Manic Tackle Project

Manic Tackle Project

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Distributor of the best fly fishing brands for the New Zealand and Australian Markets

Your source for all things fly fishing in New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Distributors of Simms, Scott Rods, Lamson, Airflo, Abel, Ross, Loon and more.

Photos from Manic Tackle Project's post 11/07/2026

Be Prepared Rain, Sleet or Shine - this Winter!

This winter, make sure you're warm, dry and comfortable so you can make the most out of your time on the water.

The Simms Fishing Products range has you covered from head to toe.

Think; beanies, insulation layers, waterproof jackets, waders and wading boots & gloves👇

https://www.manictackleproject.com/collections/simms-fishing-products

🎣 Ben Munro
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Gear List
Beanie: Simms Fishing Products Everyday Waffle Knit Beanie - Dolomite
Insulation - Simms Fishing Products Fall Run Hoody
Jacket: Simms Fishing Products Challenger Jacket - Jet Black
Waders: Simms Fishing Products G4Z Waders
Boots: Simms Fishing Products G3 Guide Wading Boots
Gloves: Simms Fishing Products Windstopper Half-finger Gloves - Black
Egg Pattern: Death Roe Soft Eggs - Ghost Pearl Fire
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*twell

10/07/2026

Huge Canal Rainbow on the Primal Raw CCC - with Brad Snow

Want to experience fishing for some of the HUGE trout that call the Central Island canals home. Get in touch with Brad Snow from Chasing Tail Adventures New Zealand.

https://chasingtailadventures.co.nz/
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Gear List
Rod: Primal Raw CCC 905/4
Reel: Lamson Fly Fishing Liquid S 5+
Line: Airflo Fishing Superflo Max Ridge 2.0 Universal WF5F
Flies: Manic Fly Collection - Simon's Uglies Green/Red | Flashtail Glo Bug Orange
Tippet: Airflo Fishing Premium Fluorocarbon tippet
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Photos from Manic Tackle Project's post 09/07/2026

Leviathan Rainbows - with Brad Snow

We all know fishing the hydro canals isn't for everyone, but don't knock it till you try it! Some of the biggest trout in the world, with snow capped mountains in the background. It's a tonne of fun and the fish don't always come easy.

If you're visiting the McKenzie District in the central South Island, get in touch with Brad Snow from Chasing Tail Adventures New Zealand for an unforgettable day on the canals chasing MASSIVE trout.

https://chasingtailadventures.co.nz/

🎣 Brad Snow from Chasing Tail Adventures New Zealand
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Gear List
Rods: Primal Raw CCC 906/4 | Primal Raw CCC 907/4
Reels: Lamson Fly Fishing Liquid S 5+ | Guru 5+
Line: Airflo Fishing Superflo Max Ridge 2.0 Universal Taper
Flies: Manic Fly Collection - Simon's Uglies Green/Red | OTB Eggstasy Egg Fl Hot Red
Tippet: Airflo Fishing Premium Fluorocarbon tippet
Waders & Boots: Simms Fishing Products G3 Guide waders & wading boots
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McKenzie Hydro Canals – Expert Tips and Q+A With Tim Johnson from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Central Otago. 08/07/2026

McKenzie Hydro Canals – Expert Tips and Q+A With Tim Johnson

The crew at Manic caught up with Tim Johnson from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Central Otago for a quick Q+A and some helpful tips for fishing the hydro canals in the central South Island.

Drop in and see Tim and the team at Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Central Otago before you hit the canals this winter.

🎣 Tim Johnson from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Central Otago
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Gear List
Rod: Primal Raw CCC 905/4
Reel: Lamson Fly Fishing Speedster S 5+
Line: Airflo Fishing Superflo Max Ridge 2.0 Universal Taper WF5F
Flies: Manic Fly Collection - OTB Hare & Copper nymph
Leader: Trout Hunter Evo Drift 12ft tapered leader - 4X
Tippet: Airflo Fishing Premium Fluorocarbon tippet - 5X
Tippet Rings: Airflo Fishing tippet rings
Waders & Boots: Simms Fishing Products G3 Guide waders & wading boots
Jacket: Simms Fishing Products Challenger Jacket
Gloves: Simms Fishing Products Windstopper half-finger gloves
Storage: C&F Universal Chest Storage
Headwear: Primal Trucker Cap - Black
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McKenzie Hydro Canals – Expert Tips and Q+A With Tim Johnson from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Central Otago. What makes the Tekapo and Twizel canals such a unique fishery compared to other trout fisheries in New Zealand? I think the buzz that really draws people in is that it’s incredibly accessible for all anglers, no matter their abilities, and set in such a location where sometimes the fishing takes a...

