Gary Sherman's (USA) beautiful brown trout

Mike McClean (Texas) fishing an alpine river

Stefano Bonazza (Venice) with his gorgeous brown

Gary Sherman (New York) with Boris - first fish of the morning - 9 1/4 pound brown.

Fred Noban (New York) with his 7 pound brown

Gary Sherman (New York) with his 10 pound brown trout caught with an 'elderfly' in January

Gary Sherman (USA) with his 6 pound trout

Hans Hundhammer from Germany with his nine pound brown

Mike McClean (Texas) with his 6 1/2 pound brown

Takao Okuda (Japan) with his 8 pound brown

Stefano Bonazza's (Italy) last fish of the day

The two Davids - David Badger (right) (USA) and his friend David Newby (Australia)

Ken Gargett (Australia) with a happy West Coast trout

Mel Edwards (USA) with his 6 1/2 pounder

Seth Sherman (USA) ecstatic with his 9 pounder

Seth Sherman (USA) with his first 9 pounder on his first visit to New Zealand

Ingrid Earle (Australia) going to all heights!

Mark Sherman (New York) with his 8 1/2 pounder

Rosemary Leslie (Scotland) with her gorgeous nine pound brown caught on a grasshopper

rods

Rods - preferably 4 to 6 weight. A 4 piece is easier to include with your luggage.Lines - floating in dull colours are best. Bring any brand of reel with good drag & 100m backing.

Remember to bring polaroid sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat and insect repellent (for the occasional sandfly) and your raincoat.

your licence

The most convenient way to purchase your fishing licence is online at Fish and Game New Zealand - the cost is the same for visitors and New Zealanders.

Waders - light waders (gortex ideal) or wet wade with polypropylene longjohns & shorts (this is the best option in the warmer months of January & February) Please note: Felt soled wading boots are no longer permitted in New Zealand.

New Zealand browns

New Zealand brown trout have a reputation for being very wary. Wily fish are the ones that survive and grow to become those outstanding big browns.

Wary trout and gin clear water mean it is essential that your clothing blends in to the surrounding landscape - so greens, greys and browns are perfect