My next dream fishing trip finds me back at my favorite destination, La Zona which is on the Uruguay/ Argentina border. Here, monster golden dorado are the target. When planning these trips many factors can come into play. Check out when is the best time to go for consitent results. Do you want to catch lots of fish or do you want a chance at a monster. Do you want to target a particular species or multiple species. Get as many references as possible and give them phone calls. Check out as much information on the net as you can find. Give reliable booking agents such as Steve Yatomi a call for advise. They can answer all the questions above and book the trip for you so you don't have to wire funds internationally. After you book a trip and place a deposit down there is still much preparation to do. Before booking your flight, make sure to check the regulations such as any restrictions on baggage lenth--1 piece rod cases are long, can fishing line be carrier on the plane? I have had a few instances where line filled reels could not be carried and had to be rushed back to checked baggage. You might consider travel insurance which protects you from flight delays, baggage getting lost/delayed, cancelled flights, sickness, deaths, etc.. Before making any trip I get as much information on tackle as I can. This is my favorite part of preparation as I often search the web for recommended lures then hit the tackle stores. I take off all store bought hooks and split rings and replace them with high quality terminal such as Owner hooks and Wolverine Tackle tripled coiled rings. Why invest a small fortune to have your dream fish break low quality tackle. All rods and reels need to be inspected. Make sure all the rod eyes are smooth as you do not want your line to cut on sharp grooves. Make sure all reels are cleaned and greased. Don't want your drag locking up. Before flight day arrives, I take off all hooks from lures and carry as many lures as possible on the planes. Hooks are not allowed as carry ons and normally can be replaced in larger International Cities, whereas quality lures cannot. Pack along a few spare spools on line as it is difficult to find quality line outside the USA. Check to see if any medication is needed. For my trip to Uganda I had to have proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination and had to daily take some malaria pills. Months before your trip make sure your passport is up to date and apply for any Visas you might need for your trip. Again a quality outfitter can take care of this for you. Check out the weather of your fishing destination and do not overpack on clothes. Many of the destinations will provide a type of laundry service. Remember all planes have tight weight restrictions, check on these also before you go. Make a photcopy of your passport and bring it with you, storing it in a different location than you passport just it case it gets lost. Get as many phone numbers and emails of your fishing destination as possible. Should your flights get delayed, cancelled, etc.. you need to let them know ASAP and make other arrangements for pick up. Let family know where you are going, when you are to return and any emergency phone numbers you can provide. Check currency exchange rates before leaving and you will most likely get the best rates at the final airport. Most USA airports charge a high exchange fee so don't exchange money here. However, many locations allow tips, etc to be in US dollars so check on that before you go. Always pack sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, bug spray, etc before heading to destinations which are extremely hot. For first timers heading as you can see lots of homework and preparation is involved in International Trips. I highly recommend an outfitter before you are able to book trips yourself. Normally you will get the same rate from an outfitter as your would booking yourself and save lots of work. Outfitters are normally compensated by the fishing destination owners. I am always availble to give any advice. My email is doradokiller@hotmail.com. As mentioned I truely enjoy not only the fishing, travel, sites, etc.. but enjoy the preparation which goes into these exotic trips!! BEST OF LUCK!!!
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