Tag: fly fishing

  • Why Every Angler Should Carry Crab Flies when Bonefishing

    Why Every Angler Should Carry Crab Flies when Bonefishing

    As anglers, we’re always analyzing our environment while fishing. One of the most consistent observations, especially when sight fishing for saltwater game fish, is just how many crabs you encounter. Whether you’re wading the flats for striped bass in the Northeast, exploring the hard sand flats in the Bahamas, or casting over coral and turtle grass in Belize, crabs are a crucial part of the food chain. Even in far-flung destinations like the Seychelles, their presence is immediately evident.

    Why Crab Flies Belong in Your Box

    Chip Bates from Angler Adventures recently added a section on crab flies to our Bahamas What to Bring list, emphasizing their effectiveness for targeting large bonefish. Based on his experience, carrying at least a few crab patterns—if not an entire box—is a smart strategy for any bonefisherman. Here’s why:

    • Bigger bonefish prefer a larger meal. They often seek out high-protein prey like crabs, making a well-presented crab fly irresistible.
    • Crabs fight back. Since real crabs often pinch fish when being eaten, bonefish are more likely to strike multiple times, even if they initially feel the hook.
    • Crab flies are versatile. If you stumble upon a permit, you won’t need to swap flies—crab patterns work well for both species.

    Top Crab Fly Patterns for Bonefish

    With today’s variety of crab fly patterns, selecting the right ones can be overwhelming. While some are timeless classics and others introduce new innovations, tan, light brown, and white are the go-to colors across the board. Here are some of our top picks:

    • Del Brown Merkin
    • Raghead Crab
    • McKnight’s Crimp
    • Alflexo Crab
    • Kung Fu Crab
    • Greg’s Flats Fly
    • Pop’s Bonefish Bitter
    • Camo Crab
    • EP Crab

    Final Thoughts

    Crabs are an essential part of the bonefish diet, and having the right fly can mean the difference between a good day and a great one. If you’re heading to the Bahamas, Belize, Seychelles, or any other bonefish-rich waters, make sure your fly box is stocked with a selection of crab patterns.

    Related Destinations

    • Bahamas

      Bahamas

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

      INFO & RATES >

    • Seychelles

      Seychelles

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

      INFO & RATES >

    • Belize

      Belize

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

      INFO & RATES >

    Related Articles

  • 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…

      INFO & RATES >

    • 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.…

      INFO & RATES >

    • 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…

      INFO & RATES >

    • 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 >

  • Arroyo Claro Presentation

    Jorge Graziosi was the guest speaker at a luncheon held September 9th, 2009 at the Anglers’ Club of New York, 101 Broad Street. Other invited guests included three representatives of Angler Adventures; owner Chip Bates, Travel Manager Judy Hall, and Webmaster Evan Peterson.

    Jorge Graziosi has been guiding in Patagonia, Argentina since 1968. In 1999 he built and opened Arroyo Claro Lodge, located in the beautiful Carrileufu River Valley, a 3-hour drive south of Bariloche and 3-hours from the Chilean border. Jorge may be the only outfitter offering guests the opportunity to fish both Argentina and Chile. Arroyo Claro Lodge will host an Anglers’ Club outing January 23-30, 2010. Arrangements for the Anglers’ Club Argentina trip are being handled by Angler Adventures. Click here for more information on Arroyo Claro Lodge or contact Chip Bates at Angler Adventures: (800) 628-1447 or Chip@angleradventures.com.

    We hope you enjoy Jorge Graziosi’s slide show presentation to the Anglers’ Club, below.  If you would like the slide show to auto-play, please click on the menu in the lower left hand corner and select auto-play.  Click here to read Angler Adventures September 2009  Newsletter.

    [slideshare id=2000761&doc=jorgesacnypresentation-090915104447-phpapp01]

  • 2 for the Price of 1

    2-for-1-deals-from-Angler-Adventures

    Angler Adventures has negotiated several value packed “2 for the price of 1” deals at some of our premier lodges. For more information, please click on the lodge name, or call us at 800-628-1447 (860-434-9624).

     

    Paloma-River-Lodge

    • Spectacular, remote setting.
    • 6 person capacity.
    • Rainbows and big Browns.
    • Normal weekly price $3,250 per person, double occupancy / shared guide.
    • Angler Adventures’ Special for November 2009: $1,625 per person double occupancy / shared guide.

