When Doug Stevens read the last entry in this space, about the conversation I'd had in L.L. Bean with an angler who sort of dissed New Zealand flyfishing in favor of the Kamchatka, Doug wrote:

As a passionate angler who has fished New Zealand waters for many decades I can only say that this is a misguided viewpoint. While there are indeed rivers with crystal clear water that hold large but challenging fish, there are many other types of fishing waters available suitable for all levels of anglers. Yes, some do require a hard slog through bush (if that is what you want) but...New Zealand Fish and Game has also opened up many waters to the general public. Well signed parking areas, access points and tracks are provided giving ready access to literally thousands of kilometres of rivers and lake shores. From the fabled large fish waters of Lake Taupo to the beautiful dry-fly waters of the Mataura River, there is a range of fishing to suit all levels of skill and fitness. If anyone finds a river that runs through majestic mountain ranges and holds large fish that will challenge their skills boring, then I am surprised. To check out the huge variety of waters available in New Zealand, I suggest that (you) visit the website nzfishing.com and look at some of the photos of the waters available.

I did look at the website, a good one, and then had to wipe the drool off my keyboard. Huge fish, spectacular water in jaw-dropping surroundings, and a wide variety of lodging for anglers, some in the "very affordable" range. My next stops on the Web were at sites offering bargain air fares, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I could get a roundtrip fare for a lot less than I had imagined.

No, I'm not going this Spring, but I just may start squirreling away some of my ill-gotten gains into a New Zealand fund. Lodging is cheaper for two, so if you're a good-looking flyfisherwoman with a valid passport and an itch to travel, you know where to find me.