Doing Battle with an Absolute Fish of a Lifetime

[@rickfromthecape3135]

We all have stories of the one that got away, but yours is is a once in a lifetime AND you got to capture it on video.....Epic!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate

[@jarrettlandreth285]

That feeling of knowing you’re screwed as soon as you hook the thing it’s so big, I definitely have felt that one before! Sometimes you just don’t have an ounce of control and you hope to get lucky, what a jawdropping experience!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Yeah cheers mate 🤙

[@ConchFritterTime]

The amount of water that fish displaced was beyond. Really told as much about the fish’s size as anything. Monster. Such a treat to have it on film, despite it coming unbuttoned. Hats off to you (and that fish). Two pros facing off, head to head. The hard left turn it took to evade the net,…pure athleticism. Thanks brother! Enjoyed it.

[@FlyFishDan]

Dude - it’s INCREDIBLE the consistent opportunities for MASSIVE trout in NZ. So friggin jealous - can’t wait to visit the region one day - Cheers!

[@teamlosi11]

Haha! This was a crazy amazing video huh Dan!!!!!!! Cool that you follow this channel too 🔥

[@jpowers667]

You deserve Okuma sponsorship, Got to love the truck and shirts.. Your fishing is awesome.. That fish was so cool. Your the best.. Thank you Sir

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Thanks heaps dude

[@williamclark3979]

I've watched pretty much all your videos, and this by far is the greatest I've ever seen. Awesome simply awesome!

[@jlush444]

Gareth....... the pain was real. Man. Thanks for taking us in the ride. Sorry you missed it.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate

[@mikehirst6411]

Have watched this before, but just needed to have another look, just a great video. Missing your regular videos, but hey we all need a break at times. Looking forward to them coming back on line, you have a great channel. Take care. Cheers Mike

[@jwashy56]

Amazing as always Gareth!! Every new river is more beautiful than the last. Truly amazing!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Thanks dude

[@PatrickSeanEarl]

WOW!!!! what a great gift that was . The rush I got just from watching has convinced me, I'm going fishing tomorrow. I'd better remember to pack my bear bangers and bear spray into my kit. Yup had a bear in my yard just yesterday. Thanks for letting me tag along today. Be safe !

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate hope u catch heaps

[@greenstick6]

A special feeling...I'm happy for that beautiful brownie-champions find a way to triumph! 👏👏

[@schmoonkie]

You hooked that fish and got to see it at least. I'm sure your heart was pumping like crazy. I once saw a massive brown take a fly ( natural ) about 10 feet of me. It was almost like a dolphin as it came up to the surface. I tried catching it for a while, but he had the perfect hiding place under a fallen tree. Still, it was a privilege to even catch a glimpse of such a huge fish.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers buddy I appreciate it

[@keyenbollinger2590]

Just started watching this channel about 1 month ago and glad I did just started fly fishing also this year nz is now a bucket list fishing place for me trout fishing is big in my area

[@LochTaupo]

I love how at 14:44 Ol'mate just casually consoles you, by reminding you with "20-pounder"! Great video.

[@FISHTHEDRIFTNZ]

😂😂😂😂 I feel bad now 😂

[@flyguy4515]

😂😂😂 "oh yea, just in case you forgot 15-20 lb"

[@South_waikato_fly_fishing]

Brooo that hurt to watch😂😂. That is absolutely what its all about though, keeps the spark alive, keeps you wanting more haha. Awesome to have captured that moment on film.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Yeah cheers buddy I appreciate that🤙

[@louisaziz1235]

Amazing!!! You hooked her, played her, and lost her. BUT... You had a great time and have a great memory of the hook-up and fight... AND... You know where she is and can return to try again. That's the beauty of ''catch and release'' fishing. Only one major problem, I wasn't there with you. Perhaps, one day. Tight lines, my friend.

[@geoffbeavis6426]

Feeling gutted? Know the feeling. I guess you’ll be back there soon.😞

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

For sure

[@christopherkowalski9971]

@@TroutHuntingNZ update please!

