Learn to Fly Fish / Spin Fish

Build the skills to confidently fish New Zealand rivers — at your pace, in a supportive environment.

Our private fly fishing and spin fishing sessions are education-focused, hands-on experiences designed to teach you how to fish for trout, not just follow someone else to a spot. Whether you’re brand new, returning to fishing, or learning alongside your kids, these sessions are tailored to your goals and experience level.

This is not guided fishing. Catching fish is a bonus — learning lifelong skills is the priority.

What These Sessions Are About

These private sessions focus on developing the core skills needed to fish independently and responsibly in local rivers. You’ll learn how to read water, choose the right gear, approach trout without spooking them, and handle fish correctly.

Sessions are relaxed, practical, and adaptable — ideal for:

  • Siblings
  • Parents and kids learning together
  • Families wanting a shared outdoor experience

Skills You’ll Learn

Gear & Setup

  • Fly or spin rod and reel setup
  • Lines & leader selection
  • Essential trout fishing knots
  • Gear care, safety, and river awareness

Lure & Fly Selection

  • Understanding different lure and fly types
  • Choosing patterns for water clarity, depth, and flow
  • When and why to change lures or flies

Casting & Presentation

  • Foundational fly or spin casting techniques
  • Improving accuracy and control
  • Presenting a fly or lure naturally

Reading the River

  • Where trout are likely to hold
  • Identifying runs, pools, seams, and structure
  • Approaching water quietly and effectively
  • Stalking and positioning for success

Fish Handling & Ethics

  • Playing fish safely
  • Correct fish handling techniques
  • Best-practice catch and release
  • Respecting and protecting our fisheries

Session Details

  • Format: Private tuition only
  • Duration: Half day (3–4 hours) or Full day (6 - 8 hours)
  • Location: Local Hawke’s Bay rivers
  • Availability: Weekends (by arrangement)
  • Group Size: Individuals, kids, or family groups
  • Gear: All gear is provided

Sessions are tailored to suit age, ability, and confidence levels.

Transport

Transport can be included if required, making this an easy option for families or young people without access to gear or vehicles.

Pricing

Pricing is by inquiry and depends on:

  • Group size
  • Fly fishing or spin fishing
  • Transport requirements
  • Experience level

Please get in touch to discuss your needs and receive a personalised quote.

Why Choose Private Tuition?

  • Learn at your own pace
  • Skills that last beyond the session
  • No pressure to “catch fish”
  • Ideal for kids and families
  • Strong focus on safety, ethics, and confidence

Enquire now to book a private fly fishing or spin fishing skills session, or to talk through what would work best for you or your family.

Upcoming Youth Courses

Youth Fly Fishing Weekend Course: 28 -29 March (Ages 10–18)

A hands-on, small group fly fishing experience designed especially for young people ready to learn the art of trout fishing in our local rivers.

With only 5 participants, this course offers personalised coaching in a supportive, confidence-building environment — perfect for complete beginners.

Over two action-packed days, participants will learn:

  • Basic fly rod set up
  • Essential knots
  • Fly selection
  • Casting fundamentals
  • How to read a river
  • Understanding trout behaviour
  • River safety
  • Ethical fish handling (catch and release principles)

What the Weekend Looks Like

Saturday (8:00am – 2:30pm)
We begin in a local park, learning casting fundamentals and building solid technique in a relaxed setting. Once confidence is growing, we head to a nearby river to put new skills into practice.

Sunday (8:00am – 2:30pm)
A full day on local rivers, applying skills, spotting trout, reading water, and experiencing the challenge and excitement of real fly fishing.

What’s Included

✔ All fly fishing gear provided
✔ Transport from Havelock North
✔ Small group instruction (max 5 participants)
✔ Safe, supportive learning environment
✔ Practical, real-world river experience

Cost: $195 + GST

This weekend course is ideal for young people who have never fly fished before and want to learn properly from the ground up — building skills, confidence, patience, and a deeper connection to our local waterways.

Please note: The course will only run if weather and river conditions are suitable to ensure safety and a quality learning experience. If conditions are not appropriate and the course cannot go ahead, a full refund will be provided.

Spaces are limited to five participants to ensure quality coaching and a great experience for everyone. Get in touch or register through the website to secure your spot!