2022 IN REVIEW

 

2022 finally opened the doors for international travel due to the past covid lockdowns.  Many lodges already were booked full as clients had credits once the travel restrictions were lifted.  In January, I again returned to my home away from home, Argentina.  Here I would fish at La Zona for golden dorado for 2 weeks before heading south to the Patagonia region where Jurassic Lake Lodge sits.  I visited the towns of El Calafate

and El Chalten during my visit.  I once again toured Glacier National Park which should be on everyone's dream list!  The fishing at La Zona was spectacular in extremely low water conditions.  Friend, Etan Zimmet caught the potential IGFA all tackle record at 56 lbs.  Many monster dorado over 50 lbs. were landed during our stay.  Jurassic Lake Lodge is without a doubt the best rainbow trout fishery on earth!  The end of April is the last week of Jurassic season and the big rainbows come out to play.  20 lbs. rainbows are caught everyday here.  I have become a big fan of flyfishing which is extremely easy at Jurassic except when the winds are blowing in excess of 70 mph!!!

Once again, my July trip to Russia to the Tugar River in search of giant Taimen was postponed due to the war.  Hopefully peace comes soon, and Russia will again allow sportsmen to enter their vast country.  In August, my brother, Bill, and I went for bull redfish with Capt. Keith Kennedy out of Venice, LA.  The fishing is normally good, and Capt. Keith knows where the fish are biting.  Many good bulls were landed by Bill and me. 

Toward the end of September, I again visited Argentina for a few weeks.  I fished at La Zona and Jurassic.  September is the opening at Jurassic Lake Lodge, aka Lago Strobel.  The rivers are chocked full of spawning rainbows.  It is extremely difficult to describe on paper the abundance of rainbows here.  A few dorado over 50 lbs. and some rainbows pushing the scales over 20 lbs were landed.  Toward the end of October, I took at dream trip to the Seychelles in search of giant dogtooth tuna and other saltwater species.  Seychelles is located off the coast of Tanzania and offers once in a lifetime fishing.  I fished with YF Specialists. We stayed on a luxury yacht and went out around 100 miles offshore.  We were suppose to go further but had motor issues.  However, we able to land numerous dogtooth.  I had a great time casting poppers to Yellowfin Tuna.

After Thanksgiving, I went back for the 5th time to Papua New Guinea under the guidance of Rock Expeditions.  This is an extremely long flight through Brisbane, Australia then to Port Moresby, PNG. 

We then take a small plane to the Island of Misima to begin our adventure with Rock Expeditions.  During the trip I landed the dogtooth tuna of my dreams along with my personal best Giant Trevally.  I love the fishing, scenery, and people of Papua New Guinea and plan on returning year after year.  

2023 should again be an exciting season with trips planned to Argentina, Papua New Guinea, Louisianna, Panama, and possibly Finland.  I have been blessed with the opportunity to have good health and the finances to go on these adventures.  

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!  May everyone and their families have good health and prosperity in 2023!!

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

 

Papua New Guinea is located off the Northeast corner of Australia.  Here, a metropolis of fishing opportunities is endless for the adventure angler.  In PNG, there are thousands of waters both inland and offshore which have never seen a lure.  Anglers can fly into Port Moresby which is accessible from many international destinations to start their adventure.  Australia angler, Luke Wyrsta, had fished all the top Giant Trevally destinations worldwide.

  On a visit to Papua New Guinea, Luke saw the amazing potential PNG offered to adventurous sportsmen.  In 2013, Luke formed Rock Expeditions, which would offer anglers the opportunity to land huge Giant Trevally and other species while experiencing the PNG outdoors!  Luke would negotiate with local island tribes in the Louisiade Archipelago to provide accommodations to visiting anglers. 

So, locals would financially benefit with many hired as cooks, guides, etc. and clients would experience the most authentic trip offered on earth!  The goal would be to only leave footprints, to leave the island grounds as found. Luke's trips are not for everyone.  If high end meals are on your list, this is not the trip for you.  Expect lots of fish and noodles.  However, if beautiful untouched scenery, fantastic fishing, and having the opportunity to visit and stay with locals then this is the trip.  Fixed base camps offer fishing near the lodge.  I do not prefer houseboat trips as found them to be uncomfortable, hot, and expensive.  Camp base trips such as those offered by Rock Expeditions offer the ability to "pack up and move" within hours.  Most trips have been starting out of Misima.  The base camp on is Bouchy Island about a 1 1/2 hr boat ride.  The fishing here is normally outstanding. 