[@acspirit]

It's always the big ones that get away that make for the best stories. This time, you have video to back it up. Great fishing.

[@waynenaylor5734]

You could tell when it broke the surface that was a HUGE fish... gutted you lost it, but what an awesome hook-up and fight! 🤙

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers bud

[@brentoffutt5303]

Losing a fish like that hurts more than a breakup. Lmao

[@atislav]

best comment here....:D

[@fabios35076]

Dude, I was on the side line cheering you on! It was like I lost it. That fish will be back Go Trout Hunting and get that fish!! Cheers!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate yeah I’ll be heading back for sure

[@johnmacpherson1777]

I know how you feel bud it's happened to me lots of times keep doing what you are doing and another one will stay on love your videos john from Scotland

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers bro

[@travistriesch]

Awesome video bro, and awesome catches. Those big ones we loose are the ones that keep us coming back.

[@coleadkins5709]

Great Fishing! Even though you lost it...definitely an epic battle, will be on the lookout for more videos

[@kenarmstrong2903]

So gutted for you Gareth 😢. Would've loved to see it landed. Nice to see you back enjoying it

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers bro

[@hamishmaxa6509]

The beauty of fishing. Still plenty of years fishing in you to get into another like that :)

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Hope so. Cheers bud.

[@unclefuddelmer9224]

That Brown was as big as your Arm!!! It's a Win to me just to hook up and feel his power for as long as you did!!!... And probably eats 2 or three foot long fish for breakfast lunch and supper!!! Fantastic man

[@lanceswinerd6963]

Heart goes out to ya for losing the big one but I guess that fishing. Well done live the look of the river

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate

[@kirkswenson5130]

I felt that in my bones. Great opportunity and well-played mate.

[@douglaskirk4698]

Wow, That was some great fish and THEN.....WOW, that thing was huge, even on film you tell just how huge he was. Impressive and way to get excited again.

[@marks2193]

What a fantastic video...we always remember the ones that get away. I still haven’t gotten over one that I lost 40 years ago :-). But at least you managed to get him to take the fly, great job. Keep up the great fishing and vids.

[@The_Westward_Scout]

Bro watching you loose that fish. I felt like crying for you! Awesome video absolutely amazing river. I would very much like to see you fish this river again.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Oh I will be for sure fishing it again

[@intoflyfishing]

Damn! The one that got away. I’m just happy you didn’t call that one a “little guy” like so many of the other bucket list fish I’ve seen you net 😄😂 great video as always.

[@ShotawayFilms]

Great watch.That wild monster will haunt you forever.At least you captured the moment...

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate

[@FISHTHEDRIFTNZ]

“There’s no way this is going to work... I’m already gutted 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jarrettlandreth285]

”…..20 pounder…..” 😂

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Yeah probably should have been more positive

[@mkmcgee]

"I need a touch more whiskey". lol

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Hahah didn’t help

[@offroad5798]

@@TroutHuntingNZ you know it did

[@cscady123]

Awesome to watch, think I was shaking a little too. Great video. Thanks.

[@mattbasista3028]

Obviously a tragedy to loose one like that but you got great footage and were able to share it with us!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate I appreciate it

[@dogsoldier7779]

I know the feeling, Not as often as I’d like bc here in the states we don’t have NZ grade trout to many places but I love when that adrenaline kicks in & the only phrase running through my mind is don’t mess up - don’t let him get off. Sadly 75% of the time those huge trophy trout break it or shake it & I’m haunted by each & every one.

[@tanataotengahere5978]

Sum beaut.fish caught..that one you 'lost', prob spooked more by the net man..re-run on vid for analysing..till you were ready to bring it in..fairly good size too, noticed that the way you were holding the rod .. know da feeling..'make-ma-day' ha!!..dat's 🎣fer ya 😭..nice scenery.. good drone footage..man, awesome vid though..Kia Ora.. thnx 👍 .

