Category: Newsletter

  • 2025 Fly Fishing Package Rates, Photos & Travel Info for Your Next Angling Adventure!

    2025 Fly Fishing Package Rates, Photos & Travel Info for Your Next Angling Adventure!

    Are you ready to cast your line in some of the world’s most breathtaking fishing destinations? Angler Adventures is thrilled to share the latest updates for 2025 to Lodge rates and travel info as well as stunning new photos to help you plan the perfect fishing getaway. Whether you’re looking to explore the flats of Belize, the wild waters of Chile, or the bonefish paradise of the Bahamas, we’ve got you covered!

    Bahamas – Unparalleled Bonefishing Awaits

    If pristine waters and world-class bonefishing are calling your name, check out our recently updated lodges in the Bahamas:

    Belize – A Sportfishing Paradise

    For anglers seeking the ultimate in variety, Belize is teeming with opportunities. Whether you’re after tarpon, bonefish, or permit, these updated lodges are worth exploring:

    Chile – Adventure and Wild Waters

    For an unforgettable fly-fishing experience in some of the world’s most untouched wilderness, these Chilean lodges are updated and ready for your next adventure:

    Argentina & Tierra del Fuego – Trophy Trout & Sea-Run Browns

    For serious anglers chasing world-class trout, Argentina’s legendary lodges have been refreshed with the latest 2025 details:

    Mexico – The Best of the Caribbean & Yucatán

    The crystal-clear waters of Mexico offer some of the best saltwater fly-fishing in the world. Don’t miss out on these updated destinations:


    Start Planning Your 2025 Fishing Adventure Today!

    Get in touch so we can assist with over 40 years of fishing and travel experience. Our services are free.

    There’s never been a better time to book your next fishing trip. Contact us for personalized recommendations and booking assistance.

    Tight lines and happy travels!

    Lodges and Destinations updated in 2025

    • H2O Bonefishing

      H2O Bonefishing combines productive, uncrowded bonefishing on Grand Bahama with high-end accommodations, amenities, beaches, shops and restaurants, making it a good…

      INFO & RATES >

    • East End Lodge

      The lodge’s location allows guests access to the famous 250 square miles of bonefishing habitat pioneered by Deep Water Cay…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Panyame Conservancy | Mbadzi Camp

      Nestled within the remote beauty of Mozambique’s Panyame Wildlife Conservancy, Mbadzi Camp offers a world-class fishing experience along the Zambezi…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Belize

      Belize is a unique fly fishing destination offering excellent fishing for bonefish, permit, tarpon, snook year-round; one of the few…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Seychelles

      Fly fishing adventures in Seychelles Alphonse Cosmoledo Providence Farquhar Astove Atoll Poivre Alphonse Cosmoledo Providence Farquhar Astove Atoll Poivre Explore…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Bahamas

      The Bahamas: the penultimate in bonefishing adventure. Fly fishing from dozens of large islands and hundreds of undiscovered smaller cays.…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Healing Waters Lodge

      Updated on Healing Waters Lodge in Ruby Valley Nestled in the heart of Montana’s picturesque Ruby Valley, Healing Waters Lodge…

      INFO & RATES >

    • The Complete Fly Fisher

      Dave and Christine Decker’s Complete Fly Fisher is one of Montana’s finest fishing lodges and is ideally situated directly on…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Montana

      Southwest Montana is home to some of the most famous rivers in the United States. Rivers like the Ruby, the…

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    • Argentina

      Argentina Fly Fishing Take a trout fishing expedition in Patagonia with Angler Adventures Argentina is one of the top destinations…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge

      Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge is home to world class Bahamas bonefishing in the heart of South Andros. Mars Bay is…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Pleasant Bay Bonefish Lodge

      Pleasant Bay Bonefishing Lodge has been one of South Andros‘ best-kept secrets. What attracted us to this relatively unknown lodge…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Mangrove Cay Club

      Fly fishing adventures in ANDROS, BAHAMAS: Mangrove Cay Remote Waterfront Prime Bonefishing Diverse & Exciting Remote Waterfront PRIME BONEFISHING DIVERSE…

      INFO & RATES >

    • The Salmon Lodge

      Nestled along the banks of Quebec’s renowned Grand Cascapedia River, The Salmon Lodge offers an unparalleled Atlantic salmon fly-fishing experience.…

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    • The Club on the Bonaventure

      The Club on the Bonaventure offers an exclusive Atlantic Salmon fly-fishing retreat steeped in history and natural beauty. Formerly known…

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    • North Riding Point Club

      North Riding Point Club, located on the South Shore of Grand Bahama Island is not only one of the finest bonefish…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Africa

      In addition to the bone fishing in the Seychelles and Mauritius, FlyCastaway offers 2 excellent Tigerfish destinations: Panyame Camp in Mozambique and…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Kamalame Cay Resort

      Experience “ALL INCLUSIVE” world-class accommodations and exceptional service on a private cay while fishing pristine Bahamas bonefish flats, diving the…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Tarpon Caye Lodge

      Southern Belize, and particularly Placencia, has long been known as one of the top hotspots in the world for the…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Copal Tree Lodge

      They have deep roots as a fishing lodge, set in some of the most fertile permit fishing grounds anywhere in…

      INFO & RATES >

    • El Pescador Villas

      The El Pescador Villas are the luxury accommodations at El Pescador Resort on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Eight exotic and well appointed two-story…

      INFO & RATES >

    • El Pescador Resort

      El Pescador Resort on Ambergris Caye in Belize is the oldest and most established fishing lodge in Belize. It’s also…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Nomads of the Seas

      Nomads of the Seas has developed the world’s ultimate fly fishing and ecotourism offering: one-week extreme fly fishing adventure and…

      INFO & RATES >

    • El Saltamontes Lodge

      El Saltamontes is home to one of the finest Brown Trout fisheries anywhere, let alone in Chile! Impressive numbers of…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Posada de los Farios

      La Posada de los Farios offers spectacular guided fishing for brown trout and rainbow trout in the heart of Chilean Patagonia.…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Belize River Lodge

      Belize River Lodge is located on the banks of the Belize River, about 3.5 miles from the mouth. The lodge…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Turneffe Island Resort

      Turneffe Island Resort is 5 – 10 minutes from clear, pristine flats. If you enjoy walking the flats in pursuit of…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Turneffe Flats Resort

      Turneffe Flats Resort is one of the premier resorts in Belize and is located on the northeast section of the Turneffe…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Playa Blanca Lodge

      Playa Blanca is the only lodge on Espiritu Santo, providing exclusive access to this fishery which is comparable in every…

      INFO & RATES >

    • Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge

      Grand Slam Ascension Bay Lodge is a modern, luxurious lodge operation on one of the world’s greatest saltwater flats fisheries,…

      INFO & RATES >

  • Lowest Prices of the Year at North Riding Point Club

    Lowest Prices of the Year at North Riding Point Club

    LOWEST Prices of the Year at North Riding Point Club 

    13 pound Grand Bahama bonefish North Riding Point Club Angler Adventures

    Some of the best fishing for big “trophy” bonefish is on the North Shore of Grand Bahama.  North Riding Point Club is the only lodge fishing a vast and remote area of the North Shore.  Launching at North Riding Point, they are the only boats fishing prime flats 10+ miles east & west, and extending north including the remote water around the Sale Cays, Strangers Cay, and Carter Cay.  The fall and early winter are one of the most productive times to fish this area, especially for trophy, double-digit bones.  We just received some awesome openings at North Riding Point Club, and with the lowest prices of the year, now is the time to make a reservation at North Riding Point Club.

    September 21 – 28, 2019 – 6 Anglers – 7-nights / 6-days fishing
    September 28 – October 3 – 10 Anglers – 6-nights / 5-days fishing
    October 6 – 11, 2019 – 12 Anglers – 5-nights / 4-days fishing
    October 13 – 19, 2019 – 12 Anglers – 6-nights / 5-days fishing
    October 19 – 25, 2019 – 6 Anglers – 6-nights / 5-days fishing
    November 7 – 10, 2019 – 10 Anglers – 3-nights / 2-days fishing
    November 10 – 15, 2019 – 4 Anglers – 5-nights / 4-days fishing
    November 15 – 21, 2019 – 8 Anglers – 6-nights / 5-days fishing
    November 21 – 26, 2019 – 12 Anglers – 5-nights / 4-days fishing
    December 8 – 12, 2019 – 12 Anglers – 4-nights / 3-days fishing

    Please call (860-434-9624) or email (info@angleradventures.com) Angler Adventures for more information on these openings and to get the lowest pricing of the year at North Riding Point Club Click or Tap for more information on North Riding Point Club.

    Trophy Bonefish Wading for Bonefish North Riding Point CLub Angler Adventures

  • Prime weeks available at Red Pine Mountain Lodge

    Prime weeks available at Red Pine Mountain Lodge

    Dear Angler, 
    For the past 18 years, we’ve had the distinct pleasure of booking one of Atlantic Canada’s premier salmon camps, Red Pine Mountain Lodge on the incomparable Restigouche River.   Peak weeks of the season are typically rebooked year after year.  However, on occasion, prime weeks do become available, as is the case for the 2004 season.  We’re delighted to offer our Newsletter subscribers first opportunity for these weeks.

    July 4th – 11th, 2004: 
    Historically, this is the single best week of the season for numbers of fish.  The grilse run is well under way, but still many large salmon are coming into the river.  The grilse to salmon ratio is approximately 1 to 1.

    July 11th – 18th, 2004: 
    Also a highly productive week (some years the catch will exceed that of the July 4th week).  Grilse to salmon ratio is approximately 2 to 1, but still opportunities for large salmon (we’ve taken 30 pounders during this week). 

     

    May 30th – June 6th, 2004: 
    This week is for the trophy angler.   The average salmon landed is approximately 24 pounds, and fish over 40 pounds are an ever present possibility. 

    Red Pine Mountain Lodge, a classic 1920’s cedar and pine camp, is ideally located in the valley of the Restigouche river, a peaceful area of stunning  natural beauty. The camp offers five miles of private water flanked by lush green mountains. 

    The Restigouche River’s unique strain of wild Atlantic salmon is among the world’s largest and most powerful. These bright, fresh-run fish often exceed 30 pounds, and many over 40 pounds are released each year. 
     

    Fishing at Red Pine is in the traditional Gaspé manner from 26-foot Cedarwood canoes, each with an experienced guide and two anglers. The fishing sessions rotate no more than five boats through lengthy stretches of private water.

     

     
    “Red Pine has lovely water on what is, of course, one of the world’s most storied salmon rivers. Beats are ample and the fishing days fine-tuned as if by magic to prevailing conditions. Nowhere in North America have I experienced a better-run operation than Red Pine.” 
    (Art Lee, Atlantic Salmon Journal, Spring 2003)

    Perched on a bank overlooking the river, the main lodge is fronted by a full-length screened veranda and houses a communal great room with matching fieldstone fireplaces at either end. A full complement of sumptuous meals are prepared and served here daily. 

    The five immaculate guest cabins are adjacent to the main lodge and connected by a covered porch. The comfortable rooms each have a private bathroom and shower, full electric service and a wood-burning stove. 

     

    Daily maid service is provided. The grounds and surrounding buildings are impeccably maintained by the friendly and accommodating household staff.

    Red Pine Mountain Lodge is one of the few camps that offers an opportunity for serious anglers to book time on this remarkable river.

    For reservations or more information, contact Doug Schlink.

     

  • Permit Time! Pesca Maya, Ascension Bay, Mexico

    Permit Time! Pesca Maya, Ascension Bay, Mexico

    Over the past 25 years, more of our anglers have landed permit on the fly in Mexico’s beautiful Bahia de la Ascension than all our other permit destinations combined! We have our theories, but the fact remains, Ascension Bay permit will eat a fly more readily than Trachinotus falcatus in any other fishery we’ve experienced. The peak months for this fishery are just around the corner!

    As a bonus, April sees the arrival of the large migratory tarpon swelling the ranks of resident juvenile fish right through the summer and fall months. Add to this a prolific bonefishery, abundant (often very big) snook, and a myriad of other species on the flats including mutton snappers, cudas, ladyfish, even the occasional triple tail – you’ll understand why Ascension Bay is not only considered one of the premier flats destinations, it is most likely the Grand Slam Capital of the World!

    We’ve booked the venerable Pesca Maya for their entire 21 years of operation, and it remains one of our favorite lodge operations on the Yucatan Peninsula. The lodge features a seasoned staff of guides (who’ve grown up on the Bay and know it better than anyone), great food, spacious / comfortable air conditioned rooms with queen beds and ensuite baths with walk-in showers, and an attentive staff steeped in Mayan hospitality who are committed to your utmost enjoyment.

    There are still openings in the Prime Time April & May months, and if you can stand to wait, Pesca Maya’s 20% summer discount kicks in June 15th! Fabulous fishing can be had during the lightly fished summer months! Call today to make your reservation!

  • Ouzel Expeditions in Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

    Ouzel Expeditions in Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia

    “The Best Trip We’ve Ever Had”

    During the past decade, Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula has emerged as the premier destination for anglers in search of trophy rainbows and Pacific salmonids.

    It is frequently described as, “the way Alaska was 30 years ago”.  While rivers such as the Zhupanova have been highly promoted and have received the most press, these have also received the most fishing pressure, in some cases from multiple outfitters.

    But fortunately, there are many other fantastic fisheries on this 100,000 + square mile land mass, and many of these receive very little pressure.

    Ouzel Expeditions was the first American company to explore Kamchatka and the first American outfitter to bring US clients to Kamchatka in 1991.Owned and operated by Paul & Sharon Allred, Ouzel Expeditions has been outfitting quality float trip expeditions in Alaska since 1978.

    With an emphasis on personal attention,  Ouzel typically takes groups of only 6 to 8 anglers, and carries a staff including an American host/head guide, veteran Russian guides, a translator, and a kitchen staff of two.

    Ouzel has rights to fish numerous rivers on Kamchatka, including the Zhupanova.  But, it is on lesser known  rivers, where they are the sole outfitters, that Ouzel’s guests are assured they’ll be the only anglers on the entire river.

    The Rivers

    Case in point, Angler Adventures’ client Alan McRae recently returned with his party from a float trip on the Kapushka, one of the several fine rivers on which Ouzel holds the exclusive fishing rights.  The Kapushka is quite comparable to the Zhupanova in terms of size of fish, but may produce slightly better numbers.  Rainbows up to 31 inches have been taken by Ouzel guests on the Kapushka.  Alan reported no fish reaching the magic 30 inch mark, but said most of his rainbows fell in the 24 – 28 inch range.  Alan concentrated mainly on rainbows, and reported averaging 6 – 12 big bows each day.  He described these as beautifully full-bodied, well-conditioned fish, “incredibly big”!   Alan took most of his bows on top with dry flies and mouse patterns.  The rest of the group enjoyed the diversity, as the Kapushka was enjoying an incredible run of pink salmon and hard fighting arctic char, along with the world-class rainbow fishing.

    Alan commented that the food, the comfort and amenities of the tent camps, and the professionalism, affability and responsiveness of head guide, Todd Hiibner and his entire staff, far exceeded their expectations.    He added that his group has traveled and fished extensively for the past 20 + years, and their consensus was that this was the best trip they’d ever taken!

    Besides the Kapushka, Ouzel is the sole outfitter on the Medved and the Kartuska Rivers.  The Medved is another producer of 30-inch bows, while the Kartuska rainbows run between 20 – 28 inches, but are more numerous than on either the Kapushka or Medved.  Along with the Zhupanova and several other lesser-known rivers, they have a greater variety than most outfitters from which to choose.

    They generally rotate rivers, scheduling a week on the Medved, followed by a week on the Kapushka (which also helps keep fishing pressure down on each).   But another huge advantage over other outfitters is Ouzel’s flexibility to make last minute changes.  Should the river you are scheduled to fish “go out” with heavy rains, Ouzel will switch to another river. This is not an option with other Kamchatka outfitters – you book a week on a certain river, and if she goes out, that’s just the luck of the draw.

    The Cost

    Ouzel plans to operate 10-weeks of float trips for parties of 6 to 8 anglers in 2005.   The 2005 rate for the above itinerary is $4,100 + $150 visa processing = $4,250 US per person.  Included in this cost are: Visa support & processing, interpreters, and licenses, all transportation in Russia, helicopter flights, buses, ground transportation, & city tours.  On the river, Sotar rafts, waterproof gear bags and camera bags, a large kitchen tent, North Face sleeping tents, sleeping bags, pads, and pillows are provided.

    Each trip is staffed by Russian guides, cooks, a Russian interpreter and one American guide.
    Not included are: airfare to and overnight in Anchorage; airfare on Mavial / Magadan Airlines, Anchorage to Petropavalovsk (estimated at $1,375 round trip for 2005); meals and hotel costs in Petropavalovsk ($150 per person per night); gratuities; fishing tackle and flies.

    Rebookings with Ouzel Outfitters usually runs at above 70%, so available space is limited.  If you would like to inquire about space or receive information on the 2005 program, please contact Angler Adventures:

  • The GIANT Salmon of Russia’s Kola River

    Russia’s Kola Peninsula is well known as having the best Atlantic salmon fishing found today anywhere in the world. Many anglers equate “best” with big numbers of fish. And rivers like the famed Ponoi River produce numbers that are staggering compared to any other salmon rivers in the world.

    Where the yardstick of high quality fishing in most Canadian rivers is considered a 1 fish per rod per day, it’s not uncommon for anglers to land 40, 50 or even 60 salmon in a week of fishing on the Ponoi. While the Ponoi is considered the single most prolific salmon river in the world based on numbers of fish, the typical Ponoi catch is comprised of about 80% grilse or small salmon under 10 pounds. A smaller percentage will range 10 – 20 pounds, and a few over 20 pounds are taken each season.

    Many seasoned salmon anglers tend to perceive the “quality” salmon fishing experience as one which presents opportunities to catch truly large Atlantic salmon. Targeting large salmon usually translates to a sacrifice in numbers landed. Many anglers would be happy with a 2 – 3 fish week that included one large salmon (anything over 20 pounds), or thrilled with a 1 – 2 fish week that included a “trophy” salmon (let’s say anything over 30 pounds). In most of the world’s salmon rivers, the possibility of a fish over 40 pounds (let’s just call these “monsters”) is a far-flung dream. But there is one incredible river system in Russia that produces good numbers of large, trophy and even monster salmon – the Kola River.

    The Kola River is situated on the western end of Russia’s Kola Peninsula, just north of the Arctic Circle. The river flows northward from a series of lakes in the center of the penisula, eventually joining the Tuloma River 12 km south of the city of Murmansk. The Tuloma empties into the Barents Sea, north of the city. The Kola is a big, brawling river strewn with large boulders and many huge rapids, indicative of the powerful and enormous salmon that ascend her strong flows.

    I fished the Kola the first week of July and found it to be, as advertised, an amazing big fish river. Before departing on July 9th, I checked the log book and tallied an incredible 185 fish over 20 pounds landed since June 1st! 67 of these were over 25 pounds, 17 were

    over 30 and 4 eclipsed the magical 40 pound mark! The biggest landed to date this year was 44 pounds, but fish approaching the 50 pound mark have been taken, and fish larger than this have been lost!


    Dr. Jim York with a massive hen taken in Home Pool within view of the lodge!

    Camp host, Frank Larsen told us the river was about 3 foot higher than normal for that time of year and the guides felt many of the salmon were not holding but were runnning right through on the high water. Depsite this, catch rates during my week were still impressive. Most anglers landed between 2 – 4 fish each day, and occassionally as many as 6. The top rod for the week finished with 24 fish. Individual catches of 30 – 40 fish per week are not uncommon in July with normal water levels. The grilse run had just started and about 30% of the catch reported were grilse. This ratio can increase to 50% by month’s end, but big salmon have been taken throughout July.

    While many of the truly large fish move upriver in June, there were still some big guys around during my week. My biggest for the week scaled 27 pounds but there were numerous others that size or larger landed and several “monsters” were lost! I was among the unlucky, losing the largest salmon I’ve ever hooked. He jumped several times close to us so we had a good look at him. After 12 very exciting minutes, the hook just pulled out. Ilya, my guide estimated him at 20 kilos (44 pounds!).

    The Kola is big water and favors long casters and even more so, accomplished Spey casters. In the water level we had, there is limited wading. I prefer to wade, and did wade everywhere it was possible. However, a number of the pools are only fishable from the boat, even in normal water levels.

    Each angler has his own guide and inflatable boat. The camp fishes 16 rods in June and 14 in July. The Kola is divided into 7 beats.

    The beautiful Kitza River is the 8th beat in June, or may be taken as an optional beat in July. With the exceptions of Home Pool and Beat 3 which begins at Junction Pool where the Kitza enters, anglers leave the lodge each morning at 9:00 am by van trailering the inflatables. You are dropped off at the top of your assigned beat, and spend the day working your way down to the bottom. Some of the beats contain dangerous rapids and the guide will put you ashore to walk a path while he runs the rapids, so you need to be prepared for a fair amount of walking. Anglers are picked up at 7:00 – 7:30 pm and tranported back to the lodge. Dinner is served at 8:00 pm, and there is optional guided fishing from 9:00 – midnight for the diehards! There is no dark this far north in June & July.

    Unlike the rivers of the eastern end of the peninsula, the Kola is not a wilderness river. The river valley was historically the transit route across the Kola from the White Sea to the Barents Sea, and today, a railroad track parallels the river and trains can go by with annoying frequency. Beat 5 actually runs through the small village of Loparsky.

    The Kitza in contrast is mostly a wilderness river. Lower Kitza is often taken in conjunction with one of the other beats. Fish a Kola beat in the morning, and then take Lower Kitza for the afternoon. Lower Kitza contains the famous Monster Pool. A good client of mine landed his largest Atlantic salmon ever in this pool 6 years ago. That fished weighed 22 kilos which is about 48.5 pounds!

    You need to dedicate a day to fish Upper Kitza. This is the farthest beat from the lodge, about 40 minutes by car over rough road. Then it’s a 25 minute hike into the river. And the day finishes with an hour’s row across a lake to the take out spot! It’s alot of work bit it is worth the effort. Upper Kitza is not only incredibly beautiful, it can be extremely productive.

    The Kola Lodge compound is just a few years old, and is vast improvement over the somewhat dubious hotel where anglers were accommodated in years past. The main lodge houses the kitchen and large dining room, a spacious living room area with satelite TV and large picture windows and a porch overlooking Home Pool.

    Accommodations are in a complex of 17 individual cabins. Each angler has a private cabin with extremely efficient heating systems, a twin bed, table and chair, ample closet and shelf storage (plenty of hooks!), private bath with hot shower. There is even a heated front porch / wader drying room. All in all, an excellent set up.

    Other camp structures include an open air dining room, a Finnish sauna, and the guides’ camp.

    Coincidentally, several anglers in camp were on their second or third trip to Kola, but many of the others had fished the Ponoi at either Acha or Pacha camp the year or two prior. The lure of big fish had drawn them to the Kola. And by weeks end, all said they planned to return next year.

