Argentina

LOCATION OF ARGENTINA: Argentina is located in the Southern part of South America and, thus, in the Southern hemisphere. Its’ frontier with Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia & Chile has a perimeter of 29,038 Km. The coast, on the Atlantic Ocean, is 5,117 Km long.

COUNTRY SIZE: Argentina has an area of almost 3.8 million square kilometers, of which, 2.8 are on the continent & the remainder, in the Antarctic. Its length of 3,800 Km goes from latitude 22º to 55º.

POPULATION: The current population of Argentina is estimated to be some 36 million, almost half live in the Federal Capital and the province of Buenos Aires. These figures give the country a population density of 12.9 inhabitants per square kilometer.

THE NAME ARGENTINA: Argentina’s name comes from the Latin argentum, which means silver. The origin of the name goes back to the voyages made by the first Spanish conquistadores (conquerors) to the Río de la Plata. The shipwrecked survivors of the expedition mounted by Juan Díaz de Solís discovered Indians in the region who presented them with silver objects. The news about the legendary Sierra del Plata, a mountain rich in silver, reached Spain around 1524. At that time, the Portuguese named the river of Solís, the Silver River or "Río de la Plata." Two years later, the Spanish used the same name. Since 1860, the official name of the country has been the República Argentina (Republic of Argentina).

CAPITAL CITY: Buenos Aires.

ETHNICITY MIX OF PEOPLE: 95% of Argentineans are white and, principally, descendants of Italians & Spaniards. With the massive European immigration, the white & Indian half-castes slowly became diluted. Today, they comprise 4.5% of the population. The pure indigenous population, the Mapuches, Collas, Tobas, Matacos & Chiriguanos, are 0.5% of the population.

RELIGION: There is complete religious freedom in Argentina, although the official religion is Roman Catholic. There are also other religions such as Protestant, Jewish, Moslem, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, etc.

TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: The country has 23 Provinces and is a representative federal & democratic republic. Buenos Aires is the Federal Capital. There are 3 authorities: the Executive, the Legislative, and Judicial. The first, is exercised by the President of the Nation, elected to a term of 4 years. He has ample powers, including the power of approving or vetoing decisions by Congress. The National Congress has 2 chambers. The Chamber of Deputies has 254 directly elected members. The Senate has 72 members elected by provincial jurisdictions, 3 per province & 3 for the Federal Capital. The provinces and the city of Buenos Aires are autonomous and elect their own officials. The Governors & Chief of Government are the ultimate authorities. Argentina’s Constitution dates back to 1853. Nevertheless, it has undergone changes on various occasions. The last time it was changed was in August 1994, when the President of the nation was reelected for an additional term.

HISTORIC DATES: • 25th of May 1810. The First "Gobierno Patrio" or Home Government Assembly was constituted.• 9th of July 1816. Proclamation of Independence by the Provincias Unidas del Río de la Plata.

PRESIDENT: Nestor Kirchner

NATIONAL EMBLEMS: The flag has 3 horizontal stripes: the middle one is white, with a golden sun & the 2 outside ones are sky blue. The national flower is the ceibo. The national stone is the manganese spar or "the rose of the Inca".

GENERAL INFORMATION AND GEOGRAPHY OF ARGENTINA: The fundamental characteristic of Argentina is the enormous contrast between the immense Eastern plains and the imposing mountain range of the Andes to the West. This is the frontier with Chile, and it has the highest peak in the Western hemisphere - the Aconcagua, 6,959 meters high. In its passage from Jujuy to Tierra del Fuego, the range presents marvelous contrasts, from the plateau of the Northwest, to the lake region, and the forests & glaciers of the Patagonian Andes. To the North, Chaco is a forested area which follows the rivers Bermejo, Salado, and Pilcomayo. Between the Paraná & Uruguay, the Mesopotamia of Argentina (the provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes & Misiones) is formed by low hills where pools and marshlands show the ancient courses of these great rivers. Occasionally, there are fissures which provide such spectacular phenomena as the Falls of Iguazú. La Pampa, in the Centre of Argentina, is the largest and best known area of plains. It, primarily, produces agriculture & livestock and includes the provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, the South of Santa Fe, and the Southeast of Córdoba. Its landscape is broken to the South by the small mountains of Tandil & La Ventana. And, to the West, by the Córdoba mountain ranges. To the South, from the Andes to the sea, are the sterile & stony plateau of Patagonia, swept by the wind during most of the year. The Atlantic coast, lined with high cliffs, forms massive indentations like the Valdés Peninsula, with its spectacular & unique colonies of marine animals.

