques I will have to employ, I feel confident in the plan that is formulating. But... the proof will be in the pudding. Or, in this case, the fish pie.
Having spent over twenty years fishing in many areas on both shore and boat in the UK, its easy to think of our fishing lives as the norm. Spending hours waiting for a bite in the bitter cold and driving rain only to have a momentary lack of concentration and miss the one good rattle of the day, finishing with a blank. Was that a bite? Was it the wind? I'll strike anyway in some vain hope that maybe, just maybe, it was. Turns out, it was just the wind. Infuriating days when everything should point to a bumper catch but no, not today.
For many years I've dreamt of travelling abroad. Australia being the first on the list. Having had friends who've been and come back with stories of endless sun and opportunities, my imagination has run amok. The seas are always bluer on the other side. I've worked with Australians and Kiwis and, to be honest, I think New Zealand is in the lead by a mile. No deadly creatures, more greenery, hills, forests and coastlines all within easy reach. Yup, New Zealand it is.
Both my partner and I have friends who live there now, giving up the big smoke here for a change of lifestyle and scenery. This being a large contributing factor to taking the plunge and actually getting out there. Escaping the cold, rain, low temperatures and snow for new year. All being well, it will be hot and sunny. This, for someone acclimatised to the usual UK weather will be a huge departure from the norm! Spending the first five or so days getting over jet lag and, no doubt, a new years eve hangover in Auckland, we'll then be flying to Christchurch and tour the south island for two weeks in January in our rented camper. Taking in the major sights, spending time exploring what this place has to offer. Mountains, fjords, whales, penguins, wine and beauty. There's more I'm sure, but for the sake of an elongated sentence, I'll keep it short. Starting and ending our trip with friends in Auckland and the surrounding beaches, I will then start the month on my own.
Having had a few months since booking flights to mull over the month I have there I thought to myself; how can I make this trip more than just a holiday? What can I do to make this experience last a life time?
This was the fundamental question that opened the slew gates to thoughts that encompass the past, present and future. What if I could use this trip as a fact finding mission enabling the start up of a company offering bespoke, tailor made guided tours doing something I love? What if I can take my experience of fishing in this country, explore and catch in New Zealand and then bring people to experience the same thing? What if?
It seems the 'what if?' will become 'when will?' and I for one, am damn excited!