However, if new fishing area is on the list there are hundreds if not thousands of islands within a 6 hr. boat ride to move camp to.  We did this on my recent trip.  The locals have been outstanding with housing construction and more or less taking care of everything.  It is amazing to wake up in the middle of the night and look up at the millions of stars.  In the summer of 2023, the plans are in the works for an exploratory trip near the Fly River in search for PNG bass opportunities.  So, if triple digit Giant Trevally and Dogtooth tuna are on your wish list along with an outdoor experience, look no further than Rock Expeditions which I can highly recommend as being one the greatest experiences I have experienced in my fishing years!!

Seychelles

 

During the beginning of November, I had the opportunity to fish the Seychelles.  The Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off of East Africa.  I flew into Mahe from Abu Dhabi on Ethiad Airlines.  The fishing trip would concentrate on jigging for giant dogtooth tuna. 

I fished with Yachting Fishing Specialists (YFS).  Our adventure would be aboard the Michelle Rose which is a huge Catamaran.  We fished and slept off the Michelle Rose which I found very comfortable.  We ventured out into the Indian Ocean roughly 85 miles constantly moving destinations in the afternoon and night.  The six fishermen on board were international veterans living in the United States, France, Denmark, and Africa. 

We speed jigged in depths up to 100 meters.  Numerous dogtooth tuna were landed by all with a huge 160lbs brute being the largest.  An abundance of jobfish, trevally, grouper, and other species were landed by all.  A few times we spotted Yellowfin Tuna busting the surface so we casted large poppers and were rewarded with drag burning runs.  Freshly caught Yellowfin Tuna is hard to beat on the table, simply delicious! During the trip, I landed 2 huge sharks.  Also, I landed a huge ray which I had to give the rod to another as my arms could no longer handle the battle

.  Our Captain was Basil Larue and our guide was Guillaume Benoit both of whom know the waters around the Seychelles well.  In all the trip was a huge success.  This was my first adventure to the Seychelles.  I hope to return in the future possibly battling the huge Giant Trevally which were highly spoke of by both Basil and Guillaume. 

 

EL CHALTEN, ARGENTINA

 

During each visit to Argentina, I try to spend at least a week visiting friends and exploring the Country.  During my recent fishing trip to Jurassic Lake Lodge, I spent a few days in El Calafate.  While there, I took a boat tour in Los Glaciers National Park and took a bus tour to the town of El Chalten.  El Chalten is a couple of hours from El Calafate. 

It is located in the Santa Cruz Province and is known as "National Capitol of Trekking".  It is the gateway to trails surrounding the peaks of Cerro Torre & Mount Fitz Roy.  There are roughly 350 residents in El Chalten and more hotels than one can count.  During the tour I hiked up a trail to the top and was rewarded with a fantastic view of the City. 

Next year, I hope to stay a few days in El Chalten and hike the vast trails which surround the mountain peaks.

LA ZONA ARGENTINA OCTOBER 7 TO 10

 

October is the beginning of Spring in the Southern Hemisphere.  One never knows whether water levels will be high or low or know whether the outside temperatures will be cold so lots of factors will determine catch rates.  Argentina has become my home away from home.  On this special trip, I will be in my 2nd home for over a month fishing at Jurassic Lake Lodge down South then fishing at La Zona up North.  I always spend time at the Grand King Hotel which is located in Buenos Aires's City Center.  Here i have the opportunity to visit old friends and seek out new restaurant. La Zona is a special place for me.  I have had the opportunity to fish there every year since the opening except the covid years. This October we were met with low, cold water conditions. 

Guides Alejandro and Elbio said the fishing is good with gold spoons casted near huge boulders will be the ticket for trophy golden dorado. 

The guides were right on.  For the trip our group of 4 landed 19 dorado exceeding 30 pounds.  Of the 19, 10 pushed the boga past the 40 pound mark with the largest weighing in at 48 pounds.  Generation by the Salto Grande Dam is the key as it sets off a dinner bell for the big dorado.  We experienced a few hours of generation each day.  At LaZona Lodge, Chef Santiago, went way out of his way packing a few pounds on all of us. 

