This meeting had members share their experiences from opening day.

This meeting saw another popular fly tying evening, with demonstrations of patterns which were likely to prove popular when the samller streams and rivers opened on the 1st October.

Following on from the successful evening in 2007, Hamills Hawke's Bay again hosted a club meeting at their store in Nelson Street, Hastings.  Owner Jeremy Hannary had many specials and promotions on hand for members and Rene Vaz was the guest speaker.  Rene shared many of his experiences with members and also outlined the products that his new company "Manic Tackle" are wholesaling to fishing shops.   

Fly Fishing techniques with Gary Harlen.  The meeting covered the following points; how to tie your own knotted leaders and the different types of nylon on the market, casting strategies, what techniques to use when you catch a fish and how to keep “ in touch” with the fish and how to land a fish quickly.

Gary has a simple approach to fishing and that is why he is so good at it.  A very informative evening.

Gary will be holding a practical fishing clinic on the Tuki Tuki River in October or November. The river needs a little time to settle down. Members will be informed when this clinic will take place.

The guest speaker at this meeting was the well known local fishing retailer, guide and Fish and Game counsellor, Dave Hern.  Dave led a wide ranging discussion on a variety of topics including: Angling Regulations, Local Rivers, Guiding and New Products and Techniques.
 

The March meeting had as the guest speaker Iain Maxwell, the newly appointed manager of Hawkes Bay Fish and Game.  Iain presented information on data collected on local rivers in response to recent media attention.  He also had a slide show of photos taken from a survey carried out in the upper Ngaruroro where Fish and Game are trying to gain information on this unique fishery.
 

Murray Boaler gave a brief talk on a recent fishing expedition to the Hangaroa River.  While this destination is a 3.5 hour drive from Hastings it certainly is worth the effort.  The Hangaroa has many spots which have good access from public roads and provides a range of water for both fly and spin fishing.

The third and final fly tying night for 2007 was held at this meeting with members tackling a range of flies demonstrated by some of the more experienced fly tiers in the club.  A good turn out of enthusiastic members concluded a very interesting series of fly tying nights for 2007.
 

Members were treated to an enthusiastic and informative presentation by Nate Jarvis, General Manager of Feather Merchants NZ Ltd.  Nate covered a wide range of products that Feather Merchants supply to NZ retailers starting at Tiemco hooks and progressing through fly tying materials, lines and tippets, reels and finishing with Temple Fork rods.  To finish the evening Nate distributed to those present a selection of Umpqua flies for members to test out on rivers in the next few weeks.



 

Hamills Hastings hosted this meeting at their Nelson Street premises.  Managing Director Jeremy Hannary and Fishing Manager Eddie Douglas provided members with information on the latest products and generous specials and discounts were offered to members attending.  Hamills also provided complimentary refreshments which were well received by all who attended.

The first meeting in September was the clubs AGM.  A good turn out of members listened to and endorsed the Presidents and Treasurers reports for the 2006-2007 club year.  This was followed by the election of officers which proceeded with its normal efficiency. With no general business the meeting concluded in under an hour and members then enjoyed some refreshments and socialising.
 

18 July 2007

This meeting saw the first in a series of nights in which members will learn the basics of fly tying by some of the more experienced club members.  Tying nymphs was the theme of this first night.

Steve Wheeler a highly regarded local knife maker was the guest speaker.  Steve was in good form as per usual.  His knowledge and skill in his profession of knife making is so highly regarded here in New Zealand and around the world.  Steve is certainly a fantastic craftsman and all there were astounded on how much time and effort can go into making a top quality knife that will last a life time and more.  On show were a couple of his Japanese Swords that looked amazing, you can see why the price of several thousand dollars turns these particular items into collector pieces.  One or two purchases were made at the end of the evening.  All in all a very informative evening.

Well known fishing identity and author Gary Kemsley presented a well prepared talk on Lake Tutira.  He outlined the changes in the lake and fishing over the years and the times and techniques he finds the best at the present time.  As always Gary sprinkled his popular brand of humour through the talk and members were left enthused at the opportunities that this underrated fishery provides. 

The MP for the Tuki Tuki electorate Craig Foss attended the meeting.  He spoke on the recently released Land Access report and his opinions on its recommendations and where NZ as a country should go from here.  He then responded to a wide range of questions from members on issues related to the environment and water access and use.