Man, let me tell you about fishing in Taranaki - it's like stumbling onto one of those secret spots that somehow hasn't been ruined by Instagram yet. You know what's crazy? I've pulled more trout out of those little streams than I have in some of the "famous" spots down south.

All those rivers bubbling out of Egmont National Park - there's gotta be forty of 'em, if I remember correctly - they're just packed with fish. And here's the kicker: because most folks are busy elbowing each other for space around Rotorua or Taupō, you'll often have whole stretches to yourself. I swear, last spring I fished the Kapoaiaia for three days straight without seeing another soul, just me and those dumb, happy trout rising like they'd never seen a fly before.

Speaking of which - browns outnumber rainbows here about 3 to 1 in my experience, and they're not those puny little things either. Average fish goes about a kilo and half, but I've landed a few monsters in the Manganui that would push 4 kilos easy. Remember this one brute last November - took me into my backing twice before I could net him, and my hands were shaking so bad I could barely light my cigarette afterward.

The scenery? Don't get me started. You've got Mount Taranaki looming over everything like some grumpy old man watching you fish, these ridiculous green pastures that look photoshopped, and more birds than you can shake a stick at. Personally I think the best time is autumn when the kahikatea trees start turning - the way the light hits the water in the late afternoons makes spotting fish almost too easy.

Oh! And here's a pro tip - if you're up around the Stratford side, check out the little dairy on Mountain Road for the best steak pies in the region. Nothing like a hot pie and a cold Tui after a morning wrestling with rainbows.

The fish here aren't as spooky as in more pressured waters, which is great because... wait, where was I? Right - the fishing pressure. Or lack thereof. It's like the trout haven't gotten the memo that they're supposed to be difficult. I've had days where I felt guilty taking fish because they were practically jumping into my net.

Perch show up sometimes too, though honestly I usually curse when I hook one - they fight like wet socks compared to a decent trout. But hey, variety is the spice of life, right?
At the end of the day, Taranaki's kind of this perfect middle ground - enough fish to keep it interesting, enough solitude to feel like you've discovered something special, and scenery that'll make your non-fishing friends actually want to come along (though they'll probably just complain about their phone not having service).