     

    Lodge-Name-Test

    • Excellent Bonefishing with good chances at Permit.
    • Access to Gorda Cay and Mores Island.
    • Price Reduction for 2010.
    • Normal weekly price $2,820 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
    • Angler Adventures’ Special through February 2010: $1,813 per person double occupancy / shared guide.

     

    Turneffe-Island-Resort

    • Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon.
    • 30-miles off the coast of Belize.
    • Only 6 spots currently available: 2 – November 7 – 14, 2009 & 4 – November 21 – 28, 2009.
    • Normal weekly price $3,902.58 per person, double occupancy / shared guide.
    • Angler Adventures’ Special: $2,573.09 per person double occupancy / shared guide.

     

    Abaco-Lodge

    • Direct access to Bonefishing in the Marls.
    • Nice Accommodations and Gourmet Meals.
    • Great location for non-anglers.
    • Normal weekly price $6,800 per couple double occupancy / shared guide.
    • Angler Adventures’ Special, February 1st – March 15th, 2010: $4,250 per couple double occupancy / shared guide.

     

    Acklins-Island-Lodge

    • Extensive Hard Sand Flats.
    • Wade fisherman’s paradise.
    • Comfortable cottage style accommodations.
    • Normal weekly price $3,085 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
    • Angler Adventures’ Special for bookings confirmed before January 1, 2010: $1,962.50 per person double occupancy / shared guide.

     

    Nomads-of-the-Seas

    • Experience Chilean Patagonia in luxury.
    • Unparalleled level of Service.
    • Access to typically inaccessible fertile fishing grounds.
    • Normal weekly price $17,850 per person double occupancy / shared guide.
    • Angler Adventures’ Special: $8,925 per person double occupancy / shared guide.

    These discounts are offered to new reservations only and do not apply to existing reservations, nor date changes to existing reservations.  Discounts for alternate times, or other lodges may be available. If the above offerings aren’t exactly what you’re looking for call us at 1-800-628-1447; and we’ll find you the best possible deal!

    800-628-1447 / 860-434-9624
    Fax: 860-434-8605
    Email: info@angleradventures.com
    PO Box 872, Old Lyme, CT 06371
    Website:www.www.angleradventures.com

  • Estancia del Zorro Chile Fishing Report

    Estancia del Zorro Fishing Report

    Great Trout Fishing in Chile

     

    Hi Chip

    Hope that you are all doing great there in Connecticut.   A small report on what is going on at the Estancia, to wet your appetite.

    Last week the fishing at the ranch was outstanding to say the least. Our guests caught very nice trout on the Pedregoso Creek, the Coyhaique River and of Course on the Zorro Spring Creek.

    The Pedregoso was particularly productive there we have been averaging 50 trout per guest a day (between 12 and 19 inches).

    At the Zorro Creek they caught an overage of 15 trout per day, they were from 16 to 24 inches. (all in dry flies, since they did not want to use nymphs).

    We are starting to see some pretty good hatches in the afternoon (may flies and caddis); we expect that the fishing in the next weeks will keep getting better and better.

    Now we have a group from New York and Pennsylvania, they are here for the second time and were having a blast in the Pedregoso today.

    For more information, call (800-628-1447 / 860-434-9624) or email Chip Bates (chip@angleradventures.com) at Angler Adventures. 

    Big Browns from the Estancia del Zorro Spring Creek

  • Fly Fishing in Chile – Big Flies and Big Browns

    Fly Fishing in Chile is known for big brown trout taking big surface flies.  This is especially true in the Coyhaique area of Southern Patagonia.  Typically anglers thinking about Chile imagine the splashy rises of trout taking 2” – 3” imitations of Cantaria Beetle, the largest beetle in Chile.  This season offers something new, potentially a once in a lifetime opportunity.  The Quila Bamboo in the Paloma River Valley is seeding – an event that happens about every 15 years (estimated to take 60 years for the bloom to return to the same area).  This “bloom” creates an explosion in the mouse population due to the abundance of food (Quila Seeds).  This acute rise in rodent populations is a well-known phenomenon in South America, which has been scientifically documented since 1552. 

    Nice Brown from Cinco Rios Chile

    Cinco Rios Chile is already exploiting the situation and catching large browns on mouse imitations, however owner Sebastian Galilea expects the fishing to peak in late February / early March when the rodent population is at its peak and the supply of Quila seeds has declined.  Anyone who has fished the Arolik for Rainbows or Labrador for Brookies can testify to the voracious strikes on mice when skated over fish from an opposing bank or overhanging branch.  The Paloma River, the Magote, the Rio Simpson, the Boca de Leon, and the Elizadle all have visible increases in the rodent populations and are proving productive when fished with a mouse imitation.