CLIMATE PATTERNS AND SEASONS: Argentina's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. Spring weather begins in October. The warmest summer months are January, February & March. April is considered early Fall (September in our part of the world). November’s average temperature is 50° F. December & January average 61°, and March temperatures return to 50°. Anglers should be prepared for either type of condition. Conditions in Tierra del Fuego are, generally, cooler and can be wet. Anglers should prepare as they would for a trip to Alaska.

LANGUAGE: Spanish is the official language of the Argentine Republic. In Buenos Aires forms of lunfardo are used which is a city slang. Aside from the large hotels in Buenos Aires, few people in Argentina speak English. If you don't speak Spanish and plan to do some travelling on your own, a good Spanish dictionary, phrase book, or pocket translator can be useful.

CURRENCY: The U.S. Dollar is generally accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, hotels & authorized bureaux (airport). There may be difficulties in changing travellers checks outside of Buenos Aires. The official Argentine currency is the Peso. There are notes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 & 100 Pesos. And, coins of 1, 2 & 5 Pesos, and 1, 5, 10, 25 & 50 Centavos.

CREDIT CARDS: The most commonly accepted credit cards are: American Express, VISA, Diners and Master Card.

ELECTRICITY: 220 volts, alternating current. Plugs have 2-rounded prongs. Bring a converter for computers & appliances.

BUSINESS HOURS: Banks & Exchange Bureaux: Mondays to Fridays from 10.00 to 15.00 hours. Business Offices: from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 19.00 hours. Shops & commerce: In the big cities, from 09.00/09.30 to 19.30 hours. Although, in the outskirts & provinces, they tend to close at midday & stay open later in the evening. On Saturdays, the hours are from 08.30/09.00 to 12.30/13.00 hours. Cafés, cake shops & pizzerias are open most of the time except between 02.00 and 06.00 hours. Restaurants: Lunch starts from 13.00. Dinner, from 21.00 hours. Many establishments offer fast menus at all times.

POSTAL RATES: Postal rates in Argentina are equivalent to those in the U.S. and service is reliable. Allow 2 weeks for a letter to arrive to the U.S. Cost for a letter or Postcard to the U.S. is about USD $1.00.

TELEPHONE SERVICE: Public telephones work with cards, which are tokens purchased in kiosks and the offices of the telephone companies, or with legal tender coins. There are call boxes where you can pay in cash (open 24 hrs a day). To call from abroad to Argentina, dial: - the country code which is "54" then, - the area code of the place you want to call. For domestic calls, dial "0" before the area code. For international calls, dial: "00," the country code, and then the city code. Remember, there are reduced tariffs from 22.00 to 08.00 hours. Recently, telephone numbers throughout the country have been modified. The digit, 4, has to be placed before dialing all the numbers. For long distance calls, another digit -which changes according the region- also has to be placed: 1 for the city of Buenos Aires & outskirts, 2 for the Southern part of the country, and 3 for the Northern part of the country. Make calls either collect or, via your telephone credit card. The hotel telephone charges from your room can be 400% of the normal rate.

HEALTH SERVICES: Medical services are good, but may not meet U.S. standards. Hospitals & doctors often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S medical insurance is not always valid outside the U.S. Supplemental insurance that covers overseas medical costs. Provisions for medical evacuation is recommended.

