National News> Media Releases

20 March 2008

TOP MANAWATU ANGLER HEADS WORLD CHAMP TEAM

Local trout angler Paul Dewar heads north to Rotorua and the Waikato next week to take on the best anglers in the world.  Dewar will captain the New Zealand Fly Fishing team in the world championships which start on the 22nd March.  The New Zealand team consists of seven anglers including Dewar from Levin, Des Armstrong from Palmerston North and Aaron West (formerly of Palmerston North).  “New Zealand has a top quality team that I believe has a great chance of taking out the world title” says Dewar.

The championship will be held across a variety of rivers in the Waikato including the spring fed Waihou and Waimakariri rivers near Tirau, the Whanganui River near Taumarunui, and two small lakes; lakes Otamangakau and Rotoaira, just south of Taupo.  All these waters have good wild rainbow and brown trout populations and provide excellent fishing.

Dewar has been honing up his techniques on local Manawatu rivers for many years – and this summer the Rangitikei and Manawatu rivers have produced some great practice as well as some outstanding results. 

Fish & Game regional manager Phil Teal confirms that the Manawatu and Rangitikei rivers have been fishing well this summer.  Phil Teal reports “high numbers of fish of relatively large size have been taken and are providing great fishing for the experienced and novice angler alike.” 

The World Championships conclude on 30 March after several days of fierce competition

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