Also was great to see old friends Giuliana and Hector Brabandini who are the lodge owners.  Friends Jorge and Mateo from Concordia also made a visit.  If your after a trophy golden dorado, LaZona Lodge is the place where are the records are set.  The lodge boasts the best guides and chef on the Uruguay River.  Anxious to return for another visit to my 2nd home next April!  Already counting the days!!!

JURASSIC LAKE LODGE SEPTEMBER 2022

 

Wow! Wow! Wow! I took friend, Nick, to the mouth of the Barrancoso River and that is all he could say.  The river was stacked full of giant rainbow trout pushing their way up the Barrancoso to complete their spawning.  Our group of 9 arrived at Jurassic Lake Lodge on September 17.  Many in the group have casted a fly into Lago Strobel numerous times.  Strobel sits in the Santa Cruz Province about a 6 hrs drive from El Calafate. 

This is definitely rainbow trout heaven!! During our stay we had a day or 2 of little wind which is unheard of for Strobel.  Winds averaging 40 to 50mph are the norm here and the rainbows love it.  During our stay balanced leech and mop flies were on fire!! Jurassic Lake Lodge sits about a 5 minute walk from the rivermouth of the Barranoso which is the only river feeding the lake.  The Bay of Pigs and the Aquarium Pool are also top beats within walking distance. 

For the stay, 7 rainbows over 20 lbs were landed with 23lbs topping the charts.  They were more rainbows between 15 to 20lbs then we could count.  The temperatures were cold in the mornings warming up in the afternoon.  We encountered a little snow on the drive from El Calafate. The Jurassic Lake Guides are tremendous.  A few in the group were new to fly fishing and within a few hours under the guides teachings they were casting like experienced fly casters.  In all another great trip to Jurassic.  Anxious to return end of April to battle the giant "chromers" and visit old friends!!

THE LARGEST CHINOOK SALMON IN THE WORLD

 With the drastic demise of Alaska giant King (Chinook) salmon, many of us wondered if we missed the opportunity of landing the King of our dreams. In recent years, the Kenai River in Alaska was the place to land a huge trophy.  Currently, the all tackle record sits at 97 lb 4 oz by Les Anderson out of the Kenai.  However, due to unknown reasons the fishery has not produced these monster Kings recently.

About a year ago, a good friend from Argentina told me of gigantic Kings being landed on the Caterina River.  Rio Caterina sits in the Los Glaciares National Park in the Santa Cruz Providence.  The river is crystal clear, little to no fishing pressure, and breath taking scenery.  My friend informed me that numerous Kings in the 70 to 80 lbs range are landed with a few pushing the scales OVER 100 LBS!!!  Guests stay at the exclusive Estancia Cristina which is a luxurious ranch in the National Park with sole access via boat navigating the north branch of Lake Argentino and the Cristina Channel.  Rumors are there is a very limited time to get into this magical fishery.  The season lasts January through March.  Only 6 rods are booked per stay.  So if a triple digit Chinook Salmon is on your wish list, the Cristina River in Argentina might be your final opportunity.  For more information, contact

Carlos at carlos@jurassiclake.com

Llew at scllewellyne@gmail.com

VENICE REDFISH AUGUST 9 TO 11 2022

 Bull redfish have become an annual desired species among the guidance of Captain Keith Kennedy of BORN TO FISH CHARTERS.  Captain offers all exclusive trips including lodging, meals, and all tackle.  Fly to New Orleans and rent a car for the 90 minute drive to Venice.  On August 8, my brother Bill and I flew to New Orleans for 4 days of fishing bull reds.  The bite was reported to be slow the past few weeks due to large amounts of rain and cooler than normal water temperatures.  We fished plastics such as Havoc Sickfish and Storm Seeker Shads behind Blabbermouth popping corks.  The bite was tough the first 1 1/2 days with a few hours lost motoring into the reeds to wait out thunderstorms.  Keith motored to Redfish Bay and we were greeted with numerous bull reds.  The follow day we again motored back to Redfish Bay, dodged thunderstorms, but caught some good bulls.  Our last day, Friday, was met by an all day thunderstorm so we decided to cancel.  In all the numbers were down but Capt. Keith still managed to put us on some big reds.  I am convinced with a few days of hot, calm days the bite will be on.  Venice offers world class fishing at a fraction it costs for International trips.  Book now as Keith has a few openings in prime weeks.  