    The Ponoi is arguably the greatest salmon river in the world and may be the obvious choice for anglers relatively new to salmon fishing, or visiting Russia for the first or even second time. For those anglers, we highly reccommend the Acha and Pacha camps. However, veteran salmon fisherman may prefer to challenge the monsters of the Kola. For truly large Atlantic salmon, the Kola River may be unmatched in the world. For reservations or more information on either the Ponoi or the Kola, please contact me.

    Sincerely,

    Doug Schlink

  • Bonefishing Essential Destinations: The Lodges of South Andros, Bahamas

    Bonefishing Essential Destinations: The Lodges of South Andros, Bahamas

    I loved visiting South Andros for the second time to explore its fishing lodges. I saw and fished with virtually every lodge there including the remote Mars Bay on Andros’s southern-most tip. As most of my clients know, I love fishing and the more I learn about an area the more enthusiastic I become.

    The South Bight of Andros is a large, virtually untouched land mass surrounded by flats and mangroves. My purpose this trip was to investigate each lodge there to determine whether it had all of the essentials. By essentials, I mean those qualities that make a specific lodge worthy of any angler’s wish list; specifically, excellent fishing, guides and management as well as amenities suitable to specific anglers’ needs.

    Transportation to the island can be easily arranged by flying into Andros’s Congo Town Airport via Nassau or Ft. Lauderdale. Flights are usually very reasonably priced, making the trip quite convenient from most the U.S.

    My journey started on Andros’s southern reaches at Mars Bay Lodge. I couldn’t wait to visit Mars Bay’s remote and undiscovered flats. Mars Bay’s location equates to less time spent traveling to spectacular southern fisheries like Jack Fish Cay, Water Cays, and Curley Cut Cays. And of course, less time in the boat means more time fishing. The facility at Mars Bay consists of two buildings designed in the practical, minimalist style of the Bahamaian Villa. The main building consists of two bedrooms, with shared bath. The second one has one bedroom, private bath, Satellite TV, dining room, kitchen and a very nice sitting area. The lodge emphasizes basic, clean comfort.

    Debbie is the assistant manager as well as the lodge’s gourmet cook. Bill Howard, the on-site owner / manager makes Mars Bay function very smoothly. Bill has very strict standards concerning his staff which are especially noted in his team of guides. Wilfred, for example, has been a south Andros resident all of his life and has been guiding professionally for over 20 years. A true Bahamian, he is one of the finest boatman I have ever come across as well as an expert flats wader. George is also an excellent boatman and a determined flats stalker. Chris has the best eyes of the group and spots fish at impossible distances. Mars Bay keeps Rahming skiffs and nicely kept poling boats.

    From Mars Bay I traveled to Bair’s Lodge. I had been to Bair’s once before for an extensive stay during which I enjoyed optimal fishing with one of my clients. I knew immediately that I would have to visit again.

    Upon my return I received a warm welcome from managers, Nicolas and Cecelia, Argentine citizens whom also manage Futa Lodge for Bair’s parent company, Nervous Waters. Nicolas and Cecelia are great managers. Their personal, hands-on approach to guests and the lodge’s daily operation has made Bair’s the “5 Star of South Andros.” Nicolas also oversees Bair’s professional and experienced guiding staff. The staple guides, Leslie, Nate, “T” and Gary all have slightly different areas of guiding expertise. Nicholas takes advantage of this by putting his guides on a rotation, which allows guests to explore the large flats, creeks, and mangroves thoroughly. Depending on tides, trips to Andros’s west side can be made as well. Nervous Waters is continually re-investing in Bair’s by rigorously maintaining and improving boats and accommodations. Nervous Waters is very consistent in its ability to maintain the perfect mix of staff, guides and management.

    Bair’s has recently added space for two more anglers; the lodge can now accommodate 10 rods at a time.

    Past trips to Andros South (formerly the Bonefish Bay Club) have made me a bit wary of recommending it to my clients. Having come under new management and ownership, though, I decided to return to see what future clients could expect. I could have not been more pleased with the changes made by Andros South’s new owner, Andrew Bennett. He has made ambitious improvements to the plumbing systems, single accommodations, landscaping, boats and other equipment. He has also added a Tiki bar and casting area beside the white sandy beach in front of the lodge.

    The meals were also very good, often consisting of a fresh catch of the day reeled in by manager John Toker. Like Bair’s, Andros South uses a rotating-guide system that works well to make each guide’s specific knowledge and experienced accessible. All guides at Andros South are hardworking and extremely enthusiastic. Their are quickly becoming legends on the island due to their fishing zeal.

    Before leaving south Andros I stopped at three other lodges: Glatos, Sunrise, and Nathan’s Lodge. I would not recommend Glatos or Sunrise.

    I was somewhat impressed by Nathan’s Lodge. The atmosphere there was friendly, comfortable, and it offered real Bahamian charm. The inconsistent guiding quality, however, makes me a little hesitant about giving Nathan’s my full endorsement.

    I can confidently say, though, that the south Andros fishing lodges as a whole have improved considerably since my last visit. At Mars Bay, Bair’s and Andros South anglers will certainly find those fishing essentials that make guest return again and again. Given the right conditions, these lodges can provide an atmosphere of fishing nirvana, allowing guests to see why this area of the Bahamas has become part of fishing lore.

  • 56 Permit in ONE WEEK in the Punta Pajaros Cay, Mexico

    56 Permit in ONE WEEK in the Punta Pajaros Cay, Mexico

    Casa Blanca and sister lodge, Playa Blanca are both located on the cay of Punta Pajaros, 100 miles south of Cancun in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Casa Blanca fishes the legendary Ascension Bay, just north of the cay, while Playa Blanca, 12 miles to the south, fishes Laguna Santa Rosa and Espiritu Santo Bay.

    Both bays, located within the 1.3 million acres Sian Ka’an Biosphere reserve, are considered among the world’s top flats fishing destinations for bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook.

    The lodges typically open the 1st or 2nd week in October, and excepting 2-week periods over Christmas and Easter, are open until the middle of June.  The common perception is the best time to fish these areas is March, April & May, and this is when high season rates apply.

    While the spring months are excellent, I think many anglers are missing what may be an even more productive season to fish AB & ES.   For years I’ve encouraged anglers to fish Ascension Bay or Espiritu Santo the normally lightly booked October/December season.  I’ve had the pleasure of fishing Ascension Bay a number of times, and five of these trips have been during the months of October or November.  I’ve had good to outstanding fishing during each of these fall trips.

    Doc Foster
    There are a number of reasons I like the fall fishery.  First, most of the lodges close or are very lightly booked through the rainy season, early June through early October, and this lack of pressure promotes “happier” and less spooky fish on the flats.  The migratory tarpon start showing up in late April and can be found in good numbers through November.  The snook fishing seems to be at it’s best during the fall, as soon as the water clears.  Water temperatures during the fall are usually at a consistent optimum, particularly for permit, which take flies better in warmer temperatures.  And lastly, the rates for the fall season are considerably lower than during high season.  Why wouldn’t anyone go in the fall?

    Angler Adventures – Doug Schlink
    To illustrate just how good the fishing can be during the fall, witness “The Week” of November 6th at Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca Lodges.  I was privileged to accompany a group of clients and participate in the all time record-breaking week for both permit on fly and grand slams!

    While a group from a Colorado Fly Shop headed 12 miles south to fish to Playa Blanca, I joined the Streams of Dreams Fly Shop group at Casa Blanca. Casa Blanca normally accommodates 20-22, but as mentioned, the fall is frequently lightly booked, and our party of 8 had the entire camp to ourselves.

    The week got off to a good start, with everyone getting numerous shots and 3 permit landed that first Sunday.  Among the anglers to score on day 1 was “Doc” Ralph Cifaldi, using his own variant crab pattern with a long tail of dyed polar bear.  Day 2 was the banner day when the group tallied 10 permit landed.  But Ralph was the top rod scoring a “Hat Trick” – three permit on the fly, on his crab pattern!

    Day 3 was nearly as good with 8 permit landed by the group.  And it was the good Doctor’s good fortune padding the count again, as he landed another 3 permit including one over 20 pounds, on his same crab pattern!!    Ralph now had 7 permit on fly in 3 days!  We began to think there might be something to this fly and Ralph stayed up late that night at the vice and generously gave each of us one the next morning!   Ralph’s fly proved to be a charm for me when on day 4 when I used it to hook and land a beast that tipped the scales at 32 pounds.

    By weeks end, 8 anglers tallied 35 permit landed, 5 of which bested the 20 pound mark.  Numerous tarpon, bones and a few snook were landed by the group.  Dr. Ralph’s magic crab fly accounted for 17 of the 35 permit!    I’ll be happy to provide the pattern recipe on request.

    On our last morning, the truck arrived with the group from Playa Blanca who’d had similar luck down south in Espiritu Santo scoring numerous grand slams and adding another 21 fly caught permit, to bring the total to 56 permit and 10 Grand Slams landed in 6 days on Punta Pajaros, a new all time record for the island.

  • The Complete Fly Fisher lodge in Montana: Fish The Big Hole River

    The Complete Fly Fisher lodge in Montana: Fish The Big Hole River

    The Complete Fly Fisher is one of Montana’s finest fishing lodges and is ideally situated directly on the Big Hole River.  A maximum of 14 guests are accommodated in six spacious cottages and a master suite in the main lodge.

    From the beginning of August, well in to the latter half of the month, the pine forests that line some of SW Montana’s finest trout streams, particularly the Big Hole, stir with the emergence of the Spruce Bud Moth.  First, the moth larvae develop into nickel sized winged adults. Shortly after, the moths perform their mating ritual over the water.

    On the Big Hole, as well as other nearby rivers, the guides love to target this unique “hatch”.

    Once the overnight chill is burned off by the morning sun, the moths become active, making their way down from the pines  into the river.

    The trout react immediately slipping into feeding lanes. Few moths make it very far before being sucked in from the surface.

    The meaty moths bring some of the biggest trout to the surface. The dry fly fishing can be spectacular!

    The Big Hole has over 100 miles of fishable water.  While there is very good fishing near the lodge, most guests choose to float the river, stopping to wade the productive pools. The scenery is magnificent as you drift through cattle ranches and canyons.  The Big Hole is one of few western rivers that, in addition to brown, rainbow, and brook trout, holds cutthroat trout and grayling.

    In addition to the Big Hole and it’s tributary, the Wise River, a private spring creek runs through the Complete Fly Fisher property that consists of one mile of stream and two ponds.

    The CFF guides have developed fish fooling moth flies and they know the runs where this phenomenon happens. Casting to trout rising for naturals is one of fly fishing’s ultimate treats.  Having a well planned attack to intersect this incredible opportunity is even better.

    The CFF has cared for anglers from across the globe for thirty five years with one objective in mind; to exceed their guests expectations.

    The Complete Fly Fisher is an ideal place for couples, families, or groups composed of expert and novice fly fishermen. Experts will be challenged by the Big Hole’s browns.  Novices will return from a week’s outing with a feeling of accomplishment, having been taught casting skills by competent instructors.  The CFF staff teaches people to fish while they’re fishing.

  • Fishing Montana at Five Rivers Lodge and The Complete Fly Fisher

    A couple of years ago I made my first visit to Montana.  The first day on the water, 30 Trout!!!!!  I had never nymphed in my life and by the end of the first hour I was a pro! Not only was I nymphing, I was dry fly fishing like never before.

    Since then, I have convinced many saltwater anglers to fill out their summer calendar with a trip to the mountains and Blue Skies of Montana.

    Whether you are new to freshwater, or you have lots of experience, Montana offers “action”, as well as technical match-the-hatch fishing. Montana is also a great adventure destination, whether you are a couple, single, family or group.

    There are two lodges that have something for everyone and are my favorites.

    Five Rivers Lodge is in an ideal location, Dillon, Montana.  Some of the “best kept secrets” are in this area.  Five Rivers offers excellent fishing on the Beaverhead, (Upper and Lower and more private access points were added this year), the Madison (Rainbows are terrific on this river), the Ruby, Big Hole, the Jefferson and several private water access points including, “The McCoy”.

    Five Rivers has a host of guides that are experienced, friendly, and professional and are very good about providing instruction as well.

    Jay Burgin and Mary Jacques (your host and hostess) are simply terrific. They  make you feel at home, keep the food
    and wine flowing, and offer accommodations with all amenities.  You will love their warmth and hospitality, and enjoy the magnificent sunsets while dining on the delicious meals they provide.

    Five Rivers has something for everyone!   Jay and Mary are more than happy to assist with other arrangements as well, horseback riding, day trips and picnics.

    The “Good News” is it is not too late to book for 2003, and this year is shaping up to be one of the best years in many years, with 90 percent of normal snow pack.  If 2003 is just not possible, now is the time to secure your week for 2004. Fiver Rivers will honor all 2003 rates for clients deposited by September of 2003.

    During my stay at Five Rivers, I was able to experience, “Vinter’s Week” and due to it’s popularity it is repeated every year.   World Class Wines and World Class Fly Fishing at their finest.  The dates for  “Vinter’s Week” are noted below and please check out our web site at  www.www.angleradventures.com/fiverivers for current rates.


    10 MayRoger Riccardi of Gallo of Sonoma – California14 JulyMarc Mondavi of Charles Krug – California11 AugustJohn Dingethal of Sandhill – Washington / Alex Schug of Shug Carneros – California1 SeptemberJerry Bookwalter of Bookwatler – Washington


    Complete Fly Fisher (CFF)

    During my visit to Montana, I made a stop at the The Complete Fly Fisher located on the banks of the Big Hole River in Montana. The lodge was full of very happy guests some of whom were learning the art of fly fishing for the first time.  The guides at the CFF love to teach, whether its converting a beginner into a devote, or showing an experienced angler how to double haul.  The lodge, situated on the east slope of the Rocky Mountains, is located Riverside, dining is Gourmet with a full, “Water View”.

    You will never experience the beauty of the Big Hole in a picture. Even if you aren’t fishing, the scenery will absolutely overwhelm you.  For me, it was not only  beautiful, but spiritually moving.  The terrific fishing was a bonus.

    Some of my favorite weeks in Montana are late June, through July when the weather is warm, water levels are up and the dry fly activity can be outstanding.

    I asked the guides at the Complete Fly Fisher what their favorite time is, and most of them agreed, the last 3 weeks of September to the first two weeks of October.

    The fishing can be superb, many of the tourists have gone home and the fall
    colors are spectacular.   Many anglers choose their dates according to what’s hatching, such as the Salmon Fly Hatch on “Rock Creek” in early June to July, or the  “Hoppers” in August.  For more information on the hatch schedules, dates of availability and rates please go to:
    https://www.angleradventures.com/complete

    The CFF also hosts a variety of activities for those that want to take in all that Montana has to offer. Guided day tours are tailored to fit your interests – be it wildflowers, native uses of plants, birds, wildlife or historical sites.  Other activities include Horseback Riding, High Country Discovery Tours with a wide range of natural history activities, especially designed for children. There’s something for everyone!

    Montana is an awesome adventure, for fishers, non-fishers, family and friends, and now may be the best time to get historically low airfares.


    For more information, please contact Judy S. Hall at Angler Adventures by email (judy@angleradventures.com) or phone (800-628-1447 in the US, 860-434-9624 internationally). I look forward to hearing from you.

    Best Fishes!
    Judy S. Hall
    Angler Adventures

  • Salmon Fishing in Iceland

    Near the top of every flyrodder’s wish list is a trip to the mystical land of fire and ice, Iceland.   Each summer, anglers from around the globe are drawn to Iceland’s dramatic landscape and nearly a hundred crystalline rivers with fantastic runs of Atlantic salmon.

    Unlike many other salmon venues, Iceland’s rivers have remained consistently productive, with annual catch rates equal to those recorded 25 – 30 years ago.  This is due largely to strict river management policies restricting the number of “rods” each individual river is capable of supporting.  With the implementation of newer conservation measures such as catch and release and fly-only on many rivers, many expect the fishing will be even better in the very near future.

    Easy to get to and closer than many Americans realize (just a 4 ½ hour non-stop flight from New York or Boston), Iceland attracts more and more anglers from the U.S. each season.  Through our longtime affiliation with Iceland’s premier outfitter, Angling Club Lax-á, Angler Adventures is pleased to offer prime weeks on many of Iceland’s very best salmon rivers.

    Miðfjarðará

    International anglers have fished this jewel of the north coast for over 100 years.  Midfjardara offers over 60 miles of diverse water types, with over 200 pools on her 4 branches, and all within a 10 mile radius of the lodge!  Midfjardara is ideal for the angler who enjoys big fish in small to medium pools, single-handed rods, floating lines and small flies.  And if you’re a devotee of the riffling hitch, there’s no finer hitch water in the world!
    Midfjardara is one of Iceland’s most beautiful salmon rivers featuring gin-clear pools, spectacular scenery, and an abundance of large, two sea winter fish.  This combined with a first class lodge and gourmet dining makes the Midfjardara a perennial favorite.  I’ve met both American and European guests who’ve been fishing the river for over 20 years.

    The upper branches, Vestura, Nupsa and Austura offer every conceivable type of water with classic pools, pocket water, runs, falls pools and eddies, all of which hold salmon.  The lower stretch of the main river is more pastoral with wider, more conventional pools.   One of the highlights for many is fishing the spectacular Canyon on the Austura branch. Starting at the top, it takes the better part of a 6-hour fishing session to work your way to the bottom.  A stealthy approach and delicate presentations are absolutely essential for success on this water.  In many pools, your guide can climb to a “spotters” position where he can observe the salmon’s reactions to the fly.   It can be a bit unnerving when he says, “here he comes – HE’S A BIG ONE!”  It’s some of the most exciting and intriguing salmon fishing I’ve ever done.

    Like many of the north coast rivers, the catch on the Midfjardara is cyclical, and judging from historical statistics, Midfjardara may be due for a big season in 2003.  During good years, Midfjardara can produce annual catches of over 2000 fish and has a 25-year average of over 1200 fish to 10 rods.  Thanks to voluntary catch and release and the adoption of “fly only” from early July to the end of the season, the river has had excellent spawning escapement in recent seasons.   Coupled with extremely high numbers of parr in the river the past several years, biologists are predicting big seasons for 2003 and several years to come.

    Prime time on Midfjardara is from early-July to mid-August and there are still a few vacancies during peak weeks.  Please call for availability.

    Blanda

    This is the sleeper!  Few people have even heard of the Blanda – primarily because it historically has been fished only by Icelanders.  Last year was only the second season Blanda was offered on the international market.  But now, the word is out and spreading fast!

    Blanda was long written off by visiting international anglers due to the glacial feed that discolored the river rendering it unfishable with fly.  It was left to “locals” to fish with spinning gear.  However, the Blondous Reservoir, built in the late 80’s, now acts as a giant settling pond for this glacial tributary, and the river flows clear throughout June, July and much of August. Depending on the amount of summer rainfall in the area, the river may remain clear until September.  I fished Blanda August 25th and 26th two years ago, and we had clear water and excellent fishing with bright two sea winter fish up to 18 pounds, and a few seatrout to boot.  But to be safe, we recommend booking prior to August 10th.

    The Blanda boasts the highest ratio of salmon to grilse of any river in Iceland, as well as one the highest average weights of around 9 pounds (grilse and salmon).  It has an unusually early run providing quality angling almost a month before other rivers, with good catches recorded from the June 1 opening day.   This 8 rod river also produces impressive numbers with a 25 year annual average catch of around 1100, and good years can see catches soar to nearly 2000 salmon.  This is particularly impressive given most of June is fished by only 4-rods on the lower beat below the falls.  As temperatures warm, fish ascend the falls in late June and an additional 4 rods commence on Beat 2 above the falls.

    Since opening to the international market, Blanda has benefited from widely practiced catch and release as well as fly only management.  There is a counting facility on the fish ladder on the falls at Svarta, the main tributary for spawning, and biologists have estimated the escapement at over 2500 salmon above the falls in 2002, the best ever seen.  This, of course, bodes extremely well for some fantastic fishing a few years down the road.

    Blanda is a big river and is best covered with double-handed rods.  Early June fishing may require sink tips and weighted tube flies, but typically by mid to late June, floating lines and small flies become the method of choice.

    Prime time is June 15th – August 10th and there are still a few open rods during this time.     Blanda can be easily combined with Midfjardara, or especially in June, with Asum.

    Laxá in Ásum

    We are pleased to be able to offer prime weeks on the famous Laxa in Asum, considered the most exclusive and highly sought salmon river in Iceland.  This diminutive, 2-rod river is renowned for having one of the highest averages of salmon caught per rod per day in the world. Double-digit per-rod daily catches are not uncommon, especially during prime time, and incredible catches of over 30 salmon per rod per day have been achieved.  Under Lax-a management, the river is now fly only for the entire season, which has been shortened to create a sanctuary period prior to autumn spawning.

    Asum is a relatively small river, easily covered with a light, single handed-rod.  Floating lines and small flies are the norm, even in early season.  Uncharacteristic of north coast rivers, Asum is primarily a grilse river with the average size fish 6.5 pounds.  But what they lack in size, they more than make up for in numbers.  Many regulars routinely fish 6 or 7 weight single-handers.

    Asum is the most expensive river in Iceland, but despite the high price, is usually sold out year after year.   While prime time is mid-July through mid-August, it is such a productive river that “shoulder” periods are extremely worthwhile.  There are still a few open dates, and it may be possible to combine a few days on Asum with time on either Blanda or Midfjardara.

    Hafralónsá

    The beautiful Hafralonsa is located in the remote northeast corner, and is Iceland’s northern most salmon river.  This is a long river, with about 18 miles of fishing on 50 named pools for six rods. However, it is not a big river and most of the pools are covered easily with single-handed rods.   The pools are long, wide and strong flowing through the lower pastoral reaches. The main feature of the middle beats is a deep canyon, several kilometres in length, which contains some of the best holding pools. Some climbing with the aid of a rope is necessary to access some of the canyon pools. In the upper part of the canyon, a waterfall holds up the migration in the early season, concentrating  the fishing to this lower half of the river. As the season progresses and water temperature warms, the fish mount the falls, gaining access to the upper river. This opens up a vast array of fishing. The upper river flows through a beautiful wilderness setting and contains some of the prettiest fly water imaginable.  Hafralonsa fish respond very well to hitched flies, often in the smallest of sizes.

    Hafralonsa is not a producer of great numbers of fish.  However, it is one of Iceland’s best big fish rivers.   Two sea winter fish average 14 pounds and each year salmon in the 20 – 30 pound class are hooked.  It is best recommended for the experienced and reasonably fit angler as there is a lot of water to cover in order to find fish. For those who revel in the challenge of large fish on small flies in a remote wilderness setting, the Hafralonsa is hard to match.

    Rangá

    The Rangá has rocketed to prominence in the past 10 years.  As the result of a unique smolt rearing and releasing project, the river has transformed from a once minor salmon river to Iceland’s number one river 5 years in a row with catches that have shattered previous annual catch records. 2001 was the peak thus far with the East and West Branches combining for a total catch of nearly 6000 rod caught salmon!  The runs on both branches are comprised mainly of one sea winter grilse, but with a remarkable average size of 7 pounds (grilse of over 10 pounds have been documented on the Ranga).  However, multi sea winter fish to 27 pounds have been landed and the numbers of large salmon seems to be increasing each year.