STAYING HEALTHY IN ARGENTINA: In general, there is very little risk of infectious disease in Argentina. In the South, the risk would be equivalent to what it would be for a trip to Colorado. Most people who have problems, pick up something either during their plane flight to Argentina, or in Buenos Aires. Commonly, those who do get sick, often do so on their 3rd day in Argentina. Colds & stomach problems are the most common.

To reduce the risk, use common-sense and follow these basic guidelines:

• Always wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. • Use discretion when eating from open-air stands. • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydrating. • Drink bottled water while in Buenos Aires • Take it easy the first few days. • Take Pepto-Bismol, yogurt, or papaya enzyme tablets throughout your stay. • Ease into local eating and drinking habits.

WATER: It is recommended travelers only drink bottled water while in Argentina. In the South of Argentina, water quality is excellent and, generally, very safe. However, bottled water is recommended and, is available for those who request it.

FOOD IN ARGENTINA: With its vast plains La Pampa, Argentina, is well known for raising & producing exceptional beef. However, with its vast coastline on 2 oceans, The Pacific & Atlantic, Argentina has a wonderful variety of fresh seafood available, in coastal communities. Contrary to what many travelers think, Argentine cuisine is not overly spicy. Roast meats (lamb & beef) "asado" is a traditional Patagonian dish prepared for holidays & festivals over an open fire. Most meals are complimented with fresh, locally grown, fruits & vegetables. Argentina’s wines are among the finest in the world, and all dinners and mid-day suppers at Estancia Carlota or Guer-Aike will be accompanied by one of a variety selected from the country's top vineyards.

WINES AND LIQUORS IN ARGENTINA: Argentina is currently the world’s 5th largest producer of wine. Mendoza, with over 370,000 acres dedicated to viticulture, is the power-house behind Argentina’s colossal industry. Argentine Merlots & Malbecs are world-class.

TAXES AND SERVICE CHARGES: Foreign travelers are exempt from paying the VAT (value added tax) of 21% for certain products & services. At the airport, you can recover the 21% VAT, if you have purchased local products for an amount greater than $200 (per invoice) in the shops, which are members of this plan.

TIME ZONES: During the summer months, Argentina is on the same time as the East coast of the U.S. In winter, it is 2 hours ahead of EST, and 5 hours ahead of PST.

COPING WITH JET LAG: Drink plenty of water and avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine during your flight. Take it easy your first few days in the country.

LUGGAGE: Preferably your bags should be locked. In case of loss (this occurs very rarely in Argentina), report it immediately to your airline representative before leaving the airport. Your lodge representative can help with this & arrange getting your bags out to the lodge. Please pack as light as possible. Soft duffel bags are best. We recommend carrying a travel rod & reel with you on the plane in the unlikely event that your luggage is lost.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO AND FROM ARGENTINA FROM U.S.A. All airlines flying into Argentina arrive at the Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) International Airport of Buenos Aires, 35 Km from the Federal Capital and connected to it by the Teniente General Ricchieri motorway. Remember, upon leaving the country a tax of $ 23.50 must be paid.

IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO ARGENTINA: A Current passport is required with or without visa depending on your nationality. For all U.S. citizens, passports must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the visitor's proposed date of departure. Visas are not required. All visitors must be in possession of a return passage to a country which they have a right of entry. Consult with your nearest Embassy or Consulate. Visitors coming from countries not bordering Argentina are exempt from all taxes on traveling articles and new articles with a value not more than US $300 and are allowed an additional 300 US dollars if they are purchased in the duty free shops within the national territory. No vaccination certificate is required for entry into the country, except for passengers coming from countries where cholera and yellow fever are endemic.

