HOLLOWCORE BRAID

 

On my recent trip to Columbia, I spooled my Daiwa 8000H Dogfight with 100 lbs. Diamond hollow core braid.  This was my first experience using hollow core.  I found it to be much better than solid braid.  The main advantages of hollow core is 2 spools can be spliced together using an appropriate size threading needle. 

So, no more leftover short spools like when using solid braid.  With the use of a threading needle your fluorocarbon or mono leader can run through the hollow core making a knotless connection which produces smoother casts.  The diameter of hollow core is generally smaller than solid braid thus allowing for more line capacity.  A disadvantage is hollow core costs more, but with the splicing capability it is cheaper in the long run.  So, next time your spooling your reel give hollow core a consideration.  

BAHIA SOLANO, COLUMBIA MAY 28 TO JUNE 5, 2025

 "IT DOES NOT MATTER IF YOU MUST FLY, WALK, SWIM, SAIL, OR DRIVE.  JUST GO AND SEE THE WORLD."

Fishing topwater with poppers or stickbaits can become very addictive.  They are nothing better than seeing a top water explosion on your lure by a monster fish.  I have been extremely fortunate to wet a line for Giant Trevally, Dogtooth Tuna, YellowFin Tuna, and other species which destroy poppers.

Good friend, Javi Koller, of Fishing Travel based in Buenos Aires asked if I could join him and his 7 friends for 5 days of YellowFin Tuna fishing out of Bahia Solano.  We would fly out of Medellin to Bahia Solano then take a boat to Hotel Yubarta.  Here, Javi has hired 2 boat captains who own extremely nice fishing boats.

We had 2 exceptionally fantastic fishing days.  One morning, guide Elvis, motored about 3 hours into the Pacific to reach dolphins.  Here, casting poppers resulted in constant hook ups on 60 to 90 lbs YellowFins.  They are extremely strong and some of the best eating species on earth.  For the day our boat of 4 kept 10 tuna and lost numerous others due to bent hooks, breakage of leaders, or just simply the tuna won!  

During rough seas we fished inshore for snappers, jack crevalle, smaller tuna, bonito, and tried for sailfish.  One morning, Elvis, spotted numerous large patches of orange colored fish.

  We immediately casted poppers into the school and hooked up into giant Mullet snappers and an occasional cubera snapper.  The action was non-stop often resulting in the 5 of us (Javi joined the group) hooking up at the same time.  The action continued throughout the morning. Our arms and shoulders were so tired we decided to take a rest for lunch and pull into a nearby island.  After lunch, the action again was nonstop.  I believe we broke the all tackle record numerous times, and I weighed one at 53 lbs. and it was not the largest for the day.  I lost count after 35 snappers being landed.

The following day we motored back to this area, but the snappers were gone.  In all my great days of fishing, this is near the top.  The action was unbelievable!  If a snapper missed your popper another attacked it.  Once I reeled in as fast as possible only to be followed by at least 10 huge snappers.

The Hotel Yubarta was wonderful.  It consists of 6 bungalows each with 2 private rooms, private bath, and A/C. Laundry is done each day.  There is a separate dining building where meals such as tuna steaks, pork steaks, other fish species, and of course lots of sushi.  Breakfast was at 6am and ordered as you liked consisting of eggs and bacon, omelets, fruit bowls, and ham and cheese sandwiches.  Lunches were provided on the boat.  All soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and some liquors are provided in the package.  We stayed at the Hotel Acqua Medellin on the way in and took Moon Charters to Bahia Solano.  The package included 5 days of guided fishing (we paid $200 USD each for an extra day), accommodations in Medellin on way in, accommodations and meals at the Hotel Yubarta, the charter on Moon Airlines to and from Bahia Solano, all drinks on the boat and hotel, and use of all fishing tackle.  So, the trip exceeded my expectations, and I already booked for 2026.  I highly recommend getting in touch with Javi Koller of Travel Fishing as you will pay a fraction of what US agents charge for the same trip.  

Acme Tackle, Little Cleo

 Acme Tackle purchased the Moonshine Company in late 2023.  The moonshine casting spoon in 5/8 oz in glow bloody nose coloration has caught hundreds of monster rainbow trout in Argentina exceeding 15 lbs.  However, the 5/8 oz model is no longer in stock due to tariffs on China.

Thus, I have been going crazy buying up all the 5/8 oz moonshine casting spoons I can find.  Acme does make a 3/4 oz little cleo in glow bloody nose coloration.  The little cleo has been around for over 70 years.  It has a humpbacked shape compared to the moonshine.  Will try out the little cleo this coming September for monster Argentina rainbows.  Hopefully it produces 20+ lbs trophies.  

MOONSHINE CASTING SPOON FOR GIANT RAINBOW TROUT

 

The moonshine casting spoon in the 5/8 oz size is my "to go" lure for giant rainbows at Lago Strobel.  During the end of the season month of May, the rainbows often get pushed out to deep water making fly casting extremely difficult.  Moonshine lures are painted with super glow paint making them light up a dark room.  My favorite colors are glow bloody nose and orange hunk. 

I replace the treble hook with either a strong 3/0 or 4/0 Siwash  single hook.  I also add a split ring opposite the hook end.  The retrieves are slow as the water temps are frigid during the end of the season.  The Moonshine company got sold to the Acme Tackle Company.

  It appears that the 5 /8 oz casting spoon is no longer in stock due to tariffs on China.

So, check the internet and purchase as many as possible before they are all gone.  

Jurassic Lake Lodge, Patagonia

 

On my recent fishing trip to Jurassic Lake Lodge, I experienced the best dining I ever had in all my years of travel.  Chef, Rodrigo, could get a position as head chef in the world's finest restaurants. 

We dined on beef, pasta, lamb, and pork.  His desserts were simply delicious. 

Rodrigo would tell the clients before each meal what was served. After leaving the lodge for El Calafate, I spoke to lodge owner, Carlos Casanello.  I told Charlie he must not lose chef Rodrigo!!

REDINGTON SONIC-PRO HDZ WADER

 

On my recent trip to Jurassic Lake Lodge located on Lago Strobel in Patagonia, I used the Redington Sonic-Pro HDZ wader.  Lago Strobel has caused waders to fail in the past so was very anxious to see how these would preform.  These waders have a 4-layer breathable DWR coated HD fabric.  It has zippered hand warmer pockets with fleece lining to get some relief from the harsh Lago Strobel environment.  Best of all it comes with a TIZIP waterproof zipper.  Plus, 4MM neoprene booties.  The waders exceeded expectations.  They were extremely warm and easy to put on and off. The zip functioned perfectly.  Probably the best waders I have owned.  So, consider these on your next purchase.  They run a tad large on their sizing.  

Jurassic Lake Lodge, Lago Strobel Argentina

 

Jurassic Lake Lodge is without a doubt, the best rainbow trout fishery on earth.  I have wet a line at this amazing fishery at least 15 times,visiting every September and April.  I along with 2 friends traveled to Jurassic on April 26 to May 3.  This is the end of the season when the huge chrome rainbows are in abundance.  The chromes are fantastic battles compared to spawning rainbows. 

Normally at this time of the season the monsters are out far from shore so long casts are needed.  There was a huge flood in January which drastically changed the course of the Barancoso River.  The mouth has been relocated about 75 yards to the right from last season. The "aquarium" pool has been washed away making it a pile of rocks. However, the fishing was outstanding. 

We landed numerous huge rainbows.  I landed a freak which was so wide that it would not fit in the guides net.

  The weather was warmer than normal with winds reaching 70 mph.  The lodge has expanded the main building making it very comfortable for clients after fishing.  End of April and beginning of May is the best time for huge chromes if you can put up with cold, windy weather.  Consider this when making arrangements to catch huge rainbows.

A DATE WITH A SHEE(FISH)

Sheefish have been on my wish list for many years.  They are only found in the far north and are often called "tarpon of the north".  A friend went to Kotzebue, Alaska last year seeking monster Dolly Varden.  When asking his pilot about sheefish possibilities, Lewis Pagel of www.arcticfishingadventures.com was a must.  So, I along with 3 friends booked a trip March 25 to 28.  We flew out of Chicago to Anchorage then to Kotzebue.  Upon arrival, Lew picked us up and drove us to his "second" house. 

The facilities were like being in a 5-star hotel.  Lew figured we would not want to fish in the afternoon since the temps dropped to a (-) 28F.  Lew soon realized we were a different breed of fishermen and told him we want to go.  The ice tents were not available, so we rouged in out sitting on chairs on the ice.  1 was tough as we only managed 1 bite.  Lew said not to worry as the conditions looked great the new few days.  All of us brought along Jason Mitchell elite Mac ice rods in heavy and extra heavy action.  Most anglers use a Native Alaskan sheefish rod called a Niksik which is made of carved wood, caribou antler, or whale bone.  The few days the bite was on.  Lew is sold on less wind makes for better fishing and lots of current is the key. 

We jigged in about 25 feet using various colorations of Doctor Spoons.  Lew prepared a few filets and sheefish is delicious.  My 3 friends took home about 50 lbs of filets each.   
Lew provides guided fishing with all equipment.  These include snowmobiles, sleds, ice shacks, heaters, power augers, chairs, and more.  He even provided your fishing license, processing of fish, fileted, vacuum sealed, frozen, and boxed to take home on the plane.  In all this trip far exceeded our expectations.  Lew is not only a great guide but fantastic host.  He even bought a few cases of Pabst Blue Ribbon for us, Midwest guys. 

The meals were fantastic, and Lew even prepared some musk ox for us.  I highly recommend this trip and have already booked for next year.  

PAPUA NEW GUINEA/ MILNE BAY/ MISIMA AREA/ ROCK EXPEDITIONS/ DEC 2024

 

Had the opportunity to once again fish with Luke Wyrsta, of Rock Expeditions along with 8 others in the remote Misima Area in Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.  Our main target were popping for Giant Trevally and jigging for dogtooth tuna.  The fishing was above average as numerous Giant Trevally up to 80 lbs were landed and dogtooth pushing the scales over 100 lbs.  The highlight of the trip for me came on the first day when I landed a monster brown marbled grouper on a skipjack popper pushing the scales over 100 lbs.  I have landed many marbled groupers in the past but much smaller and on jigs.

We landed numerous species during our expedition including Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Bigeye Travally, Red Bass, Coral Trout, Green Jobfish, Rusty Jobfish, African Pompano, Barracuda, Napoleon Wrasse, Unicorn Fish, Dogtooth Tuna, Shark, Mackerel, and Emperor Snapper to name a few.  One afternoon while jigging in the "Dogpound" my friend and I landed 22 huge Rusty Jobfish and Dogtooth Tuna.  We both lost giant Dogtooth Tuna due to either having the hook pull or having the assist leader getting bite through.  

During midweek we moved camp.  Rock Expeditions is like sleeping under the stars where no footprints are found.  We can move camp in a few minutes which is an added bonus over fixed lodge camps.   

One afternoon Luke had a strange feeling on his line after an attack.  Turns out that 2 fish we hooked on his stickbait one of which was the prized Napoleon Wrasse.  The Wrasse has been a dream fish and has eluded me in all the years fishing for Giant Trevally.  Hopefully my dream comes true next season.  

In all the trip was great.  Luke surprised us by serving ribeyes and tomahawk steaks.  We had two young mates from Australia who were seasoned spear fisherman.  They caught lobsters each day for us to dine on.  Dogtooth tuna makes great jerky which was enjoyed by all.  

So, if you want to get away from the crowds and visit land where time has forgotten book an expedition to Papua New Guinea with Rock Expeditions and all of your dreams might come true!