    Problems with the timing of smolt releases in 2001,  resulted in somewhat disappointing returns in 2002.  The East and West combined for just over 2000 fish last year, still ranking it among the top 3 rivers in the country.   Biologists believe the 2002 release was extremely successful and are predicting strong returns for 2003.
    Prime time on both the East & West Ranga is July 10 – August 10.  East Ranga Lodge is almost completely sold out but a few prime spots remain open on the West Ranga.

    Other Options

    Besides the full service salmon lodges on the great rivers listed above, we also have limited access to some weeks on Laxa in Dolum, Vididalsa, Sela, Hofsa, Laxa in Kjos and other top rivers.  We also can arrange “self-catered” options, a popular concept with Europeans, on numerous rivers, and an economical option for small groups.  Iceland also offers some of the world’s best brown trout fishing!  And while I’ve yet to sample it, I plan to correct that situation next trip!

    For more information, please contact Doug Schlink at Angler Adventures by email (doug@angleradventures.com) or phone (800-628-1447 in the US, 860-434-9624 internationally).
    I look forward to hearing from you.
    Regards,
    Doug

  • Andros Island Fishing Lodges and 3 new routes to the West Side

    ANDROS REVISITED – 3 NEW ROUTES TO THE WEST SIDE

    I first visited Andros in 1982. There was one fishing lodge, Charlie’s Haven, located at Behring Point on the North Bight. I was the only angler staying at the lodge. I fished Big Wood Cay for several days, never seeing another guide or angler.

    Since that trip, I’ve been back to Andros at least a dozen times and every trip I discover something new.

    My most recent trip was in November, 2002. The “new” thing I discovered on this trip was Flamingo Cay Rod & Gun Club, the only lodge located on the unpopulated west side of Andros.

    I was the only angler staying at Flamingo Cay. I fished numerous west side flats as far north as Billy Island, never seeing another angler or guide. I waded for miles plucking off bonefish tailing in six inches of water, caught a 50 pound tarpon that ate the fly within 3 rod lengths of the boat and cast to numerous permit from 20-40 pounds.

    Flamingo Cay is located near the mouth of “The Wide Opening”. Access to the lodge is by floatplane. This location is about 100 miles from nowhere. I was expecting “rustic”, instead, I found an oasis, with every comfort imaginable, including outstanding food, Hell’s Bay skiffs, an airboat and several top notch guides. For anyone who wants to experience Andros like it was 50 years ago, this place is a find.

    I fished the remote southwest side of Andros extensively in the early 1990’s, when Stanley Bain first opened his Grassy Cays Camp. Building that lodge was an incredible feat. The fishing was even more remarkable, endless wading for humongous schools of bones in shallow water. Tragically, Stanley Bain disappeared in 1995 and with his departure the lodge fell to ruin in a few years.

    Interestingly, this void is now being filled by the two lodges based in Kemp’s Bay, South Andros, Bair Bahama Guest House (now Bair’s Lodge) and Bonefish Bay Camp (now Andros South). The South Andros guides have found a way to travel by skiff from the east side to the west side of South Andros through the protected waters of Little Creek.

    The single route to the southwest side used to be a weather dependent one hour boat ride down the east coast. Breaching the west side through Little Creek opens up a huge new chunk of bonefishing habitat and eliminates the often pounding boat ride down the east side when the wind is up.

    I’m happy to report that fishing on the southwest flats of Andros is just as incredible today as it was in 1990 and should stay that way for years to come. With just two lodges fishing these vast southern flats, there is little threat of over fishing. You will find slightly warier fish closer to these lodges, but with so much real estate no one spot gets pounded.

    Also noteworthy is the pending change in management at Bonefish Bay Camp (now Andros South). Operated for the past 7 years by the Rahming family, we expect that within the next 30 days, American, JerryBottcher will have government approval to take over operation of the lodge. Bottcher has promised many improvements.

    Today, there are at least 14 fishing lodges on Andros. I’ve visited every one. Fourteen may sound like a lot, but not when you consider the size of Andros. It’s immense. And, it’s all fishable. Andros has been referred to as the “Alaska of the Bahamas.” Please view our Andros map at https://www.angleradventures.com/androsmap.html

    The highest concentration of lodges exists in the Behring Point, Cargill Creek area where Charlie’s Haven got started. There is Ivan Neymour’s, Tranquility Hill Lodge right on the North Bight. Rupert Leadon’s, Andros Island Bonefish Club (AIBC) located a mile or so away at the mouth of Cargill Creek. Next to AIBC is Creekside, formerly Cargill Creek Lodge. Across Cargill Creek is two time Bahamian National Bonefishing Champion Simon Bain’s brand new Bonefish Bay Club.

    From these 4 lodges you have easy access to both the Middle and North Bights, and the excellent wading flats on the East side. In addition, a vortex of guiding talent lives and works in these two neighborhoods, guides such as Andy Smith, Simon Bain, Charlie Neymour, Ricardo Mackey, Nick Leadon, Glister Wallace, Danny Newbold, Ivan Neymour, Dwayne Neymour and many more.

    About 20 minutes southwest is Mangrove Cay, located on the east side of the Middle Bight. Mangrove Cay is an island unto itself, with its own airport. The spectacular Mangrove Cay Club was built in 2000 by Liz and Allie Bain, who have turned Mangrove Cay Club into one of the best run lodges in the Bahamas in a matter of a few years.

    In North Andros, Prescott Smith’s Stafford Creek Lodge continues to fish local east side flats and the Joulter Cays, but more and more is trailering to a small fishing village on northwest Andros, called Red Bays, and running south to fish. Here are more flats that have not seen a “prop scar” and are home to big bonefish, permit and tarpon.

    The nearby Kamalame Cay, while offering an outstanding fishing program concentrating on east side flats and the Joulter Cays, is probably best known for having raised the bar on what anglers can expect in terms of luxury and elegance.

    More information on the lodges described above can be found on our web sites noted below. However, if you would like to discuss theses or other Bahamian lodges, don’t hesitate to call.

    Regards,
    Chip Bates

  • The reopening of Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge for the 2011 Season

    Angler Adventures, in celebration of the holiday, announces the reopening of Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge for the 2011 Spring Season. Mars Bay has been a popular destination in the Bahamas since opening in 2004 due to their consistent excellent service, quality lodging, and close proximity to the bonefishing flats of South Andros. Mars Bay is 5-miles further south than any lodge on the island, meaning much shorter travel times to get to the southern wading flats.

    Santa also filled our stockings! We are offering special rates for the spring season and there are still great dates available. If you haven’t made you bonefishing plans for the next few months, Mars Bay is a great choice. You will never see rates to Mars Bay this low again!

    The cost for 7-night/6-day fishing package is $3,200 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily. Note: In 2008, a week of fishing at Mars Bay was $3,650 per person!!!

    Jan 29 – March 5 Open
    March 6-13 4 rods
    March 13-19 8 rods
    April 2 -9 4 rods
    April 16 -23 6 rods
    April 23 – May 7 8 rods
    May 14 – June 4 8 rods

    Happy Holidays from all our staff at Angler Adventures!

  • “Pancake Paradise” by Mark B. Hatter from the 2003 April/May issue of Fly Fishing in Salt Water Magazine

    Pancake Paradise
    Now Serving Pez Raton for Your Summer Angling Appetite

    By Mark B. Hatter

    There is an atoll on the southern rim of the Caribbean that serves up a hearty dish of angling for fly fishers with a hunger for what the Spanish call pez raton.  The Spanish name for this “high order” delicacy might elude you, but the English name certainly won’t.  I’m talking of course, about bonefish and the bistro that serves this specialty delivers it on the largest platter of “pancakes” you’ll find in the Western Hemisphere, perhaps on the planet.

    The name of this bistro is Los Roques, Venezuela and the angling fare is served on the famous Pancake Flats that are sprinkled throughout the center of this atoll like blueberries on the real breakfast dish.  Perhaps the most extraordinary thing about this cafe is that it serves a healthy helping of pez raton all day long, every day, 365 days a year …even during the summer doldrums.

    Last summer I was certainly in the mood for a hearty serving of bonefish somewhere.  I was, however, not expecting to find much in the way of opportunities knowing the affects of summer heat on most Caribbean locations, that is until I conversed with Doug Schlink, of Angler Adventures, who virtually guaranteed superlative bonefishing on the Pancake Flats of Los Roques.

    Naturally, I was skeptical. “Bonefish in July, when the midday flats at many Caribbean locations can be hot enough to poach an egg?”  I challenged.  But Schlink appealed to my marine biology background using science to win his argument.

    As Schlink explained, there is solid science behind Los Roques’ ability to deliver bonefishing as consistent during the summer heat as it is from February through September and it has everything to do with location.

    First, Los Roques is situated only 12 degrees north of the equator 80 miles off the northern coast of Venezuela. Recalling your high school biology on climate as it’s influenced by geography, you’ll remember that environments are the most stable near the equator where the sun arcs overhead in perfect 12-hour intervals, regardless of the seasons.  Consequently, Los Roques’ proximity to the equator insures that summer days are not appreciably longer than those around the winter solstice.  This translates to a stable marine environment where water temperatures change little on a seasonal scale.

    Second, Los Roques is suffused by nearly constant trade winds.

    These air currents “turn over” or replace warmer surface water heated by the sun with cooler subsurface water while oxygenating it at the same time.  Since warmer water holds less oxygen than cold water, this turnover and oxygenation affect holds surface water quality high in areas directly exposed to the wind.

    But there’s a third part to the equation that really separates Los Roques’ with its midsummer productivity from other Caribbean locations bathed by trade winds, and it has to do with the relative surface areas of the Pancakes themselves.  Picture small, evenly spaced flat-topped hills from one-half to three acres rising up from a deeper plane.  Surround these hills with just enough tropical water to cover the tops and you have the Pancake Flats. The small nature of these “lagoonal plateaus” allows the highest level of turnover from trade winds and, therefore, the optimum conditions for bonefish regardless of the time of day or year.

    In short, it’s the perfect ecology of Los Roques that provides fly fishers exceptional opportunities at significant numbers of bonefish daily.  I couldn’t disregard the statistics Schlink defined as expectations for anglers over the course of a four-day trip where it’s not uncommon for anglers to hook upward of sixty or more bonefish! And, while most fish average around four pounds, there are plenty of bones in the eight to ten pound range to keep the adrenaline rushing.

    I’ve always wanted to fish Los Roques and Schlink provided about as solid an argument as one might expect for a midsummer booking.

    So, long time angling buddy Cliff Parsons and I decided to make our reservations for Café Los Roques to order up a tall stack of pez raton, a la Pancakes.

    Schlink booked us with SightCast, one of only two outfitters operating in Los Roques.  SightCast’s owner-operator, Chris Yrazabal, operates three 28-foot panga-style boats that serve as efficient water taxis to and from the Pancake Flats.  All of the fishing is via wading and the flats are firm and easy to navigate.  While I’ve gone barefoot on sand-bottomed flats in other places in the Caribbean, wading boots are required in Los Roques to protect your feet from the crushed coral, which constitutes much of the flat.

    The typical day begins at 7:30 AM where, after a hearty breakfast, you walk the few feet from your beach front room to load your gear in the boat.  Yrazabal’s protocol is a pair of anglers to a guide and boat; an arrangement that insures only two of you will be on a given Pancake Flat at a time.  Generally, you will trade off fishing one on one with the guide as you alternate flats.  And while this arrangement allows you to match your skills against some of the best eyes in the Caribbean when you wade alone, I can assure you that Yrazabal and his guides will spot fish you’d never see.

    The SightCast team has extensive knowledge of each of the over 300 Pancake Flats in the lagoon.  Each flat is unique and slightly different in depth and composition from the next.  The variability is subtle, but having been revealed to Yrazabal during his formative years as a guide working Los Roques, he has passed this experience on to his crew placing them well down the learning curve.

    The result is a prescribed fishing pattern of a specific set of Pancakes that are targeted depending on the tide.

    The optimum fishing depth is between ankle and shin deep with rising tides providing your best opportunity to find Pancake bonefish.  Actually, you don’t find bonefish, because they are on every flat; you hunt them with the help of your guide.

    Water depth is critical and Yrazabal’s “routes” encompass flats in selected regions of the lagoon that are fished over the course of several days as the tide becomes later on each cycle.  In four days of fishing, you will likely never hit the same Pancake twice.  His pinpoint timing is evident when your helmsman cuts the outboard well above a flat and coasts downwind to the drop off point where dozens of dorsal fins and tails flash like cutlery in the sun.

    Bonefish feed into the current and the trade winds provide constant directional “current” moving surface water as they blow from east to west.  While the words “trade wind” can sometimes rattle the most experienced fly fisher, you’ll find that dealing with the wind is not difficult.  In fact, the wind can actually aid the angler suffering “distance deficit syndrome.” And, with the fish moving into the general direction of the current, the wind will always be at your back; upwind casting is never required.

    If you allow the wind to “help” your cast by opening up your loop a little on the forward stroke, extra distance can be gained as the wind carries your fly line.  Don’t forget that the wind also helps mask you from the your high strung quarry.

    Los Roques bonefish feed madly, almost recklessly, on a flooding tide and often move over the flat in waves allowing you to stand and fish the same spot for an hour or more.  Parsons and I had several occasions where the fish poured through a particular flat and we released as many as six fish apiece without moving more than a meter in any direction.

    The casual observer couldn’t tell the difference between rising and falling water, it all seems to look the same.  However, Yrazabal and his guides know, and so do the fish.  As long as the tide is rising, even if it’s 12 noon, there will be a phenomenal push of aggressive fish eager to take your fly as they move onto the flats to feed.

    For whatever reason, the fishing becomes more difficult when the tide begins to fall.  Although still found in substantial numbers on the flats, Los Roques bonefish get coy and begin to play games with you on outgoing water.  They can be tailing, just as they did when the tide was rushing in, however, they are definitely more difficult to fool.  But I think you’ll enjoy the respite from easy fishing and will take great pleasure, as did Parsons and I, earning bones on the reciprocal tide.

    While SightCast employs several excellent guides, during our trip we fished exclusively with Yrazabal and Cayito.  Both Yrazabal’s and Cayito possess superb guiding skills but Cayito displays a rare sixth sense for locating skulking bonefish.  He can feel the presence of invisible bonefish like some can sense an approaching storm in a rheumatic limb.  In short, he sees the unseen.  And, although he speaks little English, his subtle sign language is universal.

    One afternoon, camera in hand, I followed Parsons and Cayito as they stalked insolent bones on a falling tide.  We slowly moved in parallel until Cayito stopped and raised his left hand, extending an open palm forward signaling; bonefish are near.  I watched as Parsons craned his head like a wading bird, triangulating on its dinner, but finding nothing.  Like Parsons, I too, of course, saw nothing.

    Never mind that there were more than a dozen bones visible to even Parsons and me over a sandy depression another 200 feet in front of us.  Cayito’s supernatural ability had been activated and he would not let closer singles get away undetected.  But consider his approach for a moment and you will find merit; blowing out unseen fish tends to make visible bonefish in the vicinity edgy.

    We can’t see the fish so we watch Cayito, awaiting his next signal.  Then, with his arm still extended he flicks his first two digits in a manner one would use to brush lint from a shirtsleeve.  We read and comprehend:  the lurking bonefish has moved off, time to move on.

    But within a few steps, Cayito suddenly stops again, this time raising his left arm not quite so high and rolls the first three digits on his hand as if playing an invisible keyboard.  “Booonfish!”  He whispers to Parsons while trilling his fingers.  Parsons, once again the wading bird bobs his head back and forth as I’m thinking to myself that I can’t see the damn fish either!

    Cayito crouches, using his entire arm to point in the direction of the sighting. “Booonfish!” he utters again. “Cast, short!”  He is now raising and lowering his arm in the direction of the invisible like a railroad-crossing gate.  “Cast!” he says again, this time with added urgency.  “Cast at what!  Cast Where?”  I can hear Cliff’s frustration grow.

    Then, the phantom bonefish turned broadside revealing its position 50 feet in front of Parsons and me, finally belaying its existence.  Cliff and I throw each other a quick look, we know what the other is thinking: Damn! We’re marveling, this guy is good!

    Punching a quick back cast, Parsons slows his forward stroke letting the breeze unfurl his fly line and crab imitation just short of the target.  The fly lands with a gentle “spliff” in front of the bonefish now cruising slowly up current.  “Streeep, streeep, stop…streeep, stop…streeep, streeep!” Cayito coaches Parsons as the bonefish follows the fly with apparent ambivalence.  Then, somewhere in the recesses of the bone’s primitive brain, Pavlovian instinct supplants the falling tide psyche and it rushes the fly, eating it on the seventh “streeep.”

    In a flourish of splashes and rooster tails arcing off Parson’s racing fly line, the bonefish does exactly what bonefish do, run like hell!  And in its wake, scores of other fish explode in primal fear.  Within a matter of seconds, the placid flat is completely drained of all manners of swimming creatures.Eventually, Parsons adroitly brakes the bone before it can follow the balance of its clan off the edge of the flat to the safety of deeper water.  He begins to gain purchase in a battle he will eventually win and I’m already thinking of exchanging my camera for my fly rod, but not on this flat, it has been swept clean.  No matter though, the tide will change within the hour and there’s always another Pancake Flat just down wind.

  • Brian O’Keefe & 5 Rivers Lodge Presents: Fly Fishing Montana

    Brian O’Keefe & 5 Rivers Lodge Presents: Fly Fishing Montana

    Brian O’Keefe’s presentation, with Jay Bergin of Five Rivers Lodge, on Southwest Montana will showcase beautiful photos of the fishing area around Dillon, Montana including the Beaverhead, the Big Hole, the Ruby and more. His knowledge of Southwest Montana is evident in his stories, tackle recommendations, techniques and tips. Brian’s combination of a lifetime of serious fly fishing all over the world and 40 years of fly fishing photography is truly inspiring! Brian will also share some of his favorite photos and stories from his fishing travels to Belize, the Bahamas and Chile, just to name a few. You can also check out his newest venture, Catch Magazine, a free photo and video driven on-line fishing magazine.

    Please join Judy Hall, Scott Bennett, Jay Burgin, and Brian O’Keefe at the Compleat Angler’s new location (537 Post Road, Darien, CT), Thursday March 10, 2011, at 7:00 PM for this awesome presentation. RSVP to the Compleat Angler at compleatangler@optonline.net or judy@angleradventures.com.

  • Management Change at Casa Blanca Fishing Lodge

    On December 14, Angler Adventures was notified by the owners of Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca that Bobby Settles had resigned as managing director of the two well known fishing lodges located on the remote south side of Ascension Bay, Mexico.

    The announcement was a bit of a shock, since Bobby had been the managing director and driving force behind Casa Blanca since its inception in 1988. In fact, many people think Bobby Settles owns Casa Blanca.

    Actually, the entire island and buildings, which comprise Casa Blanca and Playa Blanca, are solely owned by Roberto Hernandez, a wealthy Mexican banker and businessman who’s holdings include a number of hotels in Mexico. Roberto and Bobby were partners in the business of Casa/Playa Blanca only.

    Casa Blanca

    Bobby Settles’ decision to leave Casa Blanca was mutual and amicable. We’re not sure we’ll ever know exactly what happened behind closed doors, but there was no animosity. Even though Settles has now partnered with a competing fishing lodge further north on the Yucatan, he assured us he has no intention of hiring Casa / Playa guides.

    The announcement was followed by a phone call to Angler Adventures from Settles’ replacement, Santiago Brockmann, a native of Mexico, educated in the U.S. Brockmann, who has 10 years in the hospitality industry, managing hotels for Hernandez, told us that Casa/Playa Blanca would operate as it always has, as an outstanding fishing lodge, with the same guides and personnel. “We realize how important the guides are to our success,” Brockmann said. “I give you my personal guarantee that your clients will be well looked after”.

    Brockmann further assured us in announcing that Mike Ledezma, who has managed Playa Blanca for years, would oversee the management of both Playa Blanca and Casa Blanca, while they look to hire a new manager for Playa Blanca.

    Ledezma worked closely with Settles and the admiration is mutual. “If they’re smart, they’ll hire Mike Ledezma to manage Casa Blanca” Settles told us in an interview, and that’s precisely what Brockmann did.

    Ledezma confirmed that “all room and guide assignments will be honored, everything will run the same. The only change will be improvements to the fishing program and we hope to upgrade the menu.” Improvements include the recent purchase of 8 new outboard engines, an indication of their commitment to the fishing program.

    We have also spoken with several long time clients, who’ve recently returned from Casa Blanca or Playa Blanca. The consensus: Everything was top shelf, as it always has been. “The same well-oiled machine,” reported one veteran Casa & Playa client.

    Playa Blanca

    After many phone calls and much discussion, Angler Adventures is confident that Casa and Playa Blanca will continue to offer the high quality fishing and travel experience we and our clients have come to expect. We realize that Bobby Settles is irreplaceable, and his unique personality will be missed by those who knew him, but everything changes and we expect these two great lodges will continue as such for many years to come.

    For more information and bookings, contact Angler Adventures.

  • Reopening of Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge for the 2011 Spring Season

    Reopening of Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge for the 2011 Spring Season

    Angler Adventures, in celebration of the holiday, announces the reopening of Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge for the 2011 Spring Season. Mars Bay has been a popular destination in the Bahamas since opening in 2004 due to their consistent excellent service, quality lodging, and close proximity to the bonefishing flats of South Andros. Mars Bay is 5-miles further south than any lodge on the island, meaning much shorter travel times to get to the southern wading flats.

    Santa also filled our stockings! We are offering special rates for the spring season and there are still great dates available. If you haven’t made you bonefishing plans for the next few months, Mars Bay is a great choice. You will never see rates to Mars Bay this low again!

    The cost for 7-night/6-day fishing package is $3,200 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily. Note: In 2008, a week of fishing at Mars Bay was $3,650 per person!!!

    Jan 29 – March 5 Open
    March 6-13 4 rods
    March 13-19 8 rods
    April 2 -9 4 rods
    April 16 -23 6 rods
    April 23 – May 7 8 rods
    May 14 – June 4 8 rods

    Happy Holidays from all our staff at Angler Adventures!

  • Tierra del Fuego: Giant Sea Trout on the Rio Grande

    Tierra del Fuego: Giant Sea Trout on the Rio Grande

    For those among us who love swinging flies in rivers for big salmonids, it can be a long winter! But you can swing to your heart’s content all winter long on the world’s greatest sea trout river! The Rio Grande in southern Argentina produces sea run brownies that average 12 pounds and frequently top the 20 pound mark!