CUSTOMS: Generally, foreign tourists (especially tourists carrying fly rods) are not bothered by customs officials upon entry. You are allowed to bring personal items such as clothing, footwear, toiletries, etc., as well as; any fishing equipment needed during your stay, personal medications, a reasonable amount of alcohol, cigars, cigarettes, film, etc. Expensive camera and video equipment should be declared and you will have to bring it out with you when you leave.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: The companies Manuel Tienda León (Av. Santa Fe 790, Tel. 4315-0489) and San Martín Bus offer a half-hourly bus service between its offices in Buenos Aires and Ezeiza Airport from 04.00 to 21.00 hours. The fare is $ 14/11 and the trip takes 40 minutes. There are also taxis and chauffeur-driven rental cars, between $ 35 and $ 60. City taxi transfers to the airport are expensive and don't usually have the luggage space for all the baggage that groups of anglers carry. Specific information on airport transfers and city hotels will be sent to you.  Remember, there are 2 airports in Buenos Aires, Domestic & International. The domestic airport is about 20 minutes from the downtown area, and the International is about 40 minutes. Domestic airport taxis are about $20-$25.

DOMESTIC TRAVEL IN ARGENTINA: Given the enormous size of the country, air is the ideal form of transport over large distances which can later be combined with overland transport. Buy the Airpass Visit Argentina issued by Aerolíneas Argentinas and Austral Líneas Aéreas in your own country which allows you to travel cheaply in Argentina, or the Mercosur Airpass for Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Domestic flights that operate among the provinces are Aerolíneas Argentinas, Austral, Dinar, LADE, LAER, LAPA, South Winds. and TAN operate among the provinces. Domestic flights & flights to Uruguay, depart from the Jorge Newbery airport, which is to the North of the city beside the Río de la Plata. The cost of the airport tax is from $4 to $12.

 International & Domestic Travel

RECONFIRMING YOUR AIRLINE RESERVATIONS: South American airlines are notorious for over-booking flights by as much as 30%. It is critical that you reconfirm all your flights, both domestic and international, at every interval during the trip. That means when you arrive in Buenos Aires, either reconfirm the day before, or have the concierge do it for you. If you miss that flight there may not be another for two days, so it is very important.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAXES: International: Upon leaving the country of Argentina a tax of $ 23.50 will be collected from each traveler. Domestic: The domestic airport departure tax is from $4 to $12 per traveler.

GRATUITIES: Tipping is a personal decision and should be based on the level of service you received during your stay and your overall satisfaction with your trip. Generally each satisfied guest will leave his guide(s) a total tip of $200 - $350 for the week. Another $50-$75 tip is suggested to be shared between the other lodge staff. You can leave your gratuity with the lodge host who will divide it among the staff accordingly. It is customary to leave 10% in cafeterias and restaurants and to tip doormen, porters,  ushers in cinemas, etc.

TOURING IN BUENOS AIRES: The city tour agent that we recommend is Ruth Wheeler. Her Telephone and FAX Number is: (from the U.S.) 011-5411-4805-7361, locally just dial 4805-7361; E-mail: rwheeler@arnet.com.ar. She can make arrangements for the tango and dinner shows, trips to Iguazu Falls, boat trips for the day on the Parana River Delta, dinner reservations and recommendations, etc.

RESTAURANTS IN BUENOS AIRES: Night life in Buenos Aires begins very late in the evening by gringo standards. Most restaurants don't even begin serving dinner until 9:00 p.m. in the summer. Floor shows usually begin about 10:00 or 11:00 p.m., but there is a mid-day break (siesta).

SHOPPING IN ARGENTINA: Florida Street and Santa Fe Avenue are lined on both sides by a myriad of shops and boutiques. Florida Street is for pedestrians only and has to be experienced, at least once. More luxurious boutiques can be found in the Recoleta neighborhood. Most shops in Buenos Aires are open all day until 7:00 pm on weekdays, 1:00 pm on Saturdays. Many shops are closed on Sundays. Look for Artisan articles such as knives, mate vessels, silver jewelry, (inca rose) fine leather objects (purses, wallets, jackets, belts), carved leather, fur coats, native clothing, wood or rock carvings, clothing and antiques.