[@smalltownfisherman3538]

Subscribed for the simple fact that I can appreciate the fact you handled losing that fish WAY better than I would have. Fly fishing is the only method of fishing I havent gotten into but I really want to. What's funny is those fish you did land that you called small or not bad would be monsters in my local rivers and creeks 😂

[@garyrapley6089]

😯😳 That is an unbelievable fish for that river!!!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers Gary yeah a best. I have actually seen another one in there years ago but didn’t get the eat. I’ll be looking for him next year

[@patrickmcphee770]

It’s a miracle he didn’t break you off in those trees in the first 3 seconds. I think your only chance with a fish like that is contact but no pressure until he’s holding into the current, then you slowly lean on him. Like when he ran up, let him get comfortable again, then ware him out. It’s easy to turn a fish downstream, it does not take much pressure. You played it well and gave it a good shot. I have snapped my line on a few but I’ve lost more because I was 2 careful. It’s like your quickly training a dog where he can go and with how much resistance.If you landed that trout you would have 2 retire from fishing anyhow. You got to live A lifetime to catch the fish of one.👍🏽

[@ericsmith5024]

Hard luck Gareth but the good thing is you'll never forget it if thats a good thing. Beautifull video again. Chin up fella.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Thanks heaps dude

[@ericami5642]

Eric, taunton ?

[@Average_Bro]

Awesome video bro primo editing and video quality💪🏽👌🏾

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Thanks heaps 🤙

[@mrpoopypants9586]

Now, that is a good day. Awesome close encounter. Nice to see you shake and get so excited. Cheers PP

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Thanks mate 🤙

[@teamlosi11]

Wow dude! Badass intro with stellar drone pics and music 🔥

[@cubanb805]

I think I cried for you mate I feel bad but none the less you did have him!

[@finleysd2871]

I lost my breath when you lost him. Dang! What a fish. What a place. Great video.

[@DeanF]

They used to be that big in California and Nevada... before I was born. Of course there were Grizzlies too.

[@bragg77]

Got the big ones in ohio.

[@tristendunn1808]

Got fish like that where I live still

[@banshee1322]

3:52 “that’s a small rainbow I think” *drag takes off again*

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Hahah yeah he was full of berry’s

[@danielcline7413]

Just like here in colo the big river browns towards evening are always just upstream from some deep cover whether it be a deep undercut or rocks or the root pile your fish had a lot of options and I'm sure if you return hell be in the same neighbor hood better luck next time you might approach from below in that side channel and reduce the options !

[@MANJURFISHING]

Nico fishing my brother Good catch fishes 🐟

[@562562562562562]

Looked like a tough environment to work with even a fish half the size. That thing boosted so hard when it saw what was causing him a mischief.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Yeah we were certainly up against it. Cheers man

[@mdskater210]

I got my ass kicked this winter spey fishing for normal trout not steelhead and a fish took me to backing before I knew what was happening. They don't get that big by being dumb! And that fish will haunt you

[@quantumcabo]

Stunning water Gareth I have to get south this year. The colours on those SI browns is next level!

[@lewishuntfish8988]

Definitely a fish of a life time there, oh well you did well to hook him keep the good footage up mate

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate

[@wadeg.outdoors9686]

editing in this vid is fire! hell of a fish on the end of that line as well!

[@sl1ckr1ck63]

Is fishing with an indicator ideal for fly fishing? I’m new just wondering

[@davidmetzenthen4306]

I'm already gutted! Such a good video with the highs and lows of fishing...end of the day, you had the day on that great river! While we are in $#@! lockdown in Melbourne! 10/10, mate.

[@BrettWoodPhoto]

BUG FUSH boys Keen to get back SOOOOON. Keep up the good work fellas.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers mate

[@DavidParker-sx5ps]

Outstanding video Gareth

[@craigng4483]

Man I have never seen a fish like that in that river. You did so well to only get the shakes, I would have wet myself a little🤣

[@FISHTHEDRIFTNZ]

Unforgettable day!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

For sure

[@davidream5175]

Landing a fish of that size in that kind of run is nearly impossible. Good work catching it dude!

