Kia Orana! It’s been a few months since my pure saltwater fly fishing trip to Aitutaki in the beautiful, warm Cook Islands and one I keep reflecting on as I can’t wait to go again and try out more. Just when I was really getting keyed in on the fish and feeling in synch with island time, it was time to leave!
For this trip, I was lucky enough to have all the hard yards of preparation done by the 24 trip Aitutaki veteran Mr Kingfisher, Will P. and it could not have been planned any better. 9 nights of good banter, quality cooking and full days of fishing on the flats, what more can you ask for!
Geared up well with the new Traper Silence SW rod and the Predator as a back up and a variety of lines like the new ILFF Tropical Flats line and reels to play with, I had lots to test out and play with.
I got the early adrenaline pumping with a chance encounter with a 30+kg GT…. on the 8wt. After a solid fight, involving me being shoved in a kayak to try and regain some of the fleeting backing, the hook bent out and I was left with a heart beating like some heavy Drum ‘n Bass.
It was time to get some bonefish on the board!
Saltwater fly fishing in Aitutaki is an amazing experience. Learning to scan the water and doing the hard yards to get the eyes keyed in was not easy, to be honest, but when it all came together it was super rewarding! The plethora of other species to catch kept us entertained at all times and the stalking of puffer fish was always a good laugh. The Traper SW rod was a pleasure to cast and the new saltwater line shot slickly and was great on the shallower flats.
As mentioned, this is one fly fishing destination I can’t wait to head back to as it has imprinted lifelong memories upon me! #wasteddaysandwastednights If you want a full read of the trip and the antics, grab a copy of NZ Trout Fisher magazine
Now to keep embracing the Winter runs!