A Trip for the RECORD BOOKS

 Fishing for muskies can be darn right frustrating.  Thousands of anglers make thousands of casts without hooking into a musky.  The fish has a cult like following and is very addictive.  Muskies are one of largest predators in North America reaching weights over 50 lbs and lengths around 55 inches.  They have been known to attack practically everything that swims..ducks, rodents, and even swimmers.  

Friend and avid angler, Larry Walker, recently had a trip for the record books.  In 2 1/2 days fishing with guide, Nolan Sprengeler, on Minnesota's Leech Lake, Larry landed an unheard of 22 muskies.  All were released to battle another day.  The largest was a monster measuring 52.25 inches.  I have never heard of these amazing quantity of trophy muskies being landed in such a short time let alone a lifetime!  Congratulaions Larry!!!

LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK/ ARGENTINA

 

On April 28, 2022 while staying in El Calafate, Argentina on my way to a week long fishing trip at Jurassic Lake Lodge, I booked a trip to visit Los Glaciares National Park.   The National Park is about a 2 hour drive from Calafate.  I was picked up by bus at the Hostel Calafate around 6am.  The tour would be by ship and last about 9 hours motoring up to the many glaciers in the park.  Los Glaciares covers the region known as Andes Australes of the Argentine Territory.  It was created in 1937 to preserve this vast region dominated by glaciers.  It is a huge tourist attraction and brings in much revenue to Argentina.  The National Park includes a scenario of mountains, lakes, and forests, and a large portion of the Andes Mountains covered with ice and snow to the West and the arid Patagonian steppe to the East.

The numerous glaciers are fed by the massive South Patagonian Ice field, the largest ice field in the Southern Hemisphere after Antarctica.  It feeds 47 large glaciers of which 13 decent toward the Atlantic Sea. 

The scenery is breathtaking.  I took over a hundred photos and probably could have taken over a thousand.  Luckily I saw some of the glaciers calf where massive sheets of glacier ice fall off into the lake. Blue tint icebergs were seen floating in the lake.  We docked for lunch for about an ice at a Port on the lake which has a cafe.  We then boarded after lunch and continued our journey until we docked around 5pm.

There are numerous options on the Glacier Tours.  Puerto Moreno is the most famous glacier, trips to El Chalten, The Total Glacier Tour, and others are available.  I really liked the Total Glacier tour.  Will be heading back to El Calafate this September and for sure another glacier tour is on my list.  

EL CALAFATE, ARGENTINA

 Going on fishing adventures which travel the world, I have the pleasure of visiting many cities.  El Calafate is about a 3 hour flight from Buenos Aires.  It is a small town near the edge of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in the Argentine Provence of Santa Cruz.  It has a population of around 6000+ and is the "Gateway to Los Glaciares National Park" and is situated on the Southern border of Lake Argentino. 

Normally, I like to extend my stay in these cities a few days to gather in the sites and culture.  In Calafate, I stayed at the Hostel Calafate which is about 4 blocks from the main street.  The main street has numerous stores which sell tours to the Glaciers.  There are 5 star***** restuarants specializing in Argentina lamb and beef and The Patagonia Brewing Company where one can quench their thirst on numerous beers.  

About a 5 minute walk from the Hostel Calafate, the Humedal Calafaterio, the Calafate Wetlands reside.  Here, thousands of pink flamingos and other waterfowl can be observed.  During the winter season (June, July, and August) the Wetlands freeze which make for a great local ice skating rink.  

So, on your next adventure make sure to visit some of the local towns.  

JURASSIC LAKE LODGE/ LAGO STROBEL/ ARGENTINA/ APRIL 30 TO MAY 7, 2022

 Once again I had to opportunity to fish giant rainbow trout at Jurassic Lake Lodge.  Jurassic Lake Lodge sits in a rugged valley where the Rio Barrancose flows into Lago Strobel.  The lodge boasts of large comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and gourmet dining.  The lodge sits about a 5 minute walk from the mouth of the Barrancose and other beats which all hold massive rainbows.  