    Kau Tapen Lodge

    The original – the classic: Kau Tapen, the first lodge built on the Rio Grande, fishes 12 rods on 10 miles of the Rio Grande and an additional 15 miles on Rio Menendez. The normal rate at Kau Tapen is $7,250 p.p. from your arrival in Rio Grande City.
    International airfare to Buenos Aries, city transfer, hotels and in-country airfare to Rio Grande can cost another $2,200 – $2,500. However, Kau Tapen is offering a great “Hassle Free” inclusive package during selected weeks amounting to a savings of nearly $2,000 per person.:

    2011 Dates: Jan 8 – 15, Mar 19 -26 or Mar 26 – Apr 2

    Inclusive Package Includes:

    • Round trip Airfare Miami to Buenos Aires
    • Transfer from International airport to Hotel
    • 1 night at the Loi Suites Recoleta (sgl room)
    • Transfer from Hotel to Domestic Airport
    • Flight Buenos Aires – Rio Grande – Buenos Aires
    • 7 nights + 6.5 days fishing at Kau Tapen Lodge
    • Transfer from domestic to International airport

    Rate: USD $8,105 per person (or just $6,796 not including international airfare).

    Villa Maria Lodge

    Kau Tapen’s sister lodge, Villa Maria is situated just downstream from Kau Tapen, near the tide head, and is the choice location to intercept the freshest, brightest sea trout. Normally weeks are $6,750 per person from Rio Grande City, but Villa Maria is also offering a domestic air-inclusive package for the week of March 25 – April 1, 2011, $6,550 per person; a savings about $1,000. This would include all of the above except international airfare to Buenos Aires.

    Aurelia Lodge

    Aurelia is the next estancia upstream from Kau Tapen’s water and offers 6 miles of double bank fishing on the Rio Grande, and 15 miles on the Rio Menedez, Aurelia’s upstream location makes it most desirable during the second half of the season when their pools are literally stuffed with fish! Good space is still available for late February and March weeks. Rates from arrival in Rio Grande range from $3,580 – $4,680 per person until March 6th. The rate is $5,890 per person from March 6th – April 17th.

  • Peacock Bass Fishing: “Savage” describes these Brutes in the Amazon, Brazil

    Peacock Bass are aggressive, territorial ambush hunters, known for explosive strikes and tackle busting runs. These fish are nearly unstoppable on their first few runs. “Savage” is the word the best describes these brutes, putting them high on the bucket list for fly and conventional anglers alike. Add the exotic backdrop of the Amazon rainforest and you have the makings of a singularly spectacular outdoor experience.

    Brazil is the most famous and productive Peacock Bass fishery in the world, offering anglers the chance at catching numbers of Peacocks as well as trophies over 20 lbs. The fishing areas in the Amazon are extremely remote, so using a high quality, experienced outfitter is a necessity. We recommend 2 outfitters: Agua Boaand River Plate Anglers.

    Agua Boa Amazon Lodge

    Agua Boa is a conventional lodge situated on the banks of the Agua Boa River, a tributary to the Rio Negro. What separates Agua Boa from other Peacock Bass lodges is that the fishing is limited to catch and release, fly fishing only.

    The rates at Agua Boa are $5,300 per person from October 8 to December 31, 2011, and $5,500 per person from January 1 to April 14. Rates are based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily.

    • Fly Fishing Only
    • Forbes Magazine’s Top 10 Lodges in 2010
    • Sight fishing for Peacocks
    • Limited to 12 anglers

    Click Here for More Information on Agua Boa.

    River Plate Anglers

    River Plate has been hosting anglers since 1992, and they’ve evolved their operation over 30 years to offer a unique fishing program based around floating cabins and exclusive leases on Native and Government Reserves. These floating cabins give anglers multiple benefits over fixed lodges, mainly the ability to move to new fisheries every few days to guarantee shorter boat rides / less fishing pressure and the flexibility to move if the water conditions aren’t ideal.

    • Fly and Conventional Fishing
    • Access to unpressured or unfished water
    • Flexibility to move during high / dirty water
    • Spacious, Comfortable, Air Conditioned floating cabin accommodations
    • Mothership option

    Click Here for More Information on River Plate Anglers.

  • Super Summertime Fishing: Alaska, Montana, Iceland, Quebec, Labrador, Mexico

    Super Summertime Fishing: Alaska, Montana, Iceland, Quebec, Labrador, Mexico

    Alaska

    Mission Lodge

    July 20-27, 2012: … sockeyes, bright ocean kings, early run of silvers and pinks, pinks, pinks providing non-stop, rod bending action. Peak dry fly fishing for Rainbows and the char, Dolly Varden and grayling spawn. Great time to visit Brooks Falls to see the bears. Full week or shorter stays starting at just $3,750 per person all-inclusive. (couples rooms or owners suite available).

    Sept 7-14, 2012: Big, fat rainbow trout, sight casting to char, lake trout, Dolly Varden and grayling all dressed in fantastic fall colors. Do a cast and blast with ducks & ptarmigan. Silver Salmon peak on the Good News and Togiak Rivers – catch these silver bullets on top water flies until you scream “Uncle”. Everyone has a private room, singles welcome at no additional charge (couples rooms and owners suite available). $7,500 per person all-inclusive.

    Dave Duncan & Sons
    Lower Camp, $4,800
    JUN 30 – JUL 7, 4 rods, excellent king week
    AUG 11 – 18, 2 rods, top silver week of the season!

    Upper Camp, $4,900
    JUL 7 – 14, 7 rods, good king week and mix of sockeyes, chums and pinks, and great rainbow fishing
    AUG 25 – SEP 1, 8 rods, excellent silver week on Upper river and great rainbow fishing

    Float Trips $4,600
    JUL 18 – 24, 6 rods, great variety salmon week
    JUL 24 – AUG 1, 4 rods, great all round week for mix of salmon and superb rainbow fishing
    AUG 11 – 17, 2 rods, great Silvers and outstanding rainbow week.

    Alaska West
    July 27 – August 3: Lot’s of variety for 6 rods + Arolik days!
    August 3 – August 10: Silvers! 10 rods available.

    Cost: $5,000 per person, single welcome.

    Iceland

    East Rangá Lodge & West Rangá Lodge
    A few prime spaces available on Iceland’s top two Atlantic salmon rivers:
    West Rangá (€ 8,940 eur), JUL 23 – 29

    East Rangá (€ 10,140 eur), JUL 26 – AUG 1

    Montana

    The Complete Fly Fisher

    The snowfall this winter is creating optimum conditions for summer fishing at the Complete Fly Fisher, located on the Big Hole River, near Wise River. The Big Hole is at 92% of average snow pack and building. The Bitterroot is over 100% as is the Upper Clark Fork.

    July 29-August 4: Prime time dry fly fishing chasing all stages of various May flies. Big Hole and Beaverhead are prime.

    August 12-September 1: The spruce moth will flutter driving trout crazy. Clumsy hoppers will fall off the banks making an easy feast for large Brown Trout. The first clouds of Tricos will blanket the Big Hole and entice pods of trout to feed.

    Cost: $4,800 per person. Includes everything!

    Québec

    Camp Brûlé

    Big Atlantic Salmon on the Petite Cascapédia River, Gaspé, Canada

    JUN 14 – 21, $5275 CAD, 2 rods Trophy fish time!

    JUL 22 – 29, $5,275 CAD, 4 rods, Prime time for dry fly!

    JUL 29 – AUG 5, $5,025, 4 rods, “Bamboo Week” join Thomas & Thomas master rod builder Troy Jacques

    AUG 5 – 9, $2,620 CAD, 3 rods, 4 nt/3 day great dry fly time. Longer stays also available.

    Labrador

    Crooks Lake Lodge

    Big Brook Trout and Pike

    JUN 16 – 23, $3700 USD + tax, 2 rods, one of the best weeks of the season

    JUN 30 – JUL 7, $3700 USD + tax, 6 rods, Big brookies on dry flies!

    Mexico

    Grand Slam Flyfishing Lodge
    Summer Special! Summer is one of the best times for big migratory tarpon and trophy snook as well as well as for permit and bones on Mexico’s Ascension Bay. Grand Slam is offering a 2-for-1 deal – pay one single occupancy rate and get a trip for two anglers fishing double occupancy. That’s $2612 per person at this luxury fishing lodge!

    Casa Blanca & Playa Blanca
    May 19-26 can be the best weather of the year with large migratory tarpon (up to 200 lbs). Great permit fishing. Located on the south shore of Ascension Bay…no long boat rides means “less time traveling more time fishing”. Private Island, exclusive location. Deluxe seaside air-conditioned accommodations. Excellent Guides.

  • Something Salty for Everyone: Fishing Bahamas, Belize, Mexcio, Venezula, and Seychelles

    March

    North Riding Point Club, Grand Bahama
    March 26 – 31, 2012. Free Night & Day of Bonefishing. $4,200 (-$900 discount) = $3,300 per person double. Biggest bones in the Bahamas. Space for 8.

    Abaco Lodge, Abaco, Bahamas
    March 27 – 31, 2012. Single rooms. Direct access to Marls of Abaco. Thousands of Bonefish at your doorstep. Hells Bay Skiffs. Cost $2,950. Space for 4.

    April

    Bair’s Lodge, South Andros, Bahamas
    March 31 – April 5, 2012. Beachfront accommodations. Access to the southern tip and southwest Andros. Gorgeous wading flats. Cost: $3,650 per person. Space for 4.

    Flamingo Cay Club, West Side, Andros, Bahamas
    April 1 – 6, 2012. Rare April opening at the only lodge on the West side of Andros. Unbelievable location. Intact group of 4. Cost: $6,400 per person, single rooms, shared guide, float plane flight from Nassau included.

    Kamalame Cay, Andros, Bahamas
    April 1 – 10, 2012: Luxurious beach front accommodations (-10%), 2 complimentary massages, plus complimentary equipment rental. Full Spa. Walking access to nearby flats. Boat access to awesome wading in the Joulter Cays. Cost: Choose from 5 room levels. Space for 4 anglers plus family.

    H2O Bonefishing, Freeport, Grand Bahama
    April 5 – 9, 2012. Spend Easter weekend at Pelican Bay Hotel. The perfect place to combine fishing and family. Deluxe accommodations, access to beaches, shopping, fine dining, bonefish, and permit. Cost: $1,369 per person non-fishing, $1,990 per person fishing. Space for 4 rods, plus family.

    Alphonse Island Resort, Seychelles
    April 7 – 14, 2012: Rare spring opening at the most upscale lodge in the Seychelles. Bones, trevally, Indo-Pacific permit and milkfish. Cost: $7,245 per person. Space for 6.

    Stafford Creed Lodge, North Andros, Bahamas
    April 10 – 15, 2012. Fish Billy and Williams Island out of Red Bays and the Joulter Cays (Awesome wading!). Cost: $3,336 per person. Space for 4.

    Grey’s Point Inn, Acklins Island, Bahamas
    April 14 – 21, 2012. Best wading in the Bahamas. Never fish from the boat. Walk to flats to fish on your own after guiding. Cost: $3,250 per person double. Space for 2.

    Tranquility Hill Fishing Lodge, Andros, Bahamas
    April 21 – 28, 2012. Single room deal, plus free trip with a 12 lb bonefish. Dwain, Joe, Danny and Ray to guide. Cost: $2,995 per person for a 7-nights / 6-days fishing, single room, shared guide. Space for 8.

    May & June

    Black Fly Lodge, Abaco, Bahamas
    May 3 – 10, 2012. Single rooms. Primetime bones and permit at Mores Island. Cost: $4,550 per person. Space for 2.

    Bair’s Lodge, South Andros, Bahamas
    May 6 – 12, 2012. Take the whole lodge. Exclusive use of the top lodge in South Andros. Cost: $4,395 per person. Space for 12.

    Delphi Club, Abaco, Bahamas
    May 12 – 19, 2012. Spectacular beachfront lodge over looking the Atlantic, with fine food and a serious fishing program accessing the southern Marls. Cost: $4,998 per person. Space for 2.

    Andros South, South Andros, Bahamas
    May 19 – 26, 2012. Single rooms. Great fishing program, fishing Deep Creek, Little Creek and the southern tip of Andros. Cost: $3,950 per person. Space for 9.

    Sight Cast, Los Roques, Venezuela
    May 19 – 26, 2012. Exotic Atoll off the coast of Venezuela, famous for it’s pancake flats, big bonefish, and 100% wading. Cost: $3,995 per person. Space for 8.

    Grand Bahama Bonefishing, Grand Bahama
    June 1 – 8, 2012. Fish with two of the best guides in the Bahamas, David and Jeffrey Pinder. Giant Bones year round. Summer brings increasing numbers of permit and tarpon. Cost: $3,500 per person. Space for 4.

    El Pescador Lode, Ambergris Caye, Belize
    June 1 – December 15, 2012. 2 for 1 Special. Example: 5-nights / 4-days fishing is $1,926 per person. Call for space. Bonefish, permit, and tarpon year round, with big migratory tarpon in the summer.

    Pesca Maya, Yucatan, Mexico
    June 15 – October 31, 2012: Grand Slam season with 20% discount. 7-night/ 6-day cost: $3575 (-$715) = $2,800 per person, double. Call for details.

    Turneffe Flats, Belize
    June 16 – 23, 2012. Great tides. Big, migratory Tarpon are in. Permit are happy. Start of Grand Slam season! Cost: $3,732.50 per person, double.

    Fall

    Farquhar Lodge, Seychelles
    October 20 – 27, 2012. Sensational bonefish, trevally, Indo-Pacific permit and milkfish at this land based lodge, operated by Fly Castaway. Cost: $7,500 per person. Space for 8.
    Space availability subject to change (call for updates). Due to space limitations, dates published are not the only dates available. Please call for expanded availability.

  • Great Deal at Tranquility Hill plus more discounts

    Great Deal at Tranquility Hill plus more discounts

    Andros Special – Single Rooms at Bargain Price + Free Trip with a 12-pound Bone!

    Comparing prices on bonefish trips? Check out this deal at Tranquility Hill Fishing Lodge (THL) on the North Bight, Andros, Bahamas.

    When you book through Angler Adventures, you get:

    • Single Rooms (no sleepless nights with your snoring buddies)
    • Special Rate for 7-nights / 6-days fishing ($2,995 per person)
    • Free return trip if you catch a 12-pound bonefish on the fly
    • 4-night / 3-day rate is $1,665 per person

    The offer is available exclusively through Angler Adventures for 2012 and 2013, subject to availability. Two people share a guide, but each get a single room. Free return trip within one year, accompanied by a companion paying the double rate.

    Bring your Boga Grip!

    Call us for other deals at:
    Mars Bay Bonefishing Lodge, South Andros
    North Riding Point Club, Grand Bahama
    Paloma River Lodge, Chile
    Turneffe Flats Resort, Belize
    Pesca Maya, Yucatan, Mexico

  • Argentina Trout Fishing, Bahamas Bonefishing, Monster Bonefish, Trout Fishing Chile, St. Brandons, Fly Castaway and the Seychelles

    Argentina Trout Fishing, Bahamas Bonefishing, Monster Bonefish, Trout Fishing Chile, St. Brandons, Fly Castaway and the Seychelles

    Skies Clear Over Bariloche, Argentina

    The June eruption of the Puyehue Volcano in Chile created havoc for fisherman traveling to Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes, Argentina in November, December and early-January. Because the wind blown ash is abrasive and damages jet engines, there have been virtually no flights into these regions for several months. On January 13, Lan Airlines announced that they are resuming flights to Bariloche!!

    Fortunately the ash did not affect Esquel, Argentina and our clients travel plans went smoothly to Rio Manso and Arroyo Claro Lodge. Dan and Margaret Benton returned from Rio Manso Lodge January 16 raving about the fishing (including a 10 lb Brown, see photo right) as well as the non-fishing activities. Mike Jones was equally ecstatic about floating the Chubut River with Jorge Grazosi, owner of Arroyo Claro Lodge. Mike landed over 150 trout of impressive size on his 3-day float.

    Getting clients to Hosteria San Huberto to fish with Fly Fishing Andes was more challenging, but those who went were rewarded. In December, Scott Boley counted over 100 fish caught by sight casting with a dry fly in a week of fishing the Malleo. Scott only counts trout over 17 inches! In early January, Jim and Joan Hunter also fished the Malleo and had the best fishing ever in 13 years fishing Patagonia, Argentina.

    We also added a new destination to our prestigious Argentine Outfitters, Estancia Tecka. Tecka is by far the largest private property catering to fisherman in the world. Located 2 hours south of Esquel, Tecka is a working sheep and cattle ranch, consisting of 435,000 acres. 45-miles of the Rio Corcovado, and 35-miles of the Rio Tecka Spring Creek run through the property. Cost is $5,600 per person per week (Saturday – Saturday). For space availability and details, call 800-628-1447.

    Gerry Weber with a 10 lb Bonefish

    Winter Weather Wins for Weber, Brenneman

    This may not be true for every destination, but in the Bahamas, specifically the North Shore of Grand Bahama, the coldest months (January / February / March) are the best time to catch big bonefish. We call it the risk / reward ratio. You run the risk of dicey weather; especially in January, but with a little luck, you reap the reward of a double-digit bone, or several. That’s what Angler Adventures’ clients found at North Riding Point Club in January 2011. Banking on their experience, they rebooked for January 2012. The fishing was good in 2011. It was spectacular in 2012, and so was the weather. Three straight days (January 8, 9 & 10) of bright sun and light winds produced daily catches of 15 – 20 bonefish. The best day was 28 landed and released with 3 fish over 10 pounds!

    Want to get in on the action? Book a trip to NRPC between now and March 1 and get a free night / day of bonefishing. This offer also applies to the months of March, June, July, October and December 2012. For details visit https://www.angleradventures.com/nrpcfreetrip/nrpc-promo.htm

    North Bight of Andros: Land of the Giants

    Yes, there’s a flat in the North Bight the locals call “Land of the Giants”, where any given day, you’re apt to encounter a cadre of double-digit bones. Our favorite lodge, located on the North Bight, is Tranquility Hill Fishing Lodge (THL).

    If the fishing itself doesn’t entice you, THL will sweeten the pot. For the remainder of 2012, you get a single room for the cost of a double fishing package. Example: 2 anglers staying 4 nights in single rooms, fish 3 days sharing a boat/guide pay just $1,665 per person.

    You get a single room at the reduced rate of $2995 per person, if you stay 7 nights/6 days sharing a boat/guide with your partner.

    In addition, anyone who catches a bonefish 12 pounds or bigger on a fly, gets a free return trip within one year! To be eligible for the free trip you must be accompanied by a companion who pays the double rate.

    This promotion is available exclusively through Angler Adventures and is based on space availability at THL.

    Bring your Boga Grip!

    Chile – Mice, Cantaria, and Trout, Oh My!

    Chile is known for big brown trout taking big surface flies, which is especially true in the Coyhaique area of Southern Patagonia. This season is better than most. The Patagonian Spring (November and December) was the culmination of the rodent boom in the Paloma River Valley. Anglers did extremely well skating mouse patterns for big trout, primarily in the Paloma, Magote, and Simpson Rivers as well as the Boca de Leon, and the Elizalde Outlet.

    2012 is a cyclical year that should bring a better than average Cantaria Beetle hatch. These are the largest beetle in Chile and can reach 3 inches in length. Between feeding on Mice and the hatch of Cantarias, which just started, the trout in the rivers surrounding Paloma River Lodge and Cinco Rios Chile are plump and continually “looking up” for their next big meal.

    St Brandon’s & Seychelles

    It’s been a tough year for Fly Castaway, the outfitter operating the MY Gryphon mother ship ferrying anglers to the mind-blowing bonefish, trevally, and Indo-Pacific Permit fishing ground around St Brandon’s Atoll, Mauritius. Owner Gerhard Laubscher told Angler Adventures he expects to have the Gryphon operational by late-March. Currently the ship is undergoing major repairs. Our advice to clients who have not yet booked a trip, is to consider a land-based alternative, such as Fly Castaway’s new lodge in Farquhar, Seychelles or the Alphonse Island Resort, which continues to produce spectacular fishing.

    We’ll notify you on the progress getting the Gryphon operational in our next newsletter.

  • Saltwater Flats Sizzle: check out Abaco, Bahamas, Belize and more

    Awesome Abaco Option

    You can get the best of everything Abaco has to offer in a 7-night/6-day combination trip to Abaco Loge and Black Fly Lodge. Now, under the same ownership, these lodges offer two fisheries so different you won’t believe you’re on the same island. Transfers between the 2 lodges is less than an hour. You get numbers, size, wading, and poling. Easy flights to Marsh Harbour. Check it out:
    www.www.angleradventures.com/AbacoLodge/
    www.www.angleradventures.com/black-fly/

    We’ve Got the Bahamas Covered

    In October, Angler Adventures owner Chip Bates visited Abaco Bahamas. He fished the marls from Abaco Lodge, the southern Marls from Delphi Lodge, and Mores Island and Sandy Point from Black Fly. In November, Doug Schlink fished the North and South shores of Grand Bahama from North Riding Point Cluband H2O Bonefishing and Big Creek, Little Creek and the Southern flats of Andros from Mars Bay Lodgeand Bair’s Lodge. Can them for details: 800-628-1447 / 860-434-9624.

     Delphi 2011 Record Day = 52

    What would you do if your guide put you in front of 10,000 bonefish in one day? Try to catch as many as possible! That’s what Delphi Lodge client Dr. Margaret Downes did, and she caught 52 bones on November 6, 2011. Delphi is a serious fishing lodge with extraordinary amenities.
    www.www.angleradventures.com/Delphi-Club/

    Camping in Belize

    El Pescador now offers camping trips to “Bonefish Island” where guests can fish from sun up to sun down on wadable flats for bones and permit. The island is private, the tent accommodations limited to 6 anglers and 3 guides. A nice addition to the year round Tarpon flats fishing El Pescador is famous for.
    www.angleradventures.com/Elpescador/bonefish-island.htm

    No Boundaries for H2O

    H2O Bonefishing has a unique program to target the fantastic variety of fishing Grand Bahama offers in June & July. “No Boundaries” is a 5-night / 4-day with 2 days “local” fishing combined with 2 days “outward bound” on their 21 foot, 150 HP Maverick Master Angler. The 21 allows access to remote areas of Little Bahama Bank that rarely see a fisherman. Trophy bonefish, permit and tarpon are the primary target. May be combined with offshore days for dolphin and yelowfin tuna.
    www.www.angleradventures.com/h2o-bonefishing/

    Mangrove Cay – 10 Hour Days?