SUGGESTED READING ON ARGENTINA & PATAGONIA

• "In Patagonia" - Bruce Chatwin • "The Great Patagonia Express" - Paul Thoroux • "A River for Christmas" - Ernest Schwiebert • "The Uttermost Part of the Earth" - Lucas E. Bridges • "Tierra del Fuego" - Natalie R. Goodall • "The Voyage of the Beagle" - Charles Darwin • South American Handbook

 Sea-run brown Trout, Tackle & Equipment

IMPORTANT - Note: This is a guideline to help anglers assemble a reasonable collection of flies and equipment. It's not necessary they have everything, just a good cross section. Many of the checklists that we send out suggest everything under the sun.

Please remember that the recommendations are merely that, recommendations. You are by no means required to purchase all the equipment listed below. The suggested tackle and clothing is what we have found to work best for most fishing conditions.

*Carry-on luggage restrictions: Each airline has their own specific restrictions on carry-on luggage. Please be sure and contact your airline directly with any questions you may have. No flies are allowed to be carried in your carry-on bag. For more information on baggage restrictions go to the Travel Safety Administration website at: http://www.tsa.dot.gov/public/index.jsp

FLY RODS: The Rio Gallegos is best fished with a 9 or 9 (1/2) foot graphite rod designed to cast a 7, 8, or 9 weight fly line. An 8 weight seems to be the perfect rod. Each angler should have two rods available for the trip. Single-handed fly rods are fine. Two-handed rods are very popular on the Rio Gallegos and are excellent tools for covering the river with both streamers and dry flies.

SINGLE-HANDED RODS: Some rods to consider are: R.L. Winston's BIIX (4-piece), G. Loomis' GLX Travel Fly Rods (4 piece) and Sage's RPLXI 5 or 3-piece or the Sage XP and/or TCR series (4 piece).

DOUBLE-HANDED RODS: When considering a double-handed rod, one must take into account the strong winds that can be encountered on the Rio Gallegos and the size of the average fly you will be casting. With this in mind we suggest 13’ - 15’ in 9, 10, or 11 weight sizes. Sage Traditional Spey Graphite III (4 piece) 9 or 10 wt/14’0" (9140-4), 10 or 11 wt./15’0" (9150-4), European Style Graphite IV (3 piece) 12’-6" 8/9-weight (8126-3) or /14’0" 9/10-weight (9141-4), 15’0"10/11-weight (10150-4). G. Loomis GLX 13’ 8/9-weight, GLX 14’ 8/9-weight, GLX 15’ 10/11-weight.

FLY REELS: Some of these fish are large, occasionally huge, and good size on the average. A high quality, single-action (direct drive) fly reel with rim-control feature is much more important than the rod. The reel should be equipped with a smooth, reliable drag system. Reels should be filled with a minimum of 100 yds. of fresh 20 lb. and high-visibility backing. Reel models to consider might include: Abel Super 8, Tibor "Everglades," Ross Canyon 4 reel or Ross Evolution 3.5 or Galvin Torque #8 or #10 models.

FLY LINES: (SINGLE-HANDED RODS) A floating line can be very useful on Rio Gallegos, preferably a weight-forward, S.A. Windmaster, or Rio Steelhead/Atlantic Taper. The river is fairly shallow by nature, so a long leader and a weighted nymph, or a skated dry fly can be quite effective, particularly on less windy days. Traditional sink-tip fly lines (with 10-15 foot sinking heads) also have a place on the Rio Gallegos, with Type lll and Type lV sink rates most useful. You will also want to bring an intermediate sink-tip (10 - 15 foot) or full tapared intermediate sinking line. For deeper fishing on thed Gallegos, Rio's 24-foot Density Compensated Sink tip in 150 grain weight is a great choice.

FLY LINES: (DOUBLE-HANDED RODS) We believe, it is hard to beat the Rio Windcutter or NEW Mid-Spey Fly Lines both with Rio’s interchangeable tip system. Tips should include a 15’ floater, 15’ Type III - VIII density sink-tip and intermediate tip. In addition anglers should bring a 24’ sinking tip "BIG BOY" in 150 grain weight. Note: Double handed rods shorter than 14-foot it is recommended that you use the Rio Windcutter.