    Cinco Rios$3,675 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide

    January 1 – 15 – 4 anglers

    January 15 – 22 – 2 anglers

    January 22 – 29 – 6 anglers

    January 29 – February 19 – 2 anglers

    February 26 – March 5 – 6 anglers

    Paloma River Lodge – $3,250.00 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide

    January 1 – February 12 – 8 anglers

    February 12 – March 12 – 4 anglers

    The Largest of Chile's 7 beetle species
    Cantaria Beetle of Southern Chile

      Estancia del Zorro – $3,675 US per person based on double occupancy & two anglers per guide

    While Cinco Rios’ sister lodge may not get to experience the boom in mice, the estancia is home to the famously productive Zorro spring creek.  These are the last spots available for the 2010 – 2011 season:

    February 19 – 26, 2011 – 2 rods

    February 26 – March 5, 2011 – 6 rods

    March 5 – 12, 2011 – 2 rods
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     Angler Adventures 800-628-1447 – 860-434-9624
    Fax 860-434-8605
    E-Mail:Info@angleradventures.com
    PO Box 872, Old Lyme, CT 06371
    web site: www.www.angleradventures.com
  • Belize Special Rates

    We’ve put up a couple of report type posts on the fishing around Turneffe Atoll this week.  Since Belize is a great summer fishing destination and there are some great special fishing rates at 5 of the best fishing operations in Belize, we thought we’d get those special rates all posted in one place. Click on the links below to visit each destinations web page or call (800-628-1447) / email (info@angleradventures.com) for more information or to confirm your reservation.

    Permit Belize Style - Photo Credit: Turneffe Flats
    You can do this and get a discount!

     Turneffe Flats Resort – June 25 – December 24, 2011
     
    The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $2,859.72 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide.  The regular rate is $3,384 per person.

    Turneffe Island Resort – May 28 – December 16, 2011

    The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $2,587.50 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide.  The regular rate is $2,868.75 per person.

    Belize River Lodge – July 24 – December 18, 2011 (limited space available)

    The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $2,412 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide.  The regular rate is $3,668 per person.

    El Pescador – June 1 – December 15, 2011

    The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $2,595 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide.  The regular rate is $3,474 per person.

    Tarpon Caye Lodge – March 1 – July 31, 2011

    The cost for 7-nights/6-days fishing is $1,999 per person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide.  The regular rate is $2,890 per person.

  • Andros South Reduces Their Rates

    Long time favorite bonefishing lodge, Andros South, has just added another incentive to take a bonefishing trip this fall.  For October, November and December, Andros South reduced their 7-night/6-day fishing package rate from $3,950 per person to $3,250 per person, a savings of $700 per person.

    The $3,250 rate includes 7 nights having your own room, 6 days fishing south Andros Island with 2 anglers guide, all meals and drinks (including beer, wine, and liquor), round-trip transportation to Andros South from the South Andros airport, loaner fishing equipment (if needed), Global Rescue enrollment, and Bahamian room tax.

    Tailing Bones and Image Courtasy of Andros South
    And you get your own room!

    There is currently space in the following weeks (please call or email to confirm that space is still available).

    October 22 – 29, 2011

    November 5 – 12 & 19 – 16, 2011

    December 3 – 10 & 10 – 17, 2011

     Not what you’re looking for?  Check out our other bonefishing lodges in the Bahamas.

  • Trout Fishing New Zealand

    The Compleat Angler and Angler Adventures present “An Evening with Eve Reilly”.  Eve has been the manager of the legendary Poronui Ranch for 18 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 presentation and 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 Monday, June 27th, 2011 at the Compleat Angler’s new location, 537 Post Road, Darien, CT, 7:00 PM

    We will have some nice raffle prizes, as well as offering anyone at the presentation who books a minimum 4-night/3-day fishing package November 1st – December 15th, 2011 at Poronui will get a FREE helicopter fly out during their stay! 

    For friends of Poronui and Angler Adventures, this is a great opportunity to catch up, talk fishing, and maybe win a raffle prize.  Call or email The Compleat Angler or Angler Adventures to reserve a spot, seating is limited.

    Angler Adventures: 800-628-1447; 860-434-9624; Judy@angleradventures.com      

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

    Typical Trout Fishing at Poronui Ranch
    Beautiful Water

  • Why Bonefish are Special

    We think bonefish are special too.  Here’s why Dick Brown thinks so:

    “Why bones are special—The bonefish is the nearest thing there is to a perfect gamefish for fly-fishing anglers. A voracious predator, it readily (but warily) takes flies. It accelerates faster and sprints farther than any other fish you take on light tackle. It fights more doggedly than most fish twice its size.