I have fished Jurassic numerous times but always in September/ October when the season begins and the peak spawning activity occurs.  Lodge owner, Carlos Casanello, always suggested I try the end of April when numerous monster chrome rainbows can be landed.  This year I came with some old friends and a few new friends.  Was great to once again meet up with old friends Llew and Julian at the lodge.

 

The fishing was simply outstanding especially near the river mouth.  The average rainbow during our stay pushed the scales to around 14 lbs and a few up to 23 lbs were landed during the week.  The hurricane level winds Jurassic is known for did not disappoint.  When the winds are howling, the rainbows go wild feeding on scuds and midges and everything else which is blown in.  The weather was warmer than I expected pushing into the upper 40F.  

Top flies during the stay were the balanced leech under a striking indicator.  Some of the guys in the group even had good success with mice flies in the river.  

Due to no predators in the lake other than large rainbows, the average size seems to get larger each season.  I cannot wait to wet a line in Lago Strobel again this coming September where one can literally walk on top of thousands of monster rainbows.  

La Zona/ Dorado/ March 25 to 28, 2022

 Friends Greg Thompson, Ron Elbers, and two of their friends had the opportunity to fish on the Uruguay River for monster dorado out of  La Zona Lodge during March 25 to 28.  The water levels in La Zona have been exceeding low for a long period of time.  When the group arrived the levels were about 1 meter, but fishing was good casting poppers, local JAG lures, and Papa Doctor spoons.The levels stayed low for the first few days but numerous huge dorado exceeding 40 lbs were landed.  The third day, The Salto Grande Dam started putting their turbines in high gear and the water rose to about 6 meters.  This is perfect conditions for deep diving lures and Kermett Adams spinnerbaits.  Dorado often go on a feeding frenzy when the water is rising with lots of current.  Numerous lures were destroyed and rods broken. 

The water decreased at night and went back up to around 6 meters the last day making for a fabulous trip.  In total the group landed 23 trophy dorado between 40 to 50 lbs!!!  What a trip!!!  So on your next trip to La Zona be prepared for various water levels. 

Bring a few spoons, poppers, Super Shad Raps, Rapala cd18 and Rapala cd22,  Yo-Zuri hydro Magnums, and a few Kermett Admas Spinnerbaits with lots of extra skirts which is cover all depths.  Hopefully the levels continue to drop at night and rise during the day.  Have friends arriving tomorrow at La Zona and following 2 weeks then I make a return appearance.  Cannot wait to go back to great Freshwater Dorado Fishery on Earth, La Zona Lodge!!!

NEW TACKLE STORE IN BUENOS AIRES/ FLY SHOP

 

During my last trip to Argentina, I spent a few nights in Buenos Aires.  During any International Fishing Trip, I try my best to visit local tackle shops to see what local tackle is not available in the United States.  Long time friend, Adrian De Brito, recently opened the Pesca del Plata Tackle Store, www. pescadelplata.empretienda.com.ar.   The store is located on Ex Combatients Juan Sanchez 420 San Fernando-Pcia.de Bs.As.   Adrian has a wide variety of Rapala lures which are not available in the USA such as the metal bill Super Shad Rap, and different colors of Super Shad Raps not available here. Pesca del Plata also has a wide selection of quality Shimano reels and rods, outboard motors and boats, and top of the line camping equipment.  Adrian guides on the Rio La Plata in his free time so can give good advice on local fishing.  He saved the day for me while fishing La Zona for dorado as I was running out of spoons after the first session.  Adrian contacted his supplier and was able to get me numerous No. 6 Wemp spoons in gold coloration which were perfect at La Zona.  

Also during my stay I was able to meet up with long time friend, Nicholas Rosas who operates the Aventura Fly Shop, www.aventuraflyshop.com.ar. 

The Fly Shop is located at Av. Fondo de la Legua 425 Local 13 Boulogne.  Nico has a wide variety of flies, rods, reels, and line.  Plus, Nico is a avid angler often fishing at Rio Lodge on the Parana so can give priceless advice on fly tackle and conventional tackle.  

So, during your next visit to Buenos Aires, make sure to stop by the Pesca del Plata Tackle Store and the Aventura Fly Shop.  You can talk fishing and even make new longtime friends.  Make sure you tell Adrian and Nico that Bob Daly says "hi".