    Yes. Last year Mangrove Cay Club (MCC) outfitted each skiff with a SPOT GPS locating device as a safety precaution. This is paying off for anglers – Now guests at Mangrove Cay can add 90 minutes to their fishing day for a small fee. The dangers of staying our late and getting stranded are virtually eliminated with SPOT (most routinely used by hikers and mountaineers). MCC just bought several Gheenoes, ultra-light skiffs that can be poled in 2-3″ of water, so anglers can hunt down bones that love to tail on the soft flats that are too mucky to wade. www.www.angleradventures.com/mangrovecay/

    Permit City Deals

    Ascension Bay remains the most productive permit fishery we know of. The luxury Grand Slam Lodge run by Bobby Settles, recently cut its rates. A 4 night/3 day is just $2,002 during high season. Not to be outdone, the venerable Pesca Maya announced a special. Book a 4-night/3-day package or longer and get an extra night/day for FREE. Special is valid for the weeks of DEC 31 – JAN 7, JAN 14 – 21, JAN 28 – FEB 4 or FEB 11 – 18 only, and must be reserved by DEC 31. Average savings is over $500 per angler!
    www.angleradventures.com/grandslam-fly-fishing-lodge/
    www.www.angleradventures.com/PescaMaya/

    Back in Business

    Grey’s Point Inn, Acklins was the only lodge we represent in the Bahamas to sustain structural damage from Huricane Irene. Grey’s Point Inn lost the majority of the roof on the largest of three buildings. According to owner Kendall Williamson, the roof is repaired, and the lodge has been fully operational since early-November. For more on this unique Bahamas fishery with 100% wading, visit:
    www.www.angleradventures.com/GreysPt/

    Discounts

    North Riding Point Club is offering a 5-night/4-day stay for the price of 4-nights/3-days. That’s one night of free accommodations, food, drink and a free day of guided bonefishing. Click here for details.

    Pesca Maya is offering a free night and free day of bonefishing for any package booked before December 31, 2011. The average savings is over $500 per person. https://www.angleradventures.com/PESCAMAYA/

    Andros South is offering a father and son promotion for 2012 – The son pays half-price. https://www.angleradventures.com/AndrosSouth/

    Turneffe Flats has a last minute deal for the weeks of January 14 – 21, 2012 & January 21 – 28, 2012. Buy one trip at full price and get the second for half off. https://www.angleradventures.com/T-Flats/

    El Pescador starts its “Two-Fer” special June 1, 2012 where you buy a single occupancy package and your partner comes Free. https://www.angleradventures.com/Elpescador/

  • Award Winning Film Clip from Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles

    “Gangsters of the Flats”

    St. Brandon’s Atoll

  • Costa Rica: The Saltwater Angler’s Paradise for sailfish, roosterfish, dorado, wahoo, marlin

    Costa Rica: The Saltwater Angler’s Paradise for sailfish, roosterfish, dorado, wahoo, marlin

    Have you ever heard your reel scream? No, I mean really scream. Well, when a 100 + pound Costa Rican sailfish hammers your fly and heads for Hawaii at 65 mph, your reel will be wailing the Hallelujah chorus!

    For over 25 years, Costa Rica has been a mecca for traveling saltwater anglers. While best known for sails, Costa Rica offers an incredible diversity of inshore and offshore species on her Pacific Coast including roosterfish, dorado, tunas, wahoo, sailfish, blue, black & striped marlin and a couple of dozen other hard fighting species. Not enough variety? Hop a 30-minute flight to the Caribbean Coast for some world-class tarpon and snook action and you’ll truly understand what makes this tiny country an Angler’s Paradise!

    This incredibly beautiful and diverse country also offers lots for non-fishing family members; great hotels, world class beaches, and amazing ecotours. This incredibly friendly and beautiful country is the perfect choice for vacations, which include non-fishing family members.

    South Pacific Coast

    Located on Golfo Dulce, on the Osa Peninsula, Crocodile Bay Lodge is Costa Rica’s most luxurious Fishing and Ecotourism resort, offering consistent inshore fishing (year round) and outstanding offshore action from November through April. Adjacent to Corcovado National Park, the lodge offers an outstanding ecotour program as well as many onsite amenities and activities to appeal to non-fishing family members.

    • Costa Rica’s Largest Fleet
    • Amazing diversity of inshore species
    • World class offshore fishing
    • Amazing EcoTours, Corcovado Nat’l Park
    • Great accommodations, food, pool & spa!

    Mid-Pacific Coast

    The port of Quepos emerged in 1988 as THE new winter sailfishing destination, and continues to produce impressive numbers during their January – April high season. With a wide assortment of hotels ranging from 3 – 5 star, world class beaches, eco tours in Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos is great choice for both serious anglers and families. Jeannette Perez and her company, JP Sportfishing have taken great care of our clients for over 20 years.

    • Costa Rica’s most consistent sailfishery
    • Diversity of hotels and custom packages for any budget
    • Great fleet of boats ranging from 25 – 36 feet
    • Fly savvy crews
    • Great beaches, Manuel Antonio Nat’l Park

    North Pacific Coast

    The Pacific north coast offers great sailfishing in the summer, amazing marlin fishing in the winter, and a broad variety of inshore and reef species available year round. Our favorite port on the north coast is Tamarindo, home to some of the country’s most seasoned American and Tico captains. Our “go to guy” for the past 24 years, is the legendary Capt. Randy Wilson of Tamarindo Sportfishing. Tamarindo features beautiful beachfront hotels, great restaurants, tons of non-fishing activities, and the shortest running time to blue water of any Costa Rican port.

    • Costa Rica’s most experienced captains
    • Shortest run to blue water
    • Amazing diversity of species
    • Charming resort village, great hotels, restaurants and beaches

    For more information on these or other Costa Rican destinations, please call (800-628-1447 * 860-434-9624) or email info@angleradventures.com.

  • FlyCastaway is Coming July 18 & 19, 2012: Gerhard Laubscher of FlyCastaway to present in Darien & Old Saybrook, CT

    Based in South Africa, FlyCastaway offers 3 of the most sensational, cutting edge fly fishing destinations on the globe:

    In addition to being the best place in the Seychelles to target Giant Trevally, Farquhar Atoll is known for offering a variety of flats species including Bonefish, Indo-Pacific Permit, Bumphead Parrotfish, Milkfish, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Napoleon Wrasse, Triggerfish and Barracuda. Venture “offshore” and add Wahoo, Tuna, Grouper, Snapper, and Sailfish to the list. Click here for rates and information.

    St. Brandon’s is possibly the best bonefishery in the world based on the numbers, size and willingness to eat a fly. More Indo-Pacific Permit are caught here than anywhere in the Indian Ocean and some of the biggest Giant Trevally. The atoll is over 200 nautical miles off the coast Mauritius and Fly Castaway utilizes a mother ship, the MY Gryphon, to access St. Brandon’s. Click here for rates and information.

    Tigerfish are one of Africa’s most exciting freshwater gamefish and FlyCastaway has set up camp on the Mnyera & Ruhudji Rivers in Tanzania. This is the top destination to target trophy 20 lb Tigerfish. While fishing for these fast and aggressive ambush predators, anglers routinely see wildlife like Lion, Leopart, Buffalo, Warthog, and Elephant as wells as exotic birds such as the Peels Fishing Owl or the White Backed Night Heron. Click here for rates and information.

    You are invited to meet Gerhard and enjoy his presentation on Seychelles, Mauritius and Tanzania at the following locations:

    July 18, 2012

    5:00 – 7:00 PM

    Ten Twenty Post Oyster Bar – Bistro

    1020 Post Road, Darien, CT 06820

    www.tentwentypost.com


    July 19, 2012

    5:00 – 7:00 PM

    Otter Cove Restaurant & Bar

    99 Essex Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475

    www.ottercoverestaurant.com

    Space is limited. Please RSVP by July 6 to confirm your participation by filling out the RSVP form linked here or by email.

    Please let us know if you are available these dates, but not at these times.

  • Labrador’s Giant Brook Trout, fly fishing for giant brookies from Minipi Camps and Crooks Lake Lodge

    Labrador’s Giant Brook Trout, fly fishing for giant brookies from Minipi Camps and Crooks Lake Lodge

    How often can you say, “I just fished a place that’s as good as it was 60 years ago”? Since Lee Wulff first explored Labrador’s vast Minipi watershed in the last 50’s, it remains virtually unchanged and still is, as Lee proclaimed it, the greatest trophy Brook Trout fishery in the world. To veteran anglers, the name “Minipi” conjures images of gigantic Brook Trout slurping beefy Mayflies in a wilderness setting that rivals Alaska.

    Minipi trout are big – 5 pounds on average. Brookies to over 10 pounds have been taken, and 5 of the current 7 fly rod world records for brook have been set at Minipi. The Minipi watershed is also home to a unique strain of landlocked arctic char which can top the 12 pound mark, as well as northern pike as large as 25 pounds.

    • Dry Fly Fishing for Giant Brook Trout
    • Seasoned Guides
    • Exclusive Use of Miles of Wilderness Water
    • Both Wading and Boat Fishing
    • Optional Fly Outs
    • Great accommodations and Food

    The Minipi system is comprised of hundreds of square miles of wilderness watershed and the only access is via the Cooper’s Minipi Camps, which has exclusive fly-in and fishing rights to the entire watershed. The two Minipi Camps are Minipi Lake Lodge and the beautiful new Ann Marie Lodge. Both camps offer miles of lake and river fishing and optional fly outs to nearby Minonipi and Little Minipi Lakes. With each camp limited to just 10 rods and a longtime catch and release policy, this incredible resource remains every bit as productive as it was when it was discovered 60 years ago.

    A few rod spaces are still open during prime dry fly weeks in 2012

    Ann Marie – June 22nd – 29th & July 27th – August 3rd & August 3rd – 10th: $6,295 CAD + taxes
    Minipi Lake – July 22nd – 29th & July 29th – August 5th: $5,695 CAD + taxes

    Rates include: Float plane transfers from Goose Bay; 7-nights meals and accommodations; 6 1/2 days guided fishing.

    Click Here for More Information on Minipi Camps

    Crooks Lake Lodge: Labrador’s other world class brook trout fishery is located in the headwaters of the Eagle River system and is accessible via Crooks Lake Lodge. While the Crooks Lake fishery does not typically produce monsters like the Minipi, 6 + pounders are taken every season and fish as large as 8 pounds have been recorded here. Crooks Lake fishery typically produces higher catch rates than the Minipi fisheries and an average size of 3 1/2 – 4 pounds. Crooks Lake is staffed by a group of veteran guides, several with 20+ years experience on the watershed. The camp holds 6 rods and has exclusive use of miles of wilderness waters. Available dates at Crooks Lake are:
    June 16th – 23rd (1 rod only); June 23rd – 30th (2 rods); July 14th – 21st (4 rods)
    Rate: $3,700 USD + tax

    Includes: Float plane transfers from Goose Bay; 7-nights meals and accommodations; 6 1/2 days guided fishing.

    Click Here for More Information on Crooks Lake Lodge

  • New Zealand: Gin Clean Water and Big Trout Fishing

    New Zealand: Gin Clean Water and Big Trout Fishing

    PORONUI LUXURY SPORTING LODGE, Taharua Valley
    Located on the North Island, consists of 16,000 acres, and 25 miles of “Gin” clear private water on the Tahaura and Mohaka Rivers.
    Wilderness location with high-end luxury
    Private water access bordering Maori land, unique in New Zealand
    Fabulous Wine Weeks, Experienced professional guides,
    Helicopter fly outs to some of the most spectacular remote rivers in the world
    Special discounted Spring Pricing until December 31, 2012
     

    FJORDLAND LODGE, Te Anau
    Located near Fjordland National Park on the South Island, “Their Fishing Playground” for large Brown and Rainbow Trout
    Robynne and Ron Peacock Fabulous Hosts
    Fishing over 40 uncrowded rivers and streams, Back Country fly fishing on Farmland
    Helicopter fly outs to Milford Sound

    RIVERVIEW LODGE, Hanmer Springs
    Hosts John and Robin Gemmell
    “Kiwi” Born and Bred this couple has a terrific location and a great lodge,
    Repeat clients, so book early.
    Great stopover between Nelson and Christchurch.
    The heart of trophy brown trout territory
    Excellent guides, spring creeks and freestone rivers.
    Bird and Game Hunting in the Winter months

    OWEN RIVER LODGE, Murchison
    Beautifully situated on the Owen River
    Mild Climate among mountains and streams
    5 star accommodations, professional service and staff
    Access to 30 rivers and streams, most within 1 hours drive
    Appealing to both Novice and Experienced Anglers
    16 acres of Gardens and Farmland
    Sightcasting to 10lb Brown Trout

    CUSTOM ITINERARY PLANNING
    Judy Hall, our New Zealand Expert, has been arranging custom New Zealand itineraries for 34 years, catering to fisherman, couples, non-fishing partners and families. In addition to the fishing lodges we represent, the following are some of Judy’s favorite properties and destinations:

    Tongariro Lodge; “The Farm” at Cape Kidnappers; Blanket Bay Lodge, Glenorchy; Matakauri Lodge; Elkhardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown; Milford Sound; Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands; Cormandel Peninsula; Whale Watching, “Giant Sperm Whales”; Farm Stays, Bed and Breakfasts; Timara Lodge, Blenheim “Fantastic Wineries”; Stewart Island, World Class Birdwatching. For more information click here.

    New Zealand’s trout fishing season is October – April. Now’s the time to reserve the best dates. Call Judy today 1-800-628-1447 (860-434-9624). Our services are free.

  • Pira Lodge, Argentina, Golden Dorado Fishing: catch your trout and giant sea run browns with Angler Adventures

    Patagonia spells trout and Tierra del Fuego is synonymous with giant sea run browns. The third world-class fishery in Argentina is the Ibera Marshlands, home to one of the hardest fighting gamefish that swims, the Golden Dorado. Nicknamed the River Tiger, these fresh water beasts are renowned for their savage takes, explosive leaps and searing runs. They’re one of the “hottest” fish you’ll catch on a fly!

    Pirá Lodge, located in Northern Argentina, is set in the middle of the incredible 5 1/2 million acre Ibera Marsh, the world’s second largest wetlands. The miles of wilderness waters surrounding the lodge offer consistent action in the Corrientes River, at the headwaters, and in the more intimate waters of the marsh itself for this great gamefish. While dorado over 25 pounds have been taken at Pirá, the typical fish runs in the 3 – 10 pound class, with fish in the 10 – 15 pound class taken frequently. You’ll fish with world-class guides from Hell’s Bay flats skiffs with poling platforms, or by wading/bank stalking. Effective methods range from swinging & stripping saltwater type streamer patterns on sink tips to mousing or waking surface patterns fished on floating lines. During low water, sight casting and even dry fly techniques with outsized terrestrial patterns can bring cardiac arresting surface strikes!

    • Luxurious Accommodations
    • World Class Cuisine
    • Experienced Guides
    • Countless Miles of Wilderness Water
    • Wade and Skiff Fishing
    • Top of the Line Equipment
    • Incredibly Diverse Ecosystem with countless bird watching / nature viewing opportunities for non-anglers.

    Pirá Lodge is owned and operated by Nervous Waters, which owns 9 of the world’s finest sportfishing lodges in Argentina, Chile and the Bahamas. Renowned for impeccable accommodations, world class cuisine and attention to detail, Nervous Waters’ properties set the standard by which all other fishing lodges are judged.

    The season runs from from mid-October through April. While full week packages are the norm, packages of any duration are available and combinations with Patagonia trout trips are becoming very popular.

    Click Here for More Information.

  • Grand Slam Season is Your Best Chances to Land the Big Three: Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon

    Grand Slam Season is Your Best Chances to Land the Big Three: Bonefish, Permit, and Tarpon

    If you’re primarily interested in Bonefish, we recommend the Bahamas. There are dozens of lodges to fit everyone’s criteria. The bonefish are bigger on average and the big bones in the Bahamas dwarf the grandés in Mexico or Belize. If it’s Permit you’re after, we recommend the Yucatan of Mexico, where more permit are landed on a fly than anywhere we book. If Tarpon are your focus, we recommend Belize. El Pescador and Tarpon Caye are unique, having a year round population of tarpon. When the big, migratory tarpon appear in late spring, early summer, Belize River Lodge and Turneffe Flats become hotspots, as well. Don’t forget the fall! Water temperatures are ideal and the flats have been rested. If a Grand Slam is your objective, here are our top picks.

    Yucatan, Mexico

    Grand Slam Flyfishing Lodge

    • Luxury waterfront accommodations
    • Managed by Bobby Settles
    • Non-fishing activities
    • 2 for 1 pricing June 1 – September 30, 2012

    Casa Blanca

    • Located on the south side of Ascension Bay
    • Big migratory Tarpon
    • Private Tarpon Lagoon
    • Excellent guides

    Pesca Maya

    • 2 guides per boat!
    • Wade fishing for Permit
    • Excellent guides
    • 20% discount June 15 – October 31

    Playa Blanca

    • Permit Heaven
    • Access to Espiritu Santo Bay
    • Maximum 6 boats / guides
    • Excellent guides

    Belize

    El Pescador

    • Year round Tarpon!
    • Trips to Bacalar Chico in Northern Belize
    • Overnights on Bonefish Island
    • 2 for 1 special June 1 – December 15, 2012

    Tarpon Cay Lodge

    • Remote, private Cay
    • Guides fish dawn to dusk
    • Maximum 4 boats / guides
    • Excellent Guides

    Belize River Lodge

    • Rivers and Flats
    • New Long Cay Outpost Camp
    • Add Snook to your slam
    • 2 for 1 special on limited weeks July – December

    Turneffe Flats Resort

    • Big aggressive Tarpon
    • Extensive wading flats
    • Full dive program
    • 2 for 1 special June 23 – December 22, 2012

    Techniques & Tips
    Here’s a sight fishing tip from David Pinder of Grand Bahama Bonefishing, considered by many to be the best guide in the Bahamas:The most common mistake anglers make when fishing the flats is taking too many false casts. Try to take no more than 4 false casts to reach a fish, hopefully fewer. When a guide positions the boat and sets up on a fish, the amount of time the boat stays in prime position is about 6 seconds. That’s generally enough time for 3 or 4 false casts.

  • Atlantic Salmon Fishing in 2013: Canada, Iceland, Russia hot spots

    Atlantic Salmon Fishing in 2013: Canada, Iceland, Russia hot spots

    The 2012 Atlantic salmon season is winding down, and 2013 bookings are already above normal. There are still prime dates available for the 2013 season, but these will sell out fast. NOW is the time to book for next season. The camps listed below are holding some dates pending deposits, so more openings may become available. We are in constant contact with these lodges, so if you don’t see your preferred dates below, contact us and we’ll let you know the moment any space opens up. Below are the best dates for next season, as well as a few prime Fall Run slots for 2012. Alternate dates and shorter stays may be available. Please call for more information.

    Canada – 2013 Availability

    Camp Brûlé, Petite Cascapédia River

    June 9, opening week for those targeting big fish, 30 pounds or larger. July 21st week “Bamboo Week”, hosted by T & T Rods. Enjoy great dry fly fishing and try out these world-class handcrafted split cane fly rods. Petite has a strong fall run of salmon during the last two weeks in September. What a way to cap off your salmon season! Click here to watch a video.

    • June 9 – 16, 2013, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $4,600
    • July 21 – 28, 2013, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $5,200
    • September 15 – 22, 2013, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $5,200
    • September 22 – 29, 2013, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $5,200

    It’s possible a few more rods may be open in early July. Call today to be on the list!

    Camp Bonaventure, Bonaventure River

    The Bonnie runs cold all summer long and produces the best dry fly fishing in late July and August.

    • July 21 – 24, 2013, 3-nights/3- days fishing, $2,625
    • August 11 – 18, 2013, 7-nights/7-days fishing, $6,125
    • August 21 – 18, 2013, 7-nights/7-days fishing, $6,125
    • August 25 – Sept 1, 2013, 7-nights/7-days fishing, $6,125
    • September 9 – 15, 2013, 7-nights/7-days fishing, $6,125

    The Salmon Lodge, Grand Cascapédia River

    The Grand produces the largest Atlantic salmon in North America. Lots of big fish in the fall!

    • August 25 – September 1, 2013 7-nights/7-days fishing, $6,125
    • September 2 – 8, 2013, 7-nights/7-days fishing, $6,125

    Country Haven Lodge, Miramichi River

    The Miramichi’s run comprises over 40% of all the Atlantic salmon returning to spawn in all North America’s rivers and the bright salmon fishing runs from June 10th through October 15th.

    • June 23 – 30, 2013 Prime for Big Fish, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $3,000
    • July 7 – 14, 2013 Peak for numbers of fish, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $3,000
    • September 23 – 30, 2013 Solid Fall Run week, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $3,000

    Wilsons Sporting Camps, Miramichi River

    • June 23 – 30, 2013 Excellent “Big Fish” week, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $4,200
    • July 7 – 14, 2013 The “Wheelhouse Week” for the summer run, 7-nights/6-days fishing, $4,200

    The space listed above for these Canadian Salmon Fishing Lodges is per person and priced in Canadian and does not include GST or provincial taxes. Other dates and shorter stays are available.

    Iceland – 2013 Availability

    West Rangá, South Coast, Iceland

    Both the East and West have been Iceland’s #1 or #2 rivers averaging over 5,000 fish landed each season for the last 12 years! These are absolute killer dates for both rivers!

    • July 22 – 28, 2013, 6-nights/6-days fishing, €9,240 EUR per rod
    • August 10 – 16, 2013, 6-nights/6-days fishing, €10,140 EUR per rod

    East Rangá, South Coast, Iceland

    • July 19 – 25, 2013, 6-nights/6-days fishing, €8,940 EUR per rod
    • August 14 – 20, 2013, 6-nights/6-days fishing, €9,240 EUR

    Rod sharing, shorter stays and combo trips are available.

    Miðfjarðará, North Coast, Iceland

    We expect to get some open prime time rods by the end of this month. Please call us to wait list.

    Russia – 2013 Availability

    Ryabaga Camp, Ponoi River, Kola Peninsula, Russia

    A few rods are open for the prime weeks of June & July. 2013 rates have not yet been announced. The 2012 rates are included here for reference (subject to change).

    • June 15 – 22, 2013, 2013, 7-nights/6 days fishing, $13,490 USD
    • June 22 – 29, 2013, 7-nights/6 days fishing, $11,490 USD
    • June 29 – July 6, 2012, 7-nights/6 days fishing, $8,990 USD

    FALL 2012 LAST MINUTE OPENINGS IN CANADA

    The biologists believe the low water experienced throughout the Maritimes kept a lot of fish in the bays and are predicting outstanding runs this fall. If you are able to travel on short notice, this is a great opportunity to get in on some of the best fishing of the season!

    Camp Brûlé, Petite Cascapédia River, Quebec, Canada

    • September 23 – 29, 2012, Best Fall Run Week on the Gaspé, $3,700 CAD + taxes

    Country Haven Lodge, Miramichi River, New Brunswick, Canada

    • October 9 – 13, 2012, Great Fall Run Week, $3,000 CAD + taxes
  • Awesome Spring Trout Fishing in New Zealand in 2012: The best fishing, best lodges, and best experience

    Awesome Spring Trout Fishing in New Zealand in 2012: The best fishing, best lodges, and best experience

    Angler Adventures has put together some special Spring Fishing packages with our favorite lodges: Poronui Luxury Sporting Lodge & Owen River Lodge. If you want to experience how good the Spring Trout Fishing can be in New Zealand, these are the deals for you.