    This performance alone would qualify the bonefish as one of the world’s top fly-fishing targets. But what makes this silver phantom of the tropics the ultimate quarry in fly fishing is that you must see it—sometimes from 80 feet away—before you can even cast to it. You stalk it like a predator. You track it down, take your aim, and cast with precision. You must make no mistakes. The ruthless, primitive survival instincts of this skittish creature leave no room for error.”

    Reprinted from Fly Fishing for Bonefish, New and Revised by Dick Brown, (copyright 2008). Published by Lyons Press an imprint of Globe Pequot Press, Guilford, CT

    It's special, let it go!
    Isn't that special?

  • Traveling with Fishing Tackle

    As a travel agency specializing in international fishing travel, we’re regularly asked how to travel with fishing tackle.  We recommend 100% of the time that traveling anglers pack expensive reels and flies in their carry on luggage to avoid them being delayed, lost or stolen while in route to your fishing destination.  Also, despite not fitting into the airline usual “carry on requirements”, most airlines are allowing small cases of 3, 4 or 5 piece fly rods as carry-ons, as long as they fit in the overhead compartment (please check with your individual airline for their specific policies).  Metal objects (such as pliers, scissors, snips, pocket knives, screwdrivers, etc) that could be considered dangerous, should be packed in your checked luggage to avoid delays and possible confiscation at security checkpoints. 

    The Travel Security Administration (TSA), the governmental body providing the manpower and regulations at our airports security checkpoints allow specialty fishing gear (like reels and flies) to be packed in check luggage.  We recommend that anyone traveling with fishing tackle visit the TSA website and carry a printed copy of the document entitled: “Traveling with Special Items – Hunting and Fishing” with their carry luggage / E-Tickets.

    Also, we recommend investigating a fishing equipment specific carry on bag, like the Fishpond Dakota Carry On Rod & Reel Case

  • The Vulcan Grilse Grip

    For those of you planning an Atlantic salmon trip this summer, here’s a tip from Doug Schlink you might enjoy. 

    Adult, mutli-sea-winter (MSW) Atlantic salmon fish can be captured by hand tailing.  This is accomplished by wrapping your hand and around the “wrist” of their tail (known as the caudal peduncle), just in front of the tail fin, much as you would grasp your own left wrist with your right hand just in front of your hand.   The tail fin on an MSW fish has developed stiff exterior rays, and prevents the fish from slipping through.  

    Atlantic salmon that have only spent one winter at sea before returning to the river to spawn are known as grilse.  Grilse are smaller, usually from 20 – 24 inches in length, and have not yet developed this stiffness in the tail fin’s exterior rays.  A sure way to tell a big grilse from a small salmon is to check the development of the tail fin exterior rays.  If they are stiff, and don’t collapse when you try to squeeze them together, it’s a salmon.  But if they collapse, it’s a grilse. 

    Doug Schlink with nice looking MSW Atlantic
    Not a Grilse

    Because of this lack of development in the exterior caudal fin rays of a grilse, if you try to “tail” a grilse with this conventional method, the tail fin collapses and he’ll squirt right out of your grasp!

    But if your guide is not handy with the net when you’re about to land your grilse, you still can hand tail him using the technique I call the “Vulcan Grilse Grip”.    Make a “V” or a “peace sign” by extending your index and middle finger of your dominant hand.  With thumb extended, slide this “V” so one finger is on the top and the other along the bottom of the caudal peduncle.  Now quickly wrap the thumb around and close the rest of your hand as if you’re trying to make a fist.  You should now have a firm grasp on the fish!  I’m not sure why this works, but it does. 

    A word of caution, never lift a salmon or a grilse you plan to release clear out of the water by the tail.  This can cause internal damage.  Please use hand tailing only as a means of securing the salmon in the water so you can remove the fly and properly release into the current.  If you want to lift a salmon for a photo, use your other hand to gently support the body of the fish, and lift no more than a few inches from the water and for no more than a few seconds. 

    Many thanks to angling great Larry Solomon, co-author of the classic “The Caddis and the Angler”, for showing me this technique over 20 years ago on the Nepisiguit River. 

