Christiaan Pretorius's Fly Fishing Gear & Expert Recommendations
Fly Fishing Host & Guide
GlobalNo excuses, only opportunities to improve
Born in South Africa on September 14, 1990, I caught my first trout on fly at age six—a moment that ignited a lifelong passion. Introduced to the sport by my father, also an avid fly fisherman and photographer, I quickly progressed from enthusiastic beginner to competitive angler, representing South Africa at the World Fly Fishing Championships from age fourteen. Over my career, I have competed in seven world championship events across Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Norway, Italy, America, and Russia. With over two decades of experience, I have dedicated my life to the sport. I have fished in 39 countries and guided at some of the world's most prestigious and remote fisheries. My professional journey includes six seasons in the Seychelles, four seasons in Kamchatka, and two seasons on Russia's Kola Peninsula, along with tenure as Head Guide at The Fly Shop and positions at FlyCastaway and Alphonse Fishing Company. I have also served as Manager at Abaco Lodge in the Bahamas working under Oliver White and Nervous Waters, gaining valuable lodge management experience. I currently operate Christiaan Pretorius Flyfishing, hosting guided trips to premier destinations worldwide including New Zealand, Baja Mexico, Gabon, the Amazon, and the Seychelles. My extensive species list—from trophy brown trout to blue marlin, permit to giant trevally—reflects my versatility and deep knowledge across both freshwater and saltwater environments. I am constantly exploring and scouting for the next best remote destinations, always seeking out undiscovered fisheries and unique angling opportunities that will provide my clients with truly exceptional experiences in the world's most pristine locations. Beyond guiding, I am an accomplished photographer, bow hunter, and conservation advocate. In September 2024, I joined forces with the fast-growing brand Los Locos, further expanding my involvement in the industry. I am sponsored by industry leaders including Loop Tackle, Cortland Line, Howler Brothers, and Costa Sunglasses, and I am recognized as a passionate educator committed to sharing the sport while promoting sustainable fishing practices and wildlife conservation.
Discipline: Fly Fishing
Caught his first trout on fly at age six—sparking a lifelong passion for fly fishing, first shared with his father. Represented his country in 7 World Fly Fishing Championships and fished in 39 countries worldwide. 6 seasons guiding in the Seychelles 4 seasons in Kamchatka, Russia 2 seasons on the Kola Peninsula, Russia, 39 Countries and counting.
Expert Gear Picks from Christiaan Pretorius
Expert fly fishing gear recommendations from Christiaan Pretorius, Fly Fishing Host & Guide, based in Global.
Christiaan Pretorius's Patagonia
Here's my complete Patagonia fly fishing gear list—everything I rely on to handle the region's unpredictable rivers, lakes, and mountain conditions. From windproof layers to versatile rod setups, this kit has proven itself against Patagonia's legendary winds, changing weather, and diverse fishing scenarios. Whether you're casting streamers on big lakes or working dry flies on tailwaters, this gear won't let you down. Check it out here on Rendezvu.
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop ZT Double-Hand Travel Rod
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle Dry Wheelbag
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Opti 110 Day Fly Box
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Torne V2 Jacket
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle Onka V2 Jacket Soft Black, L
Christiaan Pretorius's New Zealand
South Island, New Zealand is one of the world's premier fly fishing destinations, offering wild populations of trophy brown and rainbow trout that commonly reach 3-5 pounds with many exceeding 8-10 pounds in crystal-clear, pristine rivers that allow for exceptional sight-fishing opportunities. From the gin-clear spring-fed waters of the east coast rivers like the Mataura and Clutha, to the powerful alpine streams flowing from the Southern Alps, to the intimate spring creeks of Central Otago, anglers fish beneath snow-capped peaks, through native beech forests, and across dramatic tussock-covered high country with minimal fishing pressure and genuine wilderness solitude. This is my go to gear list to be ready for anything the South Island might throw at you.
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle 7X Single-Hand Rod
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle Z1 Single-Hand Rod
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Cortland Finesse Trout II
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Cortland 444 Peach
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Cortland Ultra Premium Fluorocarbon Tippet
Christiaan Pretorius's Iceland
Iceland stands as the ultimate fly fishing destination, offering anglers the rare opportunity to pursue legendary wild Atlantic salmon, massive Arctic char, trophy brown trout, and sea-run brown trout in some of the world's most pristine and dramatic settings. Fed by glacial melt and natural springs, Iceland's gin-clear rivers and lakes remain virtually untouched by pollution, creating perfect conditions for sight fishing against a backdrop of volcanic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and geothermal wonders found nowhere else on Earth.
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle ZT Double-Hand Travel Rod
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle ZT Double-Hand Travel Rod
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle 7X Single-Hand Rod
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle #8-11, Left, Solid Plate, Black
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle COTW: Classic Reel #7-9, Left, Fall Orange
Christiaan Pretorius's Permit Fishing
After years chasing permit across the flats, my go-to setup stays lean but effective: a 9-weight rod, high-quality reel with bulletproof drag, both intermediate and floating lines, and heavy fluorocarbon leaders. The fly box carries a solid selection of crab patterns in various sizes and colors—nothing fancy, just proven fish-catchers. Beyond the tackle, I never skimp on quality polarized sunglasses (you can't catch what you can't see), a big-brimmed hat, sun gloves, and quick-dry technical clothing. I always keep multiple rods rigged—one for permit, one for bones, one for opportunistic shots—because permit fishing is about being ready when that tailing ghost appears. The difference between success and frustration often comes down to having the right gear dialed in before you even step on the boat.
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Yeti 28L Waterproof Backpack
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Yeti 50 Carryall Tote Bag
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle 7X Single-Hand Rod
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle 7X Single-Hand Rod
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Loop Tackle Opti Reel
Christiaan Pretorius's Amazon Peacock Bass Fishing
All the gear I bring for my Amazon trip Peacock Bass Fishing.
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Yeti YETI LOADOUT® GOBOX 30 GEAR CASE
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Yeti Crossroads Backpack 27L
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Yeti SideKick Dry 3L Waterproof Gear Case
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Howler Brothers H Bar B Tech Longsleeve - Mosquero Stripe : Brown Rice
Christiaan Pretorius recommends the Howler Brothers Aperture Tech Strapback - Hill Country Beach Sliders : Grapefruit