    Poronui Luxury Sporting Lodge
    October 7 – 13, 2012
    November 16 – 22, 2012
    December 9 – 15, 2012

    The Angler Adventures Special Rate for a 6-night / 5-day package at Poronui is NZD $5,200 (approximately $4,188 US) per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared guide. Estimated savings of $700 US.

    This special rate includes:6 nights double occupancy in luxury accommodations, 5 day fishing with one guide for each 2 anglers, Use of lodge fishing equipment from waders to flies at no charge, one day of helicopter fly-out fishing on a remote river, you pick the day, all Meals at the lodge: Country Breakfasts, Stream side lunches, and gourmet dinners, Pre-dinner drinks, house wine and beer throughout your stay, same day personal laundry service, Transfer to/from the Taupo Airport.

    Owen River Lodge 
    October 1 – November 30, 2012

    The Angler Adventures Special Rate for a 6-night / 5-day package at Owen River is NZD $4,400 (approximately $3,545 US) per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared guide. Estimated savings of $750 US.

    Felix Borenstein, the owner of Owen River Lodge, describes the Spring fishing by saying: “The local Kiwi’s and Australians love fishing on the South Island in October November December, Just ask Phil Weigall who comes back year after year, Flyfishing author and editor of Fly Fisher Magazine, (from Australia), fished hard for 3 days, sun, rain, wind, landing 33 browns in 3 days fishing 2 local streams and one wilderness river near by.”

    Let us assist you with your airfares to New Zealand – Judy can save you money there too. For more information on two for one airfare specials, click here.
    Call us, email us, fax us, or send a message on Facebook and book the best Spring Fishing.

  • Chubut River Float: Unspoiled Trout Fishing in Patagonia, Argentina

    Chubut River Float: Unspoiled Trout Fishing in Patagonia, Argentina

    There are few places left in the world like the Chubut River, and fewer still that offer non-stop dry fly fishing for good-sized browns and rainbows. The Chubut is so remote, most of its trout have never seen a fly and you won’t see a car, airplane or another human for 4 days. Most anglers fish exclusively with dry flies and loose count of the trout landed in the 12 – 22 inch range, with a few larger fish ending up in the net.

    The 65-mile Chubut float starts at the “Vuelta del Rio” (turn of the river), where the river takes a 90-degree turn towards the Atlantic. The float passes through fishy looking riffles, runs and pools, almost entirely inside a private 250,000 estancia. Why 4 days? That’s how long it takes to get to the next road. You can spread the float over 5 days, if you prefer.

    Anglers pass through a variety of Argentine landscapes and the river will evolve from banks lined with willows to open, winding sections with cut banks and fabulous riffles where some heavy brown trout take hoppers and big stone flies.

    All of the camping equipment is provided (including electricity provided by a small generator, a portable toilette, and shower facilities). Staff sets up Camp and prepares dinner. Clients have unlimited fishing time. The facilities are simple, however our outfitter, Jorge Graziozi, has perfected the logistics, so anglers want for nothing, except for more time on the Chubut.

    Angler Adventures is offering a special rate $2,900 per person (normally $3,250) for the 4-day Chubut float for group of 4 or more anglers. The rate includes, 2 nights accommodations at Arroyo Claro, 3-nights camping on the Chubut, 4-days fishing, meals, drinks, camping equipment and transfers from Bariloche.
    Click here for more information on Arroyo Claro and the Client reviews on Chubut Float.

  • The Best Atlantic Salmon Fishing in 50 Years

    Atlantic salmon anglers have been pleasantly astonished by the incredible numbers of salmon returning to the rivers of Atlantic Canada this season. Many fish counting stations have reported near record numbers and many veterans are proclaiming 2011 the best salmon fishing in nearly 50 years! While there has been an upward trend in recent years, no one can explain this huge spike in 2011. But it is pretty clear that “buy outs” of commercial fisheries coupled with catch & release regulations, now mandated on many Quebec and Newfoundland rivers as well as New Brunswick, are paying huge dividends. The 2011 spawning escapement has been the best seen in many years holding promise of even bigger runs in years to come!

    With all the excitement over this fantastic season, rebooking has been extremely high. But as of this writing, some excellent slots are still available for the 2012 season. And with the recent increase in value of the US dollar against the Canadian, now’s the time to deposit and lock in your space.

    Quebec, Gaspe Peninsula

    Fishing was “off the hook” at Camp Brûlé on the Petite Cascapedia where guests enjoyed an impressive 1.2 salmon landed per rod per day average, for the entire season! Brûlé rotates through their 3.5 miles of private water on the Petite and fishes the nearby Grand Cascapedia and the Bonaventure as well. The gin clear Petite is the coldest river on the Gaspé and fishes well right through August and has a fall run in September. Current openings include:
    June 14 – 21, 7 nts/6 days, 2-rods, $3,515 CAD + tax – prime week for big fish
    July 22 – 29, 7 nts/6 days, 4-rods – $4,372 CAD + tax – primetime on the Petite
    July 29 – August 5, 7 nts/6 days, 6-rods – $4,372 CAD + tax – excellent dry fly week!

    Sporadic openings throughout August and September. Rates subject to change October 15th, 2011.

    Camp Bonaventure had over 1,000 fish landed to 12 rods this season, their best in their 16 year history. Many fish in the high to mid-30’s were taken. While they concentrate on both private and ZEC water on the “Bonnie”, Camp Bonaventure also fishes the Grand and the Petite.
    June 9th to 13th for 2 rods, 4 nts/4 days, $3,400 CAD + tax – prime big fish
    July 10th to 15th for 1 rod, 5 nts/5 days. $4,250 CAD + tax – wheelhouse week!
    July 22nd to 25th for 2 rods, 3 nts/3 days, $2,550 CAD + tax – great dry fly
    Sept. 16th – 23rd for 6 rods, 7 nts/7 days, $5,950 CAD + tax – prime fall run

    Sporadic openings throughout August and September

    The Salmon Lodge is located on the mighty Grand Cascapedia, one of the world’s top producers of trophy Atlantic Salmon. This 120 year old lodge enjoyed a season reminiscent of the good old days. The camp released over 700 salmon on 8 rods this season. We had guests hook as many as 18 and land monsters up to 35 pounds this season!
    June 2nd – 9th, for 6 rods, 7 nts/7 days, (call for rate) – monster week on the Grand!
    July 19th to 22nd, for 3 rods, 3 nts/3 days, $2,550 CAD + tax – prime time
    July 22nd to 29th, for 6 rods, 7 nts/7 days, $5,950 CAD + tax – high numbers of fish
    July 29th to August 5th, for 4 rods, 7 nts/7 days, $5,950 CAD + tax – great dry fly week

    There are also sporadic openings in August and September.

    Labrador, Newfoundland

    The Eagle River is Canada’s most productive salmon river. I was able to secure a rod for a single angler the week of July 8th – 15th this year at Pratt Falls Salmon Lodge. He hooked 52 fish and landed 30! He reported the catch as about a 60/40 mix of salmon to grilse with fish up to the high teens. Rates are $4,900 CAD + tax.
    June 29 – July 6 Prime Time! Best bet for large salmon without being too early. 8 rods.
    July 6 – 13 Prime Time! Peak catch rates with lots of large and grilse. 2 rods
    July 27 – August 3 Prime Time! Peak catch rates with lots of large and grilse. 10 rods.
    August 3 – 10 High catch rate of grilse, large ‘jacks’ and sea-run trout. 12 rods.

    New Brunswick, the Miramichi River

    The Miramichi enjoyed excellent water flows and enormous runs of fish from early June right through September. Anglers who hit conditions right reported catching upwards of 20 fish for a week!

    We represent two of the finest lodges on the river, the venerable family owned Wilson’s Sporting Camp on the upper river and Country Haven Lodge below Blackville. Both lodges offer guests miles of private water including some of the very best pools on the river. Fishing rates start at $450 CAD + taxes per day and packages of any duration may be arranged. Please call for details.

  • World Class Bahamas Bonefishing in South Andros Island, Bahamas

    World Class Bahamas Bonefishing in South Andros Island, Bahamas

    In recent years the southern tip and southwest side of Andros Island, Bahamas, has become one of the hottest bonefishing destinations in the world. South Andros is a relatively new spot on the angling map and is comprised of vast, unpressured flats, tidal creeks, mangroves and unique inland lakes. Few other locales offer such a diversity of bonefishing habitats, and visitors to south Andros can often experience all of them in the same day. Roaming these remote waters are schools of unsophisticated 2- to 4-pound bonefish numbering in the

    thousands. Anglers will also find bigger, warier bonefish and the occasional double-digit giant in Deep Creek, Little Creek and along the west side.

    I recently fished this bonefishing hot spot to see exactly what it has to offer and to investigate the area’s bonefish lodges. I visited Bair’s Lodge, Glatos, Andros South, Nathan’s Lodge, Sunrise Lodge and Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge.

    Bair’s Lodge is the most centrally located of these operations. While there is good fishing just five minutes to the north in Deep Creek and five minutes to the south in Little Creek, the guides are willing to take long boat rides to the southernmost fishing areas. Consequently, I saw an enormous area of fishable water during my stay, including crossing through Little Creek to access the west side. This trip can take an hour or more depending on tides, but the protected creek offers a smooth ride and is home to some very large bonefish.

    Bair’s has done an excellent job of hiring a team of guides whose skills are as

    diverse as the south Andros fishery. I fished at different times with Leslie, William, “T,” Chip and Gary, each of whom has a different specialtyand takes a different approach to daily fishing. This guide rotation allowed me to experience each guide’s favorite spots and techniques.

    In terms of accommodations, food and management I found Bair’s Lodge to be among the best lodges in the Bahamas. For more information on Bair’s Lodge please visit www.www.angleradventures.com/bairba.

    Andros South, formerly the Bonefish Bay Club, has been taken over by Andrew Bennett who has had great success with his Alaskan fishing lodges. Andros South takes full advantage of the fishery’s variety. Andros South guides will fish the east coast and southern tip of south Andros as well as its west side. They are expert at navigating the maze of tidal creeks that runs through south Andros and can almost always find good, leeward fishing there.

    They have also discovered a network of inland flats and saltwater lakes that can be loaded with fish under certain conditions. These areas cannot be accessed by boat and so are very rarely fished. A good deal of walking and bush whacking is required to reach them but, as an experienced bonefisherman, I enjoyed the novelty and ingenuity of these inland excursions. Andros South also offers exploratory blue water fly fishing for tuna, dorado, sharks and billfish aboard a 25-foot Power Cat with twin 150hp Yamaha four-stroke outboards.

    The accommodations at Andros South are not as luxurious as they are at Bair’s, though they have recently been renovated and updated. They are now modern, clean and comfortable, and are all single occupancy.

    Meals focus on freshness. Some of the dinners consisted of manager John Toker’s daily catches skillfully prepared by the lodge chef. The daily lodge operations run very smoothly and I found the staff to be friendly and attentive. For more information on Andros South please visit www.www.angleradventures.com/androssouth.

    Being the southernmost lodge on Andros, Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge has the quickest access to the island’s southern tip and south east side. This equates to more time fishing. The pristine fisheries of Jack Fish Cay, Water Cay and Curley Cut Cay, which can be difficult to reach from other lodges, 20-30 minutes north of Mars Bay. Mars Bay guides rarely, if ever, venture north, preferring to take advantage of their proximity to the renowned flats of the south end of Andros.

    Accommodations at Mars Bay bonefish lodge are clean and comfortable, but very basic. Bill Howard manages the lodge expertly and the chef offers very good Bahamian cuisine. The lodge does not offer many amenities, but it does offer some of the best bonefishing in the Bahamas.

    I would recommend Mars Bay for the serious angler wishing to concentrate on large numbers of smaller, unpressured bonefish. For more information on Mars Bay please visit www.www.angleradventures.com/marsbay.

    I would be happy to discuss these lodges or to answer any questions. Please call or email me for details or to reserve space in south Andros for this season.

    Tight lines,
    Judy Hall

    U.S.: 800-628-1447 – Int’l: 860-434-9624
    Fax: 860-434-8605
    E-Mail: judy@angleradventures.com
    PO Box 872, Old Lyme, CT 06371
    Website: www.www.angleradventures.com

  • St. Brandon’s & Farquhar: If they were easy to get to, the fishing wouldn’t be this FANTASTIC!

    St. Brandon’s & Farquhar: If they were easy to get to, the fishing wouldn’t be this FANTASTIC!

    “Don’t expect to see this every week”, Gerhard Laubscher, owner of FlyCastaway told his audience in Darien, CT on July 18, 2012. But you get the idea. Start with a remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, add less than 100 anglers a year, and you’ll find bonefish that behave differently. Giant Trevally’s (GT’s) and Permit too. Although this picture was taken at Farquhar, the bonefishing is even better on St. Brandon’s. After seeing his presentation, no one in the room doubted Gerhard’s pronouncement, “St. Brandon’s is the best bonefishing on the planet for both numbers and size.” The “school” fish are 6 – 7 pounds. The best week of the season, 10 bones over 10 pounds were landed, and the season is short: Only 12 – 14 weeks per year! Talk about resting already unpressured flats!!

    St. Brandon’s also has the best permit fishing (Indian Ocean Permit), as well as barracuda, sharks, and a variety of trevally. The above applies to St. Brandon’s spring and fall. St. Brandon’s doesn’t have as many GT’s as Farquhar, but almost all of the GT’s caught at St. Brandon’s are BIG (50 – 100 lbs), particularly in the fall.

    Click here to view the presentation on St. Brandon’s Atoll, Mauritius.

    Farquhar is famous for it’s variety: GT’s, bonefish, trigger fish, humphead parrot fish, a variety of grouper, snapper, sharks, Napoleon Wrasse, Job fish, and more (all on a fly). In fact, one of our clients landed 18 different species on a trip in April 2012. There are 2 distinct seasons on Farquhar: The fall has good variety fishing, but it’s overshadowed by the awesome GT fishing. Lot’s of fish and good size (40 – 80 lbs). Bonefishing is consistent spring or fall for bones up to 8 lbs. The spring season at Farquhar has even greater variety, with more triggerfish and milkfish than the fall, but not as many GT’s.

    Click here to view the presentation on Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles.

    The seasons are short, designed to target the optimum weather / fishing conditions:

    Farquhar is open October – mid-December & late-February – early-May
    St. Brandon’s is open October – mid-December & April – June

    Only 31 rods left for the 2012 – 2013 Season!

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    Farquhar 2012: USD$7,500 Rods St. Brandon’s 2012 / 2013: Euro 6,700 Rods October 13 -20, 2012 1

    November 10 – 19, 2012 1

    October 20 – 27, 2012 1

    March 29 – April 7, 2013 6

    November 17 – 24, 2012  2

    May 2 – 11, 2013 3

    May 13 – 22, 2013 3

    May 24 – June 2, 2013 6

    June 4 – 13, 2013 8

    Call us today (800-628-1447 or 860-434-9624) to hold dates for 4 week without obligation.

  • Andros Special: Single Rooms at Bargain Price & Free Trip with a 12-pound Bonefish!

    Andros Special: Single Rooms at Bargain Price & Free Trip with a 12-pound Bonefish!

    Comparing prices on bonefish trips? Check out this deal at Tranquility Hill Fishing Lodge (THL) on the North Bight, Andros, Bahamas.

    When you book through Angler Adventures, you get:

    • Single Rooms (no sleepless nights with your snoring buddies)
    • Special Rate for 7-nights / 6-days fishing ($2,995 per person)
    • Free return trip if you catch a 12-pound bonefish on the fly
    • Click here for additional rates.

    The offer is available exclusively through Angler Adventures, subject to availability. Two people share a guide, but each get a single room. Free return trip within one year, accompanied by a companion paying the double rate. Bring your Boga Grip!

    Grand Bahama Promo

    North Riding Point Club, Grand Bahama 
    Two months left (October & December) to take advantage of our super promotion: Stay 5-nights / 4-days for the price of 4-nights / 3-days. Click here for details.

    Free Flights and Rare Space

    Bair’s Lodge, South Andros
    Free round-trip flights Ft Lauderdale to CongoTown
    November 30 – December 5, 2012
    5-nights / 4-days fishing – Cost $3,850
    Other Prime Fall Dates Available
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    Dates

    Rods

    Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2012

    8

    November 1 – 6, 2012

    8

    November 6 – 11, 2012

    6

    November 11 – 16, 2012

    4

    Flamingo Cay, Andros’ Westside
    Rare Fall dates available at Flaming Cay Rod & Gun Club, the only bonefishing operation on the Westside of Andros.
    Must be an intact group of 4 – 6 anglers
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    Dates

    Package

    October 16 – 20, 2012

    4-night / 3-day

    Oct 28 – Nov 1, 2012

    4-night / 3-day

    November 4 – 9, 2012

    5-night / 4-day

    December 9 – 14, 2012

    5-night / 4-day

  • Fantastic Deals On The World’s Best Sea Run Trout River Fishing Trips

    Fantastic Deals On The World’s Best Sea Run Trout River Fishing Trips

    The Incomparable Rio Grande
    Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

    Choose from one of two world class lodges, Villa María or Kau Tapen, and enjoy the fly fishing trip of a lifetime with this hassle free all inclusive package.

    This trip normally sells for $7,250 per person double occupancy from your arrival in Rio Grande City and includes: transfers Rio Grande Airport to lodge; 7 nights lodging and 6.5 days of guided fishing, all meals and drinks, fishing licenses.

    Special Promotional Rate per angler: $6,400 will also Include:

    • Transfer Ezeiza Int’l Airport-Hotel,
    • 1 night at Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel (single room) in Buenos Aires,
    • Transfer Hotel-Domestic airport,
    • Flight Buenos Aires-Rio Grande (round trip),
    • transfer from domestic airport to international airport.

    You save $850 on the fishing package plus over $700 on your Buenos Aires transfers, hotel and domestic air fare from Buenos Aires to Rio Grande –

    A total savings of over $1,500 per person!

    This promotion is valid for specific dates (March 16-23 & Mar 23-30 2013 at Kau Tapen and Mar 22-29 at Villa Maria) and for 2 anglers (double occupancy) or more.

  • Beyond the Blue Bonefishing in South Caicos Island, Turks and Caicos offers a hidden hot spot for bonefishing

    Beyond the Blue Bonefishing in South Caicos Island, Turks and Caicos offers a hidden hot spot for bonefishing

    Turks & Caicos is a fraction of the size of the Bahamas, but it’s still an immense fishery with just one bonefish lodge, Beyond the Blue Bonefish Charters in South Caicos. Less than 140 anglers fish here annually. When you cover mile upon mile of its gorgeous, shallow flats by airboat and never see a “prop scar”, you realize no one else fishes here.

    It’s all wading. There are no skiffs. Your only form of transportation on the water is a 24 foot airboat powered by a 454 Chevy engine or one of 4 paddleboards. The bonefish can be ridiculously plentiful at times, aggressive, and relatively easy to catch. But, this is not a destination for beginners. There is no one on one guiding. You must enjoy wading and spotting bonefish on your own.

    The rewards are, you’ll have the chance to catch both numbers and size. Bonefish schools numbering in the 100’s are a common sight. So are 5-10 pound fish, which can appear out of nowhere, anytime.

    Fish are generally spotted from the perch of the airboat at 25 mph. Stop. Get out and fish. Amazing. Although the big Chevy cranks out big noise (head phones are provided), the noise is generated above the water, not in the water, and doesn’t spook the fish as much as you might expect. The paddleboards are perfect for penetrating the mangroves at higher tides and they allow you to cover more ground. Wind is not an issue as long as you fish downwind with the sun at your back.

    Client Quotes

    “By far the best bonefishing of my life”. Charlie M

    “Last day was great. Lot of fish. I broke one off that was closer to 20 than 10 lbs. Have never seen one even close to that big. Eye was the size of a ping pong ball and he took the fly at my rod tip. Grrr”. Mike R.

    “I’ve never been to the same place twice. This is my 4th trip to South Caicos. This is a very special place. My question was, is it possible to stop the airboat after seeing fish and catch fish. We did it 3 times the first day. Now with the paddleboards, you have 10 times the range you have on foot”. M. Hatter
    Beyond the Blue is open from November through June. For those who love to wade, this place is a “must visit.

  • 2012 Year in Review at Angler Adventures: Best Year Ever

    2012 was our 28th year in operation and we were more prolific than ever, generating 23 e-newsletters – an impressive collection of the world’s top fishing destinations. Let’s take a quick look back.

    [loop exclude=this year=2012 ][p][field thumbnail-link][br][field title-link]-[field date][/p][/loop]

    New

    We added Tecka Lodge near Esquel, Argentina, Agua Boa and River Plate Anglers, Brazil to the more than 100 lodges featured on our website.

    We introduced you to “new” species like TigerfishTriggerfish, Indo-Pacific Permit, and Bumphead Parrotfish that are all being caught on the fly.

    Improved

    We expanded and improved the Alaska section of our website.

    Deals

    We promoted deals, like saving $1,500 in Tierra del Fuego.

    We offered you a chance to win a free trip to Tranquility Hill. This is available exclusively though Angler Adventures for 2012 and 2013.

    The Best

    We told you about the best trout fishing float trip in South America, The Chubut River Float.

    Video and Photography

    We introduced the “Gangsters of the Flats” video from Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles. This is must see!

    We published some sensational photography: Trick photo? Nope. This is real.Is that a Salmon or a Submarine?Sea Run Trout on Steroids.; Gin Clear Water & Big Trout.

    Here and There

    We announced the resumption of air travel to Bariloche, Argentina.

    We were visited by Gerhard Laubsher of FlyCastawayEve Reilly of Poronui Ranch, and Alberto Cordero of Fly Fishing Andes.

    Facebook

    We started a Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/angleradventures

    You can access these and other past newsletters by clicking here or at the bottom of www.angleradventures.com for our “Newsletter Archive”.

    Stay tuned for 2013!

  • Unbelievable Atlantic Salmon and Searun Brown Trout Fishing in Canada, Iceland, Russia, Tierra del Fuego

    Unbelievable Atlantic Salmon and Searun Brown Trout Fishing in Canada, Iceland, Russia, Tierra del Fuego

    Anadromous Anonymous – for Those Addicted to the Glorious Pursuit of Atlantic Salmon and Seatrout Around the World

    Are you totally enamored with swinging flies in beautiful rivers for big, bruising salmonids returning from the sea? Here is an up to date list of THE prime space on the world’s very best salmon and searun brown trout rivers.

    Canada – 2013 Availability

    The space listed below is per person, priced in Canadian and does not include GST or provincial taxes. Other dates and shorter stays may be available.

    Camp Brûlé, Petite Cascapédia River 

    Come Celebrate Camp Brulé’s 135th anniversary and enjoy 3.5 miles of private water on the Petite as well as prime water on the Grand Cascapedia and the Bonaventure.

    June 9 – 16, 6-rods, 7-n/6-d, $4,600 Monster early run fish
    July 7 – 14, 2-rods, 7-n/6-d, $5,200 Best All Around Week
    July 14 – 21, 3-rods, 7-n/6-d, $5,200 Prime Dry Fly Week
    July 21 – 28, 3-rods, 7-n/6-d, $5,200 T&T “Bamboo Week”
    September 22 – 29, 6-rods, 7-n/6-d, $5,200 The Petite has the best Fall Run on the Gaspé

    Camp Bonaventure, Bonaventure River

    The Bonnie hosts the largest run on the Gaspé. The camp also provides access to the Petite and the Grand.