07/07/2026

Absolute chunk of a canal brown trout

If you're in the Central Otago region and looking to fish the South Island canals this winter for XOS trout, make sure you drop into Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Central Otago and have a chat to . Tim is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to fishing the canals, both on fly and with lures.

🎣 Tim Johnson from Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Central Otago
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Gear List
Rod: Primal Raw CCC 905/4
Reel: Lamson Fly Fishing Speedster S 5+
Line: Airflo Fishing Superflo Max Ridge 2.0 Universal Taper WF5F
Flies: Manic Fly Collection - OTB Hare & Copper nymph
Leader: Trout Hunter Evo Drift 12ft tapered leader - 4X
Tippet: Airflo Fishing Premium Fluorocarbon tippet - 5X
Tippet Rings: Airflo Fishing tippet rings
Waders & Boots: Simms Fishing Products G3 Guide waders & wading boots
Shirt: Simms Fishing Products Cold Weather Flannel
Gloves: Simms Fishing Products Windstopper half-finger gloves
Storage: C&F Universal Chest Storage
Headwear: Primal Trucker Cap - Black
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07/07/2026

Giant Canal Brown Trout - with Gareth Bayliss

A memorable day for Gareth, landing a GIANT brown trout, in the South Island canals.

🎥 Trout Hunting NZ
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Gear List
Rod: Scott Fly Rod Company Centric 906/4
Reel: Ross Reels Evolution LTX 5/6 - Black
Line: Airflo Fishing Superflo Max Ridge 2.0 Power Taper WF6F
Fly: Manic Fly Collection - Simon's Uglies PT
Indicator: NZ Strike Indicator System
Shirt: Simms Fishing Products Solarflex UPF50 Hoody
Waders & Boots: Simms Fishing Products G3 guide waders and wading boots
Headwear: Simms Fishing Products Trout Icon Trucker
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A Beginners Guide To Twizel Canals Fishing 05/07/2026

Clean crisp air, a stunning Southern Alps backdrop, easy access and potential world record sized brown and rainbow trout – while the Mackenzie Country Tekapo and Twizel hydro canals may not be everyone’s cup of tea, they do provide a truly unique fishery with a staggering number of 20lb+ trout that will challenge anglers of all skill levels and experience.

✏ Bryce Helms
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A Beginners Guide To Twizel Canals Fishing Master Twizel & Tekapo canal fishing with our complete guide. Learn fly fishing, softbaiting, egg rolling & spinning techniques for trophy trout in NZ.

Photos from Manic Tackle Project's post 04/07/2026

Words of Advice When Chasing Parrotfish on Fly

Be patient, like extremely patient. These fish are tricky and it takes some serious hours to crack their moody personalities. The first mission I did to specifically target these fish, I spent 5 days chasing them for 8+ hours a day. I almost gave up, but eventually you will figure them out and get the hang of their mannerisms. Also, bring really strong hooks.

You can watch the short film, BEAKS and GEEKS, on the Manic page or YouTube channel.

🎥 Kurt Wilson Films
🎣Angus Line from Fly Fishing Outfitters
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Gear List
Rod: Sector 848/4
Reel: SDS 9/10 - Custom
Line: Superflo Ridge 2.0 Flats Master WF8F
Gaiter: UPF50 Sun Gaiter
Headwear:
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03/07/2026

Abel Reels - Crafted for Chaos

From the short film, BEAKS and GEEKS, by Kurt Wilson Films and Fly Fishing Outfitters (available to watch on the Manic YouTube channel). A truely unique colour sheme/print dreamt up by Angus from FFO and brought to life by the team at Abel Reels.

The Abel SDS (Sealed Drag Salt) is a premium fly reel, handmade in the USA and fished the world over. Chasing XOS tailor and parrotfish on remote beaches, the SDS is up to the task.

🎥 Kurt Wilson Films
🎣 Fly Fishing Outfitters
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Gear List
Reel: Abel Reels SDS 9/10 - Custom
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