If your New Year’s resolution is to get off your land and connect with others, consider joining the Nelson Trout Club for an exciting journey into fly fishing, conservation, and banter.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the club offers expert guidance, community events, and plenty of opportunities to explore local waters. Get involved, improve your skills, and make lasting connections.
Nelson Trout Club president, Kevin Earl, shares how he got involved, starting with their yearly auction.
“A friend mentioned the auction as a great place to find affordable, quality gear,” Kevin explains.
“That got me interested, and I quickly realised the club offered a whole heap more and decided it would be nice once a month to indulge my hobby a bit.”
Kevin highlights that what he enjoys most about the club is the connection with fellow fishermen and the chance to discover new spots while learning from others.
“In a world dominated by phones, busyness, and pressures, fly fishing demands patience and a real connection to nature.
“Ninety percent of us release the fish we catch—it’s the experience and connection with the river that matters most.”
The club has grown significantly over the past two years, now boasting 120 members from across Nelson and Tasman. With a wide range of fishing experiences and skill levels, the group is united by a shared passion for the sport.
“If you want to start fishing, find someone who already knows the ropes and go with them for a day to see if you like it,” Kevin advises. “Fly fishing is a different experience from other sports.
“You get wet, see parts of the countryside, and explore parts of the river you’d never normally see.”
Fly fishing can be as inexpensive or as costly as you like.
“You don’t need all the fancy gear,” says Kevin. “Once you’ve got the basics, it’s a very affordable sport—just the fuel costs to get you out there.”
The Nelson Trout Club holds monthly meetings at Fish & Game in Richmond, where they feature guest speakers, updates on local events, a ‘Tip of the Month’ and other fishing-related discussions.
Topics often include the science behind local insects (the more you know, the better your chances of catching fish!), fly-tying nights, and the club’s primary focus on trout fishing. However, they also occasionally explore Tasman Bay snapper and other species.
The club is a great way to meet new people, improve your fishing skills, and deepen your connection with nature.
For more information head to www.nelsontroutfishingclub.com