LEADERS & TIPPET: If you are fishing a floating line with sinking fly, your tapered leaders should be in the 9’ to 12’ length. For sinking line fishing, your leaders should be in the 4’ to 7’-6" length. Leaders should be (OX) or (1X). For tippet you should bring fresh spools of 10 lb., 12 lb., 15 lb & 20 lb. We like tippet material made by Umpqua, Rio, Maxima, and Orvis (Super Strong).

FLIES: Sea-run Brown Trout on the Rio Gallegos are much more concerned with presentation than with exact imitations. Streamer fishing occupies the vast majority of the fishing. A selection of a few dozen flies is adequate. When water levels are low and clear, small nymphs, #12 - #8 are the rule. When water levels are up, and clarity of the water off, streamers come into play, use sizes #6 - #4. Bright colored flies (chartreuse) work well in dirty water. Dry flies are always a possibility, especially when the wind is not blowing strongly.

WET FLIES:

• Wooly Buggers! Black, Olive and Purple in sizes 8 - 4 with and without white rubber legs.

• Crystal Buggers: Black, Olive and Purple with and without white rubber legs in sizes 4, and 6.

• Bunny Leeches Black, Olive, Purple, natural and Brown in sizes 4, 6.

• String or Articulated Leeches up to 3" in length: Black, Purple, Olive.

• Maribou Muddlers in Black, Yellow, Olive, and White, size 4.

• Wada’s Revenge 4,6,8.

• General Practitioner in Black, sizes 6 and 4.

• Girdle Bugs in black with white rubber legs in sizes 6, 8 & 4.

• E.M.B. Rubber Legs, size 10

• Traditional Spey Flies.

• Most Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon flies have proven to be highly effective.

• Large "BUGGY" nymphs, size 4’s and 6’s.

• Bitch Creek (olive, black), Yuk Bugs Montana Nymph and other white rubberlegged flies.

• Small Nymphs: sizes 8’s, 10 ‘s & 12’s, Dark Stone, Featherduster, Prince Nymph (beaded & non-beaded), Gold Ribbed Hares Ear, Flash Back P.T., Poxyback Dark Stone, Zug Bugs.

DRY FLIES:

• Larger dries, fished steelhead style, with riffling hitches or skated across the surface like an Atlantic Salmon attractor, can work very well. Most high floaters work well.

• Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, Madame X, Royal Coachman, Humpy in sizes 6, 8,10, 12

• Steelhead Bomber, Waller Waker, Lambroughton Skater, Krystal Walker, Burk’s Hatch Wakers,

• Steelhead Caddis, Burk’s Damp Skater in sizes 6, 8,1 0, 12.

 Tackle & Equipment

CLOTHING & WADING GEAR

Remember, in the Southern hemisphere, the seasons are the opposite those in the Northern hemisphere. The air temperature in Patagonia is not particularly cold, but the wind blows constantly and creates a chill factor that can be uncomfortable. Much of the fishing is done in early morning and late evening hours. Be prepared to dress warmly. Clothing strategies should be based on the "layering system." By using the "layering system," anglers can adapt to whatever Mother Nature dishes out. The following is the formula preferred by the staff at Carlota and Guer Aike Lodges :

1.BASE LAYER: Start off with a (synthetic) type fabric next to your skin. This often is a pair of thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) and they usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition. According to your individual metabolism, pick what is best for you. Synthetic (non-cotton) materials retain little moisture and "wick" moisture away from your skin. This is very important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up.

2.THERMAL LAYER: Your second layer of insulation should match the weather and conditions you are going to be fishing in. Lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions and heavy weight for really frigid conditions. Fleece is an outstanding choice here in either tops and bottoms or overalls. Wool is also a good choice as it stays warm when damp, but dries very slowly.

3.OUTER SHELL (RAINJACKET & WADERS): Your final layer should be a rain jacket and waders.

RAIN JACKET: High quality Gