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.