    June 6 – 12, 2 rods, 6-n/6-d, $5,255 Big, Tough, Early-Runs
    July 28 – Aug 4, 8-rods, 7-n/7-d, $6,126 Great Dry Fly Fishing
    Sept 8 – 15, 2-rods, 7-n/7-, $6,125 Fall Run – Big fish

    The Salmon Lodge, Grand Cascapédia River 

    The Salmon Lodge now has more exclusive water on this amazing river, home of the largest Atlantic salmon in North America. This camp had four fish over 40 pounds in one week alone in September!

    July 1 – 3, 4-rods, 3-n/3-d, $2,625 Prime Time
    July 4 – 10, 2-rods, 6-n/6-d, $5,255 Prime Time
    July 28 – Aug 4, 8-rods,7-n/7-d, $6,126 Great Dry Fly Fishing
    Sept 15 – 18, 5 rods, 3-n/3-d, $2,625 Peak Fall Run – Big Fish

    Wilsons Sporting Camps, Miramichi River 

    The Wilson family has hosted salmon anglers for over 150 years on the Mother of Canadian Salmon Rivers.

    June 23 – 30, 4 rods, 7-n/6-d, $4200, Early Run Big Fish
    July 7 – 14, 4 rods, 7-n/6-d, $4,200 “Wheelhouse Week”

    Country Haven Lodge, Miramichi River

    July 7 – 14, 2 rods, 7-n/6-d, $3,000 Prime Summer Run Week
    September 23 – 30, 2 rods, 7-n/6-d, $3,000 Best Fall Run Week

    Russia – 2013 Availability

    Rates are per person in US Dollars. Call for details.

    Ryabaga Camp, Ponoi River, Kola Peninsula

    The Ponoi is the most prolific salmon river in the world often producing catch rates of 40 + salmon per rod per week. The season runs from May 18 – October 5. Listed below just the prime June & July dates but please call for other availabilities earlier and later.

    June 1 – 8, 2 rods, 7-n/6-d, $13,990 – Absolute Prime Time
    June 8 – 15, 3rods, 7-n/6 d, $13,990 – Absolute Prime Time
    June 15 – 22, 3 rods, 7-n/6 d, $13,490
    June 22 – 29, 2013, 14 rods, 7-n/6-d, $11,490
    June 29 – July 6, 2012, 10 rods, 7-n/6-d, $9,990

    Iceland – 2013 Availability

    Rates are per full rod in either Euros or US Dollars. Rod sharing is available. Call for details.

    Both the East and West Rangá have been Iceland’s #1 or #2 rivers averaging over 5,000 fish landed each season for the last 12 years! These are absolute killer dates for both rivers!

    West Rangá, South Coast

    July 12 – 17, 5-nights/5-days fishing. € 6,150 EUR
    July 22 – 28, 6-nights/6-days fishing, € 9,140 EUR
    August 10 – 16, 6-nights/6-days fishing, € 9,940 EUR

    East Rangá, South Coast

    July 19 – 25, 2013, 6-nights/6-days fishing, € 8,940 EUR
    August 14 – 20, 2013, 6-nights/6-days fishing, € 8,940 EUR

    Langá á Mýrum, West Coast

    A classic single handed rod, small fly technical salmon river which is normally high on Iceland’s Top 10 List

    July 18-24th – 4 rods 6 days $13,000 USD
    July 24-30th – 4 rods 6 days $12,375 USD
    Aug 1-5th – 6 rods 4 days $8,330 USD

    Norðurá, West Coast

    June 21-27 – 6 rods 6 days $9,875 USD
    June 30-July 3rd – 4 rods 3 days $7,125 USD
    July 24-30th – 6 rods 6 days $11,240 USD
    Aug 2nd – Aug 8th – 8 rods 8,600 USD

    Miðfjarðará, North Coast

    The “Jewel” of the north coast, this beautiful river is one of Iceland’s best with annual catches sometimes exceeding 4000 fish and produces many large MSW fish as well. Call for availability.

    There are also some openings on the BlandaViðidalsá, Hitará, Laxá in Dõlum and the famous Nes beat on Laxá in Aðaldal. Please call for more information.

    Can’t Wait for Summer to Scratch that Anadromous Itch?

    There’s still some great searun brown trout space available this winter / spring that’ll hold you over until the Atlantic salmon season opens in June.

    Tierra del Fuego, Argentina – 2013 Availability

    Kau Taupen, Rio Grande River
    Jan 5 – 12, 2 Rods for 7 nights/6 days fishing, $7,250
    Jan 26 – Feb 2, 1 Rod for 7 nights/6 days fishing, $7,250
    Feb 2 – 9, 4 Rods for 7 nights/6 days fishing, $7,250
    Feb 23 – March 2, 4 Rods for 7 nights/6 days fishing, $7,250
    March 9 – 16, 4 Rods for 7 nights/6 days fishing, $7,250

    Villa Maria, Rio Grande River
    March 22 – 29, 2 Rods for 7 nights/6 days fishing, $7,250
    March 29 – April 5, 6 Rods for 7 nights/6 days fishing, $7,250
    April 5 – 12, 6 Rods for 7 nights/6 days fishing, $7,250

  • Chile’s Best Trout Fishing: from the Pampas to the Rain Forest

    Chile’s Best Trout Fishing: from the Pampas to the Rain Forest

    Angler Adventures has put together a special week long fishing program with two of Chile’s best fly fishing lodges: Cinco Rios Chile and Estancia del Zorro for just $3,975 per person. The program gives access to the best water each lodge has to offer and exposure to the diverse Chilean landscape. You’ll fish the meandering Spring Creeks at the Estancia del Zorro and the famous rivers surrounding the Coyhaique and Paloma Valleys.

    Space for 12 is available the week of February 23 to March 2, 2013, which is a prime week for trout fishing in Chile. You’ll get 3-nights at Estancia del Zorro and 4-nights at Cinco Rios, giving you access to the following world-class trout fisheries:

    • Zorro Spring Creek
    • Mayo Spring Creek (Argentina)
    • Ñirehuao River
    • Mañihuales River
    • Simpson River
    • Paloma River
    • Petragosa River
    • Coyhaique River
    • Aysen River
    • Blanco River Deseques River
    • Pica Flora River
    • Emporer Guillermo
    • Humeles River
    • Azul River
    • Mogote River
    • Pollux Lake
    • Frio Lake
    • Castor Lake
    • Elizalde Lake/Outlet

    Click for rates or more information on Cinco Rios Chile or Estancia del Zorro.

  • It’s time to book Summer 2013 for the best dates and BIG fish in Alaska

    It’s time to book Summer 2013 for the best dates and BIG fish in Alaska

    Alaska is synonymous with catching big fish, and lots of fish, in an environment that is wild, rugged and plentiful, like few left on earth. In a week it is possible to catch 10 kinds of the world’s greatest game fish, a different species every day. Or, you may choose to go with only one goal; catching the biggest rainbow of your life. Everything is possible.

    In the Bristol Bay watershed, where the lodges we represent are located, the season extends from mid-June to the end of September. Click here for a calendar explaining when each species can be caught. Many fisherman plan Alaska trips around one or more species of Salmon, realizing that trout, char, dolly varden, pike, and grayling are available season long.

    If you want to pursue rainbows with a dry fly, focus on June and July. But, if it’s a trophy rainbow you’re after, they’ll be several pounds heavier in August and September.

    We’ve expanded and improved our website.

    Chip Bates, Doug Schlink and Judy Hall have been booking Alaska for 25 years. Chip has visited 22 different Alaska Lodges, with Doug and Judy not far behind. It costs you nothing to tap into this wealth of experience and knowledge.

    Alaska attracts a healthy number of repeat clients. By late-October, 90% of the repeats are locked and loaded, making NOW the absolute best time for new clients to grab prime dates.

    Call the Alaska Experts today.

  • Red Pine Mountain Lodge – Prime Week Openings 2004

    Red Pine Mountain Lodge – Prime Week Openings 2004

    Dear Angler,
    For the past 18 years, we’ve had the distinct pleasure of booking one of Atlantic Canada’s premier salmon camps, Red Pine Mountain Lodge on the incomparable Restigouche River.   Peak weeks of the season are typically rebooked year after year.  However, on occasion, prime weeks do become available, as is the case for the 2004 season.  We’re delighted to offer our Newsletter subscribers first opportunity for these weeks.

    July 4th – 11th, 2004:
    Historically, this is the single best week of the season for numbers of fish.  The grilse run is well under way, but still many large salmon are coming into the river.  The grilse to salmon ratio is approximately 1 to 1.

    July 11th – 18th, 2004:
    Also a highly productive week (some years the catch will exceed that of the July 4th week).  Grilse to salmon ratio is approximately 2 to 1, but still opportunities for large salmon (we’ve taken 30 pounders during this week).

    May 30th – June 6th, 2004:
    This week is for the trophy angler.   The average salmon landed is approximately 24 pounds, and fish over 40 pounds are an ever present possibility.

    Red Pine Mountain Lodge, a classic 1920’s cedar and pine camp, is ideally located in the valley of the Restigouche river, a peaceful area of stunning  natural beauty. The camp offers five miles of private water flanked by lush green mountains.

    The Restigouche River’s unique strain of wild Atlantic salmon is among the world’s largest and most powerful. These bright, fresh-run fish often exceed 30 pounds, and many over 40 pounds are released each year.

    Fishing at Red Pine is in the traditional Gaspé manner from 26-foot Cedarwood canoes, each with an experienced guide and two anglers. The fishing sessions rotate no more than five boats through lengthy stretches of private water.

    “Red Pine has lovely water on what is, of course, one of the world’s most storied salmon rivers. Beats are ample and the fishing days fine-tuned as if by magic to prevailing conditions…. Nowhere in North America have I experienced a better-run operation than Red Pine.”
    (Art Lee, Atlantic Salmon Journal, Spring 2003)

    Perched on a bank overlooking the river, the main lodge is fronted by a full-length screened veranda and houses a communal great room with matching fieldstone fireplaces at either end. A full complement of sumptuous meals are prepared and served here daily.

    The five immaculate guest cabins are adjacent to the main lodge and connected by a covered porch. The comfortable rooms each have a private bathroom and shower, full electric service and a wood-burning stove.

    Daily maid service is provided. The grounds and surrounding buildings are impeccably maintained by the friendly and accommodating household staff.

    Red Pine Mountain Lodge is one of the few camps that offers an opportunity for serious anglers to book time on this remarkable river.

    For reservations or more information, contact Doug Schlink.

  • Summertime: Light Winds, Less Pressure, Great Fishing for Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon

    Summertime: Light Winds, Less Pressure, Great Fishing for Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon

    Some of the best Bonefish, Permit and Tarpon fishing occurs in the summertime. Due to cool ocean currents / breezes, the Bahamas temperatures typically never get over 85o F in the summer and don’t heat up like the large land masses in the U.S. Rain showers are short lived and there’s little or no wind to deal with. Some lodges close down, but the ones that remain open know it’s the best chance for a Grand Slam all year. Permit prefer warm water, Migratory Tarpon begin to show. Glistening Bonefish tails are a common sight, early and late in the day.

    Abaco Island

    Rickmon Bonefish Lodge in Sandy Point, Abaco is open in June and July, because it’s the best time for Permit and Mutton Snapper (Yes on the fly rod!), according to Ricardo Burrows.

    Abaco Lodge, The light summer winds allow you to do “More Cool Stuff”, like trailering up north, fishing out of the Upper Cays and Oceanside flats in pursuit of Big Bones, and Mutton Snapper.

    Available Dates:
    June 14 – 20, 10 rods
    June 22 – 26, 8 rods
    June 26 – July 3, 8 rods

    Blackfly Lodge In addition to flats fishing for Bonefish, Permit, Mutton Snapper, and occasionally Tarpon, Blackfly has an offshore option with its 31′ Yellow Fin docked on the East Side just minutes from Reefs and Blue Water.
    The last openings are June 24 – July 7 and Aug 1 – 13

    Andros Island

    Prescott Smith of Stafford Creek Lodge says emphatically that summertime is your best chance at a Grand Slam (Tarpon, Permit & Bonefish). Mutton Snapper fishing in June and July is exceptional. If you prefer Reef and Offshore fishing, go for Tuna in the morning, (catch your dinner) and hit the flats in the afternoon.

    Pleasant Bay and Bair’s Lodge are open in June and still have some great space available. Some of the best fishing in South Andros takes place in June with plenty of fish and no pressure!

    Bair’s Lodge is a luxury lodge with good management and great bonefishing.

    Available Dates:
    June 4 – 8, 4 rods
    June 4 – 11, 4 rods
    June 8 – 12, 10 rods

    Click or Tap here to for more on Summer Fishing on Grand Bahama and in Belize.

  • Fly Fishing New Zealand with Poronui Manager Eve Reilly

    Fly Fishing New Zealand with Poronui Manager Eve Reilly

    The Compleat Angler and Angler Adventures present “An Evening with Eve Reilly”. Eve celebrates managing the legendary Poronui Sporting Lodge for 20 years. Poronui, remotely located in the central part of the North Island of New Zealand, was recently voted by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 10 fly fishing destinations in the world, with a team of professional guides and convenient access to many of New Zealand’s best quality fishing waters.

    Join Eve Reilly and Judy Hall for a spectacular visual presentation and to hear Eve’s masterful stories of the wily brown and rainbow trout fishing in the North Island (the ones that got away and the ones that didn’t). Judy and Eve are both keen fly fishers and outdoor enthusiasts. Please join us Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at the Compleat Angler’s new location, 541 Post Road, Darien, CT, 7:00 PM.

    We will have some nice door prizes, as well as offering anyone at the presentation who books a minimum 6-night/5-day fishing package at Poronui Sporting Lodge from October 1 – December 31, 2013 a substantial discount only available through Angler Adventures.

    Come see and hear what it’s like to trout fish this magical country. Click here for more information on Poronui.

    Call or email The Compleat Angler or Angler Adventures to reserve a spot, seating is limited.

    Angler Adventures800-628-1447 (860-434-9624); Judy@angleradventures.com

    The Compleat Angler: 203-655-9400; compleatangler@optonline.net

    Our Services Are Free

  • Off the Chart Fishing: Huge Brown Trout in Patagonia, Argentina

    Off the Chart Fishing: Huge Brown Trout in Patagonia, Argentina

    Steve Renehan landed the 26″, 8 lb Brown pictured above on a dry fly in late-February, fishing an unnamed river with Fly Fishing Andes, based in San Martin de los Andes, Argentina. Equally impressive was the incredible dry fly fishing Seve Renehan & Tom Gahan experienced one evening on the Collon Cura River, while staying at Ted Turner’s, Collon Cura Lodge. The pair landed 20 fish over 20″ from the same pool! The minnow migration was in full swing and the browns & rainbows were feeding with near reckless abandon.

    The minnow migration is a yearly phenomenon that takes place on the Collon Cura from late-January into March. Swarms of minnows leave the nearby reservoir and swim up the Collon Cura. During the migration, big fish flood into the river. While streamer fishing can be deadly, excellent dry fly fishing can be had, skating big attractor patterns. Philip Giffin landed a tackle busting 23″ rainbow, but all agreed, even the 13 – 22″ rainbows on the Collon Cura are among the hardest fighting trout anywhere!

    Jim & Joan Hunter also enjoyed this phenomenal fishing on their third January trip to Fly Fishing Andes. One of the highlights was floating the “secret” river, where every fish caught was 22 – 24 inches. Joan had the touch, landing at least one fish 21″ or more each of their 14 fishing days.

    For more photos, please check out Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/AnglerAdventures

    Space is already filling up for the 2014 – 2015 Season in Argentina. If you’ve been thinking about a trip to Argentina, give Angler Adventures a call (800-628-1447) or drop us email (info@angleradventures.com) and we’ll help you pick the right lodge, rivers and dates.

    Not listed above are our other fine Argentine Trout Fishing Destinations: Arroyo ClaroRio MansoSan HubertoTecka Lodge, and Tipiliuke. Also, be on the look out for a future newsletter announcing a web page (and video) for Jurassic Lake and its trophy Rainbow Trout fishing.

  • Openings on THE WEEK for Salmon Fishing on the Gaspe, the Miramichi, and Iceland

    Openings on THE WEEK for Salmon Fishing on the Gaspe, the Miramichi, and Iceland

    Camp Brûlé – Prime Time Atlantic salmon – Last Week of June

    Due to a cancellation, two rods have just come available for the week of June 24 – July 1 (Tuesday to Tuesday) at Camp Brûlé on the Petite Cascapedia River. Brûlé fishes three of the best rivers in Quebec: the Petite, the Grand Cascapedia and the Bonaventure. Those acquainted with these great rivers will tell you the last week in June is THE WEEK – Best of the Season – period! This is a week that’s usually passed down father to son or friend to friend. This is a rare opportunity and will not last long! Call 800-628-1447 or 860-434-9624 today.
    The Maritime Mountains are enjoying the heaviest snowpack in years and excellent water levels are expected throughout the summer. With the best exchange rate in recent years, Americans are enjoying about a 10% discount, making 2014 a good bet for a Canadian salmon trip!

    More Prime Time Openings: GaspeNew BrunswickIceland

    Camp Bonaventure has just 2 rods open for a great week, July 10 – 16. This is a superb dry fly / sight fishing week on the beautiful Bonnie, renowned as one of the world’s clearest rivers. There are also a few slots available later in July for shorter packages, and just two rods open during the prime fall fishing weeks of September 1 – 7 and September 14 – 21.

    Country Haven Lodge on the Miramichi has rods available the week of July 13, and the full moon tides of July 12 should bring an excellent push of fresh fish! Further upriver, Wilson’s Sporting Camps has a few rods available the week of July 20 when that full moon push should be up to Wilson’s pools! Wilson’s also has 2 rods open for the third week in September, historically considered one of the best weeks for the fall run.

    There are still rods available during August. While historically thought of as a bit risky, consider the fact that the Miramichi has seen the best fishing of the season during the month of August in 5 of the last 10 years.

    For those looking farther afield, the beautiful country of Iceland has some of the world’s best salmon fishing. The East Rangá, one of the country’s top producing rivers (nearly 5,000 salmon to 18 rods in 2013) still has a couple rods open for a prime time 3-day slot July 21 – 24. And the Blanda, one of the north coast’s best big fish rivers has an excellent slot available on the infamous “Beat 1”, July 30 – August 3 (4-days fishing). These are full service, luxury lodge packages, but for economy minded anglers, we can also arrange “self catered” fishing (either guided or unguided) on some excellent rivers both north and south. Combination trips can be arranged. Please call for details.

    Even More Atlantic salmon Space – Hosted Weeks. Call for details or to confirm your spot.

    Brûlé Spey School – noted Atlantic salmon authority, Spey caster extraordinaire and author of the highly acclaimed “Atlantic Salmon Magic”, Topher Browne will be hosting a Spey School at Camp Brûlé the week of July 27 – August 3, and there are still a few rods available.

    Master reel maker, William Olson will host a 4 night/3 day trip August 3rd – 7th to Camp Brûlé. Olson’s beautiful serpentine handle reels have been compared with such classics as Bogdans and Vom Hofes. The Petite is the coldest river on the Gaspé and frequently fishes very well deep into August.

    The Petite Cascapedia hosts a good run of big males in late September and west coast steelhead guide, Brian Chou will be at Camp Brûlé teaching his cold water steelhead Spey techniques September 20th – 25th and world renowned painter and noted salmon angler, Galen Mercer will be capturing the spectacular fall colors along this beautiful river the final week of the season.

    Salmon Lodge on the Grand Cascapedia has an opening for just 1 rod during Henrik Mortensen’s hosted week, August 10th – 17th. Henrik is widely acclaimed throughout Europe as the Master of Scandinavian Underhand casting. Beginners and advanced Spey casters will benefit from his knowledge, and The Salmon Lodge has access to some incredible water (C sector) during the month of August.

  • Cold Weather = Hot Fishing at Grand Bahama: #2 Simram Fools 14 Pound Bonefish

    Cold Weather = Hot Fishing at Grand Bahama: #2 Simram Fools 14 Pound Bonefish

    The bonefish in the photo above is a 14-pounder landed in February off the north shore of Grand Bahama. Carl Heilman, who landed this monster, also landed a tarpon (the group jumped 3 and landed 2). Chris Bamford landed the other tarpon, as well as the triggerfish, John Wilson jumped a tarpon and Scott Trerotola landed a 10 lb Mutton Snapper that was cruising behind a Ray. Each member of the group also landed several bonefish between 5 – 10 pounds..

    Bill & Liz Aldendifer also had a fantastic trip to Grand Bahama. Together, they landed several fish in 7 – 8 pound range, a couple 9 pounders, a 10 pounder, and a 12 pounder on Bill’s birthday. Bill came close to having a 14+ pounder in hand, but lost it at the boat when the guide grabbed the leader. Bill, a permit aficionado, said that the 14+ pound bonefish fought harder than any permit he’s hooked, even his 30 pounder in Ascension Bay.

    All of the above mentioned were Angler Adventures’ clients staying at North Riding Point ClubClick or Tap here to see Bill, Liz, Scott, and more photos of our clients with their fish on our Facebook page.

    Abaco has long been known for providing some of the best permit fishing in the Bahamas, especially down around Sandy Point. It’s only been getting better and the guides are seriously cracking the code. Oliver White, owner of Abaco Lodge, had a nice fight with decent permit on the outer edge of marls. Blackfly Lodge had a couple of good sized permit caught in the last month: One angler’s first permit was 25 pounds and another angler landed an astounding 38 pound permit.

    Blackfly anglers might have the permit bug, but there is more than just permit. Mac Haskell joined the 10 lb bonefish club and landed his first tarpon.

    Just south of the Bahamas, South Caicos produced exceptional bonefishing this season. Mike Rietbrock and his group found lots of fish over 6 pounds, and few pushing double digits. John Potter and his group barely made it to Beyond the Blue due to a snow storm, but were rewarded with several fish over 10 pounds. What makes these big fish special is that the fishing is 100% wading and mostly unguided. Click or Tap here for more information on wading for bonefish.

    Speaking of wading destinations, Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn on Acklins is the best in the Bahamas. Click or tap here for John Fraizer’s article that appeared in the last issue of Fly Fishing in Saltwaters (be patient while it loads….it’s worth the wait).