  • Tanzania Tigerfishing

    Tanzania offers one of the finest fisheries left on the planet – Tigerfishing on the Mnyera and Ruhudji Rivers.  This is the place if you’re looking to catch a big Tigerfish on the fly.  The season runs from August to November (15 weeks) each year, with a maximum of 8 rods per week (4 rods per river). 

    The early part of the season is good for big fish with less numbers and late season in better for more fish with a decrease in average size. Early season the water levels are higher and guests can expect to hook around 10 fish per day.  During the later part of the season, water levels are lower and warmer, and this attract more small male fish into the system from floodplains downstream, accounting for the increase in smaller fish in the system.  During this time, clients will expect to hook up to 20 or so fish per day.

    The strikes are violent and when a Tigerfish hits your fly, she’s moving at top speed.  Due to the voracity, strength, and size of these fish, a 50% hook up to landed fish ratio is considered doing well.  Tigersfish will actually hold the fly in their jaws for an entire fight, unhooked, only to open their mouth at the boat and spit the fly.  Similar to Tarpon fishing, it’s all about the take, the acrobatic jumps, and the fight. 

    The past 2 seasons on the Mnyera and Ruhudji were superb: 578 fish landed between 10 and 20 lbs and 31 fish breaking the magical 20lb mark.  To put this in perspective, a trophy Tigerfish from any other river would be 12 pounds.  On the Mnyera and Ruhudji, the average fish is between 8 – 12 lbs. 

    The cost for 7-nights / 6-days fishing is USD $6,750 per person person based on double occupancy accommodations and a shared boat / guide daily.

     

    20 lb Tigerfish? I’d be smiling too!

  • 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.

  • Swap That Snow Shovel for a Fly Rod! Come to Mauritius, Bahamas, or Mexico with Angler Adventures

    Swap That Snow Shovel for a Fly Rod! Come to Mauritius, Bahamas, or Mexico with Angler Adventures

    If you don’t have a winter getaway planned, there’s still time and plenty of space (click here for a complete listing of available dates at 19 of our best lodges).

    Mauritius – US Dollar Rules, Save $1,500

    St. Brandon’s is one of the most remote, exotic bonefish destinations on the planet. Now is a great time to tick St. Brandon’s off your bucket list – The exchange rate for US Dollars to Euros is the lowest in well over a year (1.17 on January 16, 2015). This is akin to a $1,500 per person discount. The cost of a 9-night / 6.5 day fishing dream trip is 7,100 Euro’s pp, approx US$8,037.
    April 27 – May 6, 3 rods
    May 8 – 17, 8 rods
    May 27 – June 5, 2 rods
    September 26 – October 5, 4 rods
    October 7 – 16, 2 rods

    Click here for more information on St. Brandon’s Atoll, Mauritius.

    Bahamas – Save $700

    Delphi Lodge on Abaco is a spectacular ocean front property with access to the famous Marls of Abaco, which remains the most prolific bonefishing in the Bahamas. Book anytime April 1-11 and get a $100 per night, per person discount. That’s $700 off per person for the week! Or, book in June and take off $1000 per week. Click here for more on Delphi, including rates.

    Don’t forget about other destinations priced in local currency: Iceland, New Zealand & Canada.

    Mexico – Free Rod & Reel

    Book a trip to Pesca Maya Lodge on Mexico’s stunning Yucatan Peninsula and get a free fly rod and reel! Booking 7 nights/6 days at $3,848 per person, double, or 6 nights/5 days at $3,305 per person, double, gets you a free Templefork BVK 9 foot 8 weight fly rod and a TFO 375 large arbor reel, a $660 value! Booking 5 nights/4 days at $2,762 or 4 nights/3 days at $2,219 gets you the BVK rod, a $310 value. We’ve got the dates you want. For details contact Doug Schlink: doug@angleradventures.com 860-434-9624 or 800-628-1447. Click here for more on Pesca Maya.


    Abaco Island – Abaco Lodge | Blackfly Lodge | Delphi Club | Pete & Gay’s | Rickmon Bonefish Lodge | Acklins Island – Grey’s Point Inn | Andros – Andros Island Bonefish Club | Andros South | Bair’s Lodge | Flamingo Cay | Kamalame Cay | Mangrove Cay | Mars Bay Bonefish Lodge | North Andros Fly Fishing | Pleasant Bay Bonefish Lodge | Stafford Creek Lodge | Tranquility Hill | Crooked & Long Islands – Cape Santa Maria | Crooked Island Lodge | Grand Bahama – Deep Water Cay | East End Lodge | H2O Bonefishing | Grand Bahama Bonefishing | North Riding Point Club | Water Cay Lodge

  • Angler Adventures Client Lands Grand Daddy: 60 Pound Permit Caught

    Angler Adventures Client Lands Grand Daddy: 60 Pound Permit Caught

    Angler Adventures client Bob Cosgriff landed this massive permit while fishing at Grey’s Point Inn on Acklins Island with head guide, Garon Williamson. Bob sent us the story of how he caught and landed this fish of a life time. Click or Tap here to read Bob’s account.