[@WildernessChanneling]

Great video! Keep it up!

[@edwardwhittle8993]

Would love to know if you took it on a dry, dry-dropper or nymph and what pattern?

[@flyfishingthepnw6752]

Damn 65k, love seeing you grow big guy

[@sterlingspor7851]

Been in that situation, breaks your heart but man is it a blast. Get back out there and land it!

[@tomvenz2586]

That thing was killer!! Makes me wanna get out there more often to hunt some monsters

[@FISHTHEDRIFTNZ]

Had to re watch, damn this was a fun day out 👌

[@newzealandadventures2665]

Man Mackenzie country is truly a trout fishing paradise

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

It really is

[@paytonspiegel]

Awesome video!!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers

[@ericyamashita7273]

Whoa, that fish hitting the surface looked like someone dropped a washing machine in the river!

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Haha yeah it was a bit exciting. Cheers

[@sergeanthetfield3001]

Oh shit, I was so into this clip. I felt your emotions.

[@rd2957]

Stuff legends are made of!

[@fishingtrippy]

This video perfectly captures the feeling of losing an epic trout battle.

[@ramblingnangling-ireland1130]

Fantastic Anglin lads! Next time you catch that fish it will be bigger!

[@marcmulholland1017]

Smart fish ... Think that's why he's a big bad boy ... You won't be the only fisherman he's beat up

[@calvinh208]

That was fun. I was begging that fish to stay on!

[@peteacevedo3411]

Good job and enjoyed the last video. Go back out there and fish the same spot.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Yeah I will🤙. Cheers bud

[@buck3173]

I called it..... as soon as I seen you wade below him lol I knew he was going to head down river 13:01 and snap! Good shit wish you would have landed him.

[@pescasimplemza]

Buenísimo el video 👍👍👍

[@shepherd8203]

What fly was it on the big one that is?

[@WSFScotland]

The agony that only an angler knows... bad luck. Love your channel by the way!

[@danielcannaday2207]

Another great video

[@GeorgeSemel]

It's part of the game. You had a great day to even hook up on a brown like that.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Yeah cheers mate

[@kenlloyd5195]

commiseration the battle between beast and man the very best of what fishing is about

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Yeah cheers ken

[@lambertsaldi1550]

Guys that was a big fish you still got some good fish awesome 👍🗽🇺🇲 Your volume is up and Down!!?? The Vermonter

[@aidanconnor4705]

Could have sworn you would've landed it, my stomach dropped when it came off just watching. It's the ones you lose that keep you coming back. Screaming reels.

[@hectatusbreakfastus6106]

Great video!

[@poundsoftrout5617]

I Feel the pain mate great fishing.

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Thanks bud

[@dols94]

What pack do you use?

[@iddddaduncan]

What are the trout eating in these streams to get this size? it has to be more than bugs?

[@Toucan432]

Mice and bugs....

[@rivermanoutfitters572]

Insane video as always Garreth. Bummer losing a stud like that but what a memory

[@joedas4563]

Congratulations what a monster 👍

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers

[@alext.7517]

Do you ever catch 12 inchers????

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Not often

[@reffwaterflyfishing5237]

I felt that in my soul

[@TroutHuntingNZ]

Cheers bro

[@mattokeefe691]

Just having a shot at the fish was a huge win.

[@JohnWahlers]

This video flashed thru my mind as I battled a NY lake run brownie well over 30 inches last week, I as well came out empty handed lol. Man it hurts to lose one like that as they dont come easy. Im lucky as I am retired young and fish 3-4 days a week chasing lake run browns and steelhead out of Lake Ontario, lots of big fish but lots of pressure/people too. Cant imagine what it would be like to live/fish New Zealand-you have the best flyfishing channel on YT-its like watching trout porn!