    Blackfly Lodge, Abaco Island

    April 10 – 13 – 2 rods
    May 10 – 13 – 2 rods
    June 12 – 20 – 2 rods
    June 21 – 27 – 6 rods
    June 29 – July 7 – 8 rods
    July 6 – 20 – 8 rods
    July 21 – 25 – 4 rods
    July 26 – 30 – 2 rods

    Abaco Lodge, Marls, Abaco Island

    March 6-10 (4/3) – 6 rods
    March 18-23 (5/4) – 2 rods
    April 28 May 3 (5/4) – 2 rods
    May 8-12 (4/3) – 4 rods
    June 14-20 (6/5) – 10 rods

    North Riding Point Club, Grand Bahama

    March 21 – 25 – 6 rods
    April 7 – 14 – 6 rods
    April 14 – 21 – 4 rods
    May 4 – 8 – 6 rods
    May 23 -30 – 12 rods
    June 1 – 5 – 8 rods
    June 14 – 30 WIDE OPEN!

    Grey’s Point Inn, Acklins Island

    March 22 -29 – 10 rods
    March 29 – April 5 – 10 rods
    April 12 – 19 – 6 rods
    April 26 – May 3 – 6 rods
    May 3 – 10 – 6 rods
    May 17 – 24 – 8 rods
    May 24 – 31 – 10 rods

  • Top Wading Destinations for “Shallow Minded” Anglers: Bahamas, Seychelles, Mauritius, Belize, Venezuela and more

    Top Wading Destinations for “Shallow Minded” Anglers: Bahamas, Seychelles, Mauritius, Belize, Venezuela and more

    Are you “shallow minded?” Have you been known to carry carpenter’s knee pads, or snow shoes on your bonefishing trips? We love to wade for bonefish and the skinnier the water, the better. So where’s the best place to get your feet wet, and little else? Here’s a quick list of our favorite wading destinations and how they rank. Click on the links below for more information on each lodge or destination.

    Bahamas

    Grey’s Point Inn – 99% wading: Grey’s Point on Acklins Island is the winner in the Bahamas as virtually all bonefishing is by wading, much of this in water only 3 – 6 inches deep!

    Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge – 85% wading: Mars Bay is a close second to GPI. MBBL is furthest south and closest to the vast wading flats of South Andros. Except for high spring tides, you’re walkin’!

    Bair’s Lodge & Andros South – 80% wading: Located further north on south Andros, these lodges also fish Deep and Little Creeks which have a mix of wading and skiff fishing.

    Rickmon Bonefish Lodge & Blackfly – 75% wading: The flats of southern Abaco, Mores Island and Gorda Cay are mostly firm, beautiful wading flats. For the guy who prefers to wade, you can expect to spend most of your fishing time on foot.

    North Andros Fly Fishing – 75% wading: North Andros and The Joulter Cays sport beautiful, white sand wading flats with some impressive size bones and occasionally permit too!

    Seychelles

    Alphonse Island Fishing Company – 95% wading. With exclusive access to the famed St. Francois Lagoon, as well as the flats of Alphonse Island and Bijoutier, AIFC is one of the world’s top wading destinations for bonefish and a myriad of other species, including Giant Trevally and milkfish.

    Farquhar Atoll – 90% wading. This southernmost atoll in the Seychelles chain offers astounding wade fishing for more than 10 species, including above average size bones, Giant Trevally, Indo-Pacific Permit, Trigger Fish and a myriad of other exotic species.

    Mauritius

    St. Brandon’s Atoll onboard the MY Gryphon Mothership – 99% wading. Quite possibly the #1 wading destination for trophy size bones and an exotic mix including Indo-Pacific permit, 5 species of trevally including Giant Trevally to over 100 pounds! Not for the faint of heart!

    Belize

    Turneffe Flats Resort – 90% wading: The Turneffe Atoll is famed for minimal tidal fluctuation and tailing fish all day long. The only skiff fishing is for permit in the lagoon or tarpon in the creeks.

    Tarpon Caye Lodge – 90% wading: For permit! The infamous flats of Permit Alley where you can stalk tailing permit on foot!

    Venezuela

    Sight Cast Los Roques: – 100% wading: Perhaps the premier bonefishing wade fishery in the northern hemisphere, the atoll of Los Roques features tailing bones on the unique, challenging but bewitching “Pancake Flats”.

    Turks & Caicos

    Beyond the Blue Bonefishing – 90% wading. Another unique fishery, the flats of South Caicos are accessed by airboat. Once the fish are located, anglers disembark and wade or use paddle boards, unguided, to stalk the schools.

    Christmas Island

    Capt. Cook Hotel – 99% wading. While perhaps not as prolific as it once was, Christmas Island remains one of the premier wading destinations for anglers seeking good numbers of medium sized bonefish.

    Want to know more about wading, or looking for a great read?

    “Thinking Outside the Boat”

    by John Frazier, editor of Fly Fishing in Salt Waters

    (This large file may take 30 – 60 seconds to download, but it’s well worth the wait!)

    Ask the Wading Experts

    Want help picking the best wading destination for your next trip? Call or email.

  • Thinking Outside the Boat: Wading for Bonefish in Bahamas on the Flats

    Thinking Outside the Boat: Wading for Bonefish in Bahamas on the Flats

    “The challenge and rewards of sight-fishing for bonefish with fly tackle increase greatly once you step outside the boat and pursue them on foot. Wading for bonefish provides every textbook fly fishing scenario imaginable. Virtually every bonefishing destination offers wading opportunities, but there’s one Bahamian island in particular that’s home to a true mom-and-pop lodge that specifically caters to those who want to experience bonefishing in its purist form – Acklins Island, home of Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn.” – John Frazier

    Wading puts you in the bonefish’s environment. It allows you to get close to the fish. It provides the opportunity to approach fish down wind. Two anglers can fish at the same time. It’s good exercise. It enables you to fish water too shallow for a boat. Sometimes it’s easier to catch fish on foot, sometimes it’s harder. Regardless, there’s a lot of satisfaction to tracking down your prey on foot

    In his fascinating article in the November / December issue of Fly Fishing in Salt Waters entitled, “Thinking Outside the Boat”, Editor John Frazier refers to his wading experiences as Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn, Acklins Island, Bahamas, as a “religious experience”.

    If you’d like to add a little religion to your favorite sport, click all the links below!

  • Exciting News from North Riding Point Club and Turneffe Flats Resort

    Tim Comstock & Mercedes Kornfeld have been hired as the General Managers at Turneffe Flats Resort in Belize, effective October 1st, 2013. For the past 6 years, Tim & Mercedes managed North Riding Point Club on Grand Bahama Island. No strangers to saltwater, they spent the majority of their careers running luxury charter yachts in the Caribbean; Tim as captain and Mercedes as chef. They are warm and welcoming hosts, eminently qualified, and well liked by the 100’s of traveling anglers they’ve served.

    Turneffe Flats owner Craig Hayes said, “We are extremely pleased to have Tim Comstock and Mercedes Kornfeld join our management team this fall as General Managers. They bring a wealth of experience and we are confident that they will be a great addition to the Turneffe Flats team.”

    Save $575 per angler at Turneffe Flats through December 21st, 2013. Fishing Package (7 Nights/6 Days) $2,853.20 per angler/ double occupancy. Normally $3,428.25.

    Click here for rates and more information on Turneffe Flats Resort.

    Replacing Tim and Mercedes at North Riding Point Club (NRPC) is veteran lodge manager Paul Adams. Originally from Indiana, Paul was raised in the Bahamas, while his parents managed Deep Water Cay from 1976 – 1984. Paul attended school in McLeans Town, where he became friends with many of the famous Grand Bahama Guides, including NRPC head guide, Stanley Glinton, who taught Paul how to pole a skiff. Paul’s fly fishing instructor at an early age was none other than well known sportsman and author, AJ McClane. Paul and his wife Alison also managed Deep Water Cay for 8 years, from 1996 – 2004. Paul’s local knowledge, hands on management style and angling experience make him the perfect choice for this position.

    There is still some great fall space at North Riding Point Club.
    October 14 – 23, 2013
    October 30 – November 20, 2013
    December 1 – 14, 2013

    Book a trip any of these dates and you’re guaranteed to fish from one of the lodge’s new Hell’s Bay Marquesas Skiffs, plus groups of 4 anglers will be upgraded to the “Founder’s Cottage” at no additional charge (a value of $175 per night).

    Click here for rates and more information on North Riding Point Club.

    Our Services Are Free

  • Southwest Montana: Trout Fishing, Travel Credit, Private Water & Getting the Band Back Together

    Southwest Montana: Trout Fishing, Travel Credit, Private Water & Getting the Band Back Together

    Southwest Montana, particularly the area around Butte & Bozeman, holds some of our favorite trout fishing in the United States and there are healthy freestone rivers and tailwaters being fed by cool runoff from the Rockies. There’s an incredible number of spring creeks and meadow streams full of big trout. In addition to the great fishing, there are a few lodges that go above and beyond on a regular basis. Want to know why we love Southwest Montana – visit one these lodges this summer and find out.

    Healing Waters – Great Access to Private Water

    Healing Waters is our newest operation in Southwest Montana. The lodge is steeped in Montana tradition, co-owner Greg Lilly is the son of Bud Lilly, owner of Bud Lilly’s Trout Shop in West Yellowstone. Healing Waters has a laundry list of top notch rivers, streams, creeks, sloughs, and still waters; some are reserved for exclusive use of Healing Waters clients. Click here to learn more about Healing Waters.

    Five Rivers Lodge – Travel Credit

    Five Rivers has been a favorite of ours for quiet some time. There is a plethora of blue ribbon trout rivers within 30 minutes drive from the lodge – enough water that you could stay for an entire month and never fish the same stretch twice. Five Rivers reports ideal water conditions and snow pack for the 2013 season. Five Rivers is offering a TRAVEL CREDIT when you book your trip. Click here to find out how to earn your travel credit.

    Complete Fly Fisher – Getting the Band Back Together

    After selling the Compete Fly Fisher 7 years ago, Dave Decker and his wife Christine have repurchased the lodge and are investing in renovations and refurbishments to bring the lodge back to its past prominence. From buying new luxury bedding to expanding the guest cabins, the Deckers are making the place sparkle. Click here to read more about the Complete Fly Fisher.

  • New Upgrades at an Old Favorite: Pesca Maya, Ascension Bay, Mexico

    New Upgrades at an Old Favorite: Pesca Maya, Ascension Bay, Mexico

    Angler Adventure’s Doug Schlink visited Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge 18 years ago when the lodge first opened. While the accommodations were basic (okay “rustic”), the food was wonderful, the hospitality cordial, the guides excellent, the fishing terrific, all at a modest price. It became one of our favorites. Over the years, accommodations were upgraded, but the major renovations and new construction of recent months have elevated Pesca Maya to one of the nicest lodges in the Yucatan.

    Click Here to read more about what’s new at Pesca Maya.

    New Palapa at Pesca Maya Fishing Lodge, Mexico

    New 5,000 sq. ft. “Palapa”, dining room, bar/lounge, fly shop and more
    Upgraded Accommodations, 8 spacious ocean view guest rooms with queen beds, private balconies in the beautiful Casa Seaclusion and Casa Robinson.
    New Pesca Maya Spa with hot tub, sauna, massages and more
    New top of the line tackle & upgrades to boats and motors

    World’s Greatest “Grand Slam” Fishery!

    Pesca Maya is situated on the Yucatan’s Ascension Bay, one of the world’s greatest flat’s fisheries and certainly one of the best for those seeking a “Grand Slam” – a Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit on the fly in one day. Hundreds of Slams have been achieved in Ascension Bay. Bones, permit and juvenile tarpon are available year round as are snook, jack creavlle, barracuda, ladyfish and more. The larger migratory tarpon are present from April to November, with late spring and summer offering the best opportunities for big “poons”.

    Pesca Maya continues to be one of the best values in Caribbean lodges, and is even better during the summer and fall months. From June 15th – October, lodge rates are discounted by 20%, and from November 1st – February (excepting Christmas) there is a 10% discount. As summer and fall offer some of the best fishing of the year, this is a great time to go at a bargain price! Click here for Pesca Maya Rates.

    Angler Advenures’ Flats Fishing What to Bring List

  • Summer in the Bahamas: Light Winds, Less Pressure, Great Fishing!

    Summer in the Bahamas: Light Winds, Less Pressure, Great Fishing!

    Deep Water Cay Club, Grand Bahama From June 16 through August, there is some great pricing at Deep Water Cay Club.

    Starting with a 3-nights / 2-day package, the cost is $1,995 per person based on accommodations in a shared cottage (recently renovated) with two queen beds, large living space and “grand” front porch overlooking the sea and a shared boat / guide. You’ll have your choice to mix & match flats fishing, reef fishing or diving/snorkeling, or just fish the flats each day. Additional nights / day are $695 per person. Includes all meals, transfers from Freeport Airport (if required), lodging, guided fishing, snorkeling and/or diving.

    H2O Bahamas, Grand Bahama H2O Bonefishing is open year round. In addition to their standard flats fishing program, H20 Bonefishing offers a “No Boundaries” program, which is a great way to explore the world class fly fishing opportunities Grand Bahama has to offer, including flats & reef fishing. The program uses a larger 21 foot custom flats boat designed to travel further and faster in more comfort as well as target a variety of species on fly.

    This unique fishing program is only available during the months of June and July to take advantage of the great summer fishing, when the flats are filled with a variety species, including the normal suspects, including Permit and occasionally Tarpon. The standard No Boundaries package is for 5-nights / 4-days fishing, with two days of No Boundaries and two days standard flats fishing. However, the program is easily customized for individual preferences, including longer stays or offshore fly fishing on H2O Bonefishing’s 31 foot Contender. Click or Tap here for more information and rates.

    Scott Trerotola with a 10 lb Mutton Snapper from the North Shore of Grand Bahama.

    Belize River Lodge is open year round and we’ve had great success with their “Long Cay Outpost Resort”, a private house for a group of anglers (4 minimum), comes with cook, guides and Great fishing all around the Cay, including diversity of species. FIVE minutes and you are into fish. Fishing can consist of 8 to 10 hour days depending on how long you want to fish.

    Summer is a great time for Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, and Snook, along with the extras of Barracuda, Jacks, Snappers, Ladyfish and more.

    If you prefer to stay at Belize River Lodge, you have fishing access within 20 minutes. An added bonus is that the lodge is situated on the river, where fishing can be more sheltered. Each evening your dinners will be hosted by Mike and Marguerite, owners of Belize River Lodge.

    Click or Tap here to visit our Belize River Lodge webpage for details on the 2 for the price of 1 Summer & Fall rates and the qualifying available dates.

    Please Note: Belize River Lodge and Long Caye have no set arrival or departure days, so you can pick your dates based on best airfare, as long as there’s space avaialble, you can still get the special 2 for 1 rate.

  • FlyCastaway Videos of St. Brandon’s and Faquhar Atolls

    St. Brandon’s Atoll

    Farquhar Atoll

    GT Teaser – Farquhar

    Triggerfishing Farquhar

  • Check out our guide on fishing the flats of the Bahamas and Caribbean

    Check out our guide on fishing the flats of the Bahamas and Caribbean

    Our flats fishing “what to bring list” has always been a source of pride here at Angler Adventures. It’s a way of sharing 28 years of experience testing tackle, flies and techniques, weeding out what doesn’t work and highlighting what does.

    We’ve updated and expanded it, adding links to new pages with photos and graphics to help visualize fish spotting, strip sets, the casting clock, etc. We’ve added tips on fishing weedless flies, types of hooks and proper release techniques. It’s worth reading before your next trip south.

    School of actively feeding bonefish, some with their heads in the sand!

    Highlights

    “We’ve expanded our “list” with suggestions and tips to help you understand not only what to bring, but why to bring it.”

    “Essential Tackle when wading includes: Pliers, hook sharpening file, box of flies, extra leader material, and water.”

    “One of the biggest mistakes is to not adjust your fly to changing water depths. Your fly should be weighted so that it sinks to the bottom quickly and stays near the bottom when you strip. A good rule of thumb is that your fly should reach the bottom in about 3 seconds.”

    “When a bonefish takes the fly, you will feel resistance with your line hand as you begin the “strip” part of the retrieve. Normally this gradual pulling against the resistance is all you need to set the hook. Avoid setting the hook with the rod.”

    “You must go light in skinny water, meaning no weight other than the hook.”

    “The most common mistake is to take too many false casts…no more than 4.”

    Tips

    “Bonefish like crabs just as much as permit.”

    “The most important thing you can do before casting is to stretch your fly line”

    “Cast very close to a tailing fish, as he is focusing on a small area.”

    “The investment of a $70 – $80 on a new fly line is one of your best investments prior to an important trip.”

    “Many anglers use too thin or too light a tippet. We recommend the strongest tippet practical for the situation.”

    “Every time you tie on a fly, test the knot strength before fishing! Be sure to check your hook point after catching a fish and keep it sharp!”

    “A dropping fly will invariably result in a take from a fish. If he goes nose down, tail up, he’s taking your fly!”

    “Check your leader regularly for wind knots or abrasion and replace if worn or weakened.”

    TEST YOUR KNOTS. More fish are lost due to leader or knot failure than any other reason.”

  • Prime Time Space, Deals & Discounts, and Fly Fishing Travel News: Bahamas, Mexcio, Seychelles, and St. Brandon’s Atoll

    Black Fly Lodge

    The new Black Fly Lodge (photo right) opened March 1, 2013 with a capacity of 8 anglers in single rooms. Located in Schooner Bay, Abaco, the lodge overlooks the picturesque habour that is the center piece of this “community” development by Lindroth Development Corp. Black Fly has 4 new 18-foot East Cape, custom skiffs to compliment their new digs. Click here for rates and info.

    Open Dates: March 10 – April 6 (1 – 3 rooms); April 14 – 20(4 rooms); April 28 – May 4 (2 rooms); May 12 – June 1 (2 – 8 rooms); June 9 – 22 (8 rooms)

    North Riding Point Club

    North Riding Point Club (NRPC) has acquired 5 new 17-foot Hells Bay Marquesa Skiffs with 90 HP Yamaha 4-stroke outboards and new trailers. Also added to the fleet is a new GMC Yukon SUV. The boats are equipped with padded seats, leaning bar and power poles. The Hells Bay skiffs have been in use for over a month and clients and guides alike are raving about the comfort and speed, especially when making the run to Sale Cay. Click here for more info.

    Open Dates: (Call for Additional Dates)
    April 28 – May 1, 4 rods, $2,500 per person (pp)
    May 6 – 13, 4 rods, $5,340 pp

    Bair’s, Rickmon, Tranquility & Pesca Maya Complete Renovations

    Bair’s Lodge

    Bair’s Lodge spent January 2013 doing a major lodge renovation and boat restoration. All 6 dolphin skiffs have been reglassed top to bottom, as well as having all the seats and cushions replaced, new hardware, wiring, fuel tanks, lines and filters installed. Also installed were jack plates, so they can run in shallower water, and trim tabs.

    The kitchen has been expanded and remodeled. A sitting area was added adjacent to the bar. The retail shop has been upgraded. There is now a desk with a computer for guest use. The fly tying table and supplies have been upgraded. Bair’s is also in the process of finishing a common bathroom, so guests don’t have to go back to their rooms to use the bathroom. Click here for more info.

    Open Dates: March 24 – 30, 4 rods, $4,395 pp and March 30 – April 3, 8 rods, $3,095 pp

    Rickmon Bonefish Lodge

    Rickmon has upgraded each of their 11 previously double rooms to single occupancy. The new configuration cuts the maximum number of anglers in half. More space and fewer anglers! Great fishing, experienced guides, remote location, and a single room. Click here for more info.

    Open Dates: April 8 – 14, $3,000 pp and May 1 – 8, $3,520 pp and May 24 – 31, $3,520 pp. Single Room / Shared Guide.

    Pesca Maya

    Pesca Maya is in the final stages of a major renovation which will make it among the nicest lodges in the Yucatan and Belize. The centerpiece is the massive, 5,000 sq ft traditional, ocean front Mayan “Palapa”, which houses the kitchen, dining area, bar and lounge, the fly shop and a well stocked fly tying area. The kitchen will open next week and the palapa will be completed March 15. Click here for more info.

    Open Dates: April 14 – 20, $3,065 pp and April 27 – May 4, $3,575 pp and May 11 – 18, $3,575 pp. New Palapa Special: Take 20% off the rates listed for each of these openings.

    Tranquility Hill

    Tranquility Hill has upgraded and “resized” the lodge. The new configuration reduced the number of rooms to 5 spacious double rooms, each with 2 double beds, and 3 slightly smaller single rooms with double beds. Each room has a new couch/sitting area with 32 inch flat screen TV, small refrigerator, coffee maker and new quiet AC units. Also added is a brand new “Cottage” with 2 double bedrooms, common sitting area and kitchenette, for groups of 4 anglers. Outside is a new rod rack/ washing station with a rigging area. Click here for more info.

    Single Room Deal

    Tranquility Hill is also offering single rooms at a bargain price plus a free trip with a 12-pound Bone!
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    Open Dates: (Call for Additional Dates)
    March 16 – 23, $2,995 pp
    April 6 – 13, $2,995 pp
    May 11 – 18, $2,995 pp
    • Single Rooms (no sleepless nights with your snoring buddies)
    • 7-nights / 6-days fishing is $2,995 per person
    • 4-night / 3-day rate is $1,665 per person
    • Free return trip if you catch a 12-pound bonefish on the fly

    Available exclusively through Angler Adventures for 2013.

    Bahamas · Belize · Venezuela · Mexico · Seychelles · St. Brandons

    Abaco Lodge, Bahamas

    March 22 – 27, 2 rods, $3,825 pp
    April 6 – 13, 7 rods, $5,150 pp

    Grey’s Point Inn, Bahamas

    April 3 – 10, 6 rods, $3,250 pp
    April 27 – May 1, 4 rods, $3,250 pp

    Farquhar, Seychelles

    April 13 – 20, 3 rods, $7,500 pp
    May 4 – 11, 4 rods, $7,500 pp

    Sight Cast, Los Roques, Venezuela

    April 1 – 6, $3,290 pp
    May 11 – 18, $4,250 pp

    Mars Bay Lodge, South Andros

    April 13 – 20, 2 rods, $3,650 pp
    April 26 – May 3, $3,650 pp – Exclusive use with 6 rods

    Pleasant Bay Lodge, South Andros

    March 9 – 16, 4 rods, $3,300 pp
    April 18 – 25, 4 rods, $3,300 pp
    May 1 – 5, 4 rods, $1,650 pp

    St. Brandon’s, Mauritius

    April 20 – 29, 2 or 4 rods, 6,700 Euro pp – Permit Tides!
    May 13 – 22, 2 rods, 6,700 Euro pp

    Turneffe Flats Resort, Belize

    March 16 – 23, $2,849.33 pp (with 2 anglers)

    This is only a partial listing of available dates. Call or email for additional space or deals.

    Space availability subject to change (call for updates). The dates & prices published are per person and based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily. Please call for more information.

    Hosted Trip to Grey’s Point Inn, Acklins

    Join Doug Schlink of Angler Adventures and John Frazier of Fly Fishing in Saltwater magazine at Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn, May 4 – 11, 6 rods available, $3,250 pp.

    New & Improved “What to Bring List”

    What you bring on a fishing trip is almost as important as where you go. Look for our newsletter on tackle, flies, leaders, and techniques for fishing the flats, coming to your inbox in early March.