The humble kahawai is finally being recognised for the valuable sport fish which it is, and on a trout fly rod it becomes even more exciting. A fly rod will usually outfish traditional spinning tackle every time, and this method of fishing can be applied all around the country where kahawai move into river mouths. But more can be done to protect these wonderful fish.

Marlborough writer Tony Orman highlights two summer windfalls of terrestrials that can drive trout to dogged, selective feeding and anglers to despair.