    Related Links


    Photo Credit: Barry Kanavy – www.naturalanglers.com

  • Argentina Has It All: Monster Rainbows, Epic Dry Fly Fishing, Sea Run Browns

    Argentina Has It All: Monster Rainbows, Epic Dry Fly Fishing, Sea Run Browns

    Chubut River Float

    Best Deal in Argentina! Incredible dry fly fishing, spectacular scenery, truly remote fishing.
    Cost: $3,200 per angler with 4 people. Save $1,350 per person!
    $3,500 per angler with 2 people
    3-nights /3-days camping plus 4-nights / 3-days fishing rivers closer to Arroyo Claro Lodge, Cholila Argentina.

    Best times Jan – March.

    Prime Space in Tierra del Fuego

    Kau Tapen Lodge on the Rio Grande, the most famous sea-run trout river in the world, home to 5 of 7 IGFA records.
    28+ pound fish caught annually
    20 pound fish released weekly
    15 pound fish released daily.

    Dates: Jan 14 – 21, 4 rods
    Cost: $9,550 per person

    Largest Private Fishing Ranch in Patagonia

    Tecka Lodge is unique. 90 miles of private water. Two Rivers. Two Lodges.

    Best dates Jan 7 – 28

    Cost: $5,600 per angler, 7-nights / 6-days
    $950 per angler per day for shorter stays

    Best Week for Big Browns

    Comfortable accommodations. Expert Guiding. Includes Collon Cura and Limay Rivers. Proven week for big resident trout. Fly Fishing Andes has broken the code!
    Dates: Feb 18 – March 25

    Cost: $6,090 per person, 7-nights / 6-days. Longer packages available.

    Dragonfly Bonanza

    This is a hatch like no other. Big Browns and Rainbows looking up! Rio Manso Lodge is the ideal location for couples, non-fishing activities too. Best time Dec 18 – Jan 7. Take the family.
    Cost: $4,750 per person fishing. $3,100 per person non-fishing

    Fly Fishing Andes also appeals to couples, staying at the exquisite Tipiliuke.

    Chrome Rainbows over 20 pounds!

    Estancia Laguna Verde Lodge isn’t easy to get to, but what do you except from a fishery that produces monster after monster rainbows. This trip deserves to be on your bucket list. Good Fishing Nov – April.

    Cost: $5,200 per person, 7-nights / 6-days fishing
    $3,100 per person, 4-nights / 3-days fishing


    Arroyo Claro offers combination trips Argentina & Chile. We also work with Benjamin Beale of El Encuentro Fly Fishing in the Esquel area, Las Pampas Lodge in the Rio Pico area, and Challuaquin Lodge on the Rio Grande in Trevelin.

    Click or tap here for Limay River Lodge.

    Aerolineas Argentinas flights as low as $1,050 from New York – Bariloche, round-trip!

    See the listings below for more available space.

    Estancia Laguna Verde

    November 12 – 19, 2016, 4 rods. Great week on Lago Strobel, AKA Jurassic Lake. Spring Run in the Barrancoso River. Primetime on Moro Spring Creek and the Chain Lakes. Normally sold out!

    December 10 – 17, 2016, 2 rods. Late-Spring conditions. Some of the longest days of the year. Check out the trailer that was filmed the same week.

    January 2 – 9, 2017, 2 rods. Prime Time Summer fishing. Excellent sight fishing on Strobel Lake and the Barrancoso River.

    April 1 – 8, 2017, 4 rods. Fall run on the Barrancoso River. Best time to target big fish in Strobel Lake’s only tributary.

    Kau Tapen Lodge

    January 7 – 14, 8 rods
    January 14 – 21, 4 rods
    February 11 -18, 1 rod
    February 26 – March 4, 2 rods
    March 11 – 18, 10 rods
    March 25 – April 1, 8 rods

    Villa Maria 

    January 6 – 13, 5 rods
    March 10 – 17, 4 rods
    March 17 – 24, 4 rods
    March 24 – 31, 6 rods

    Call for information on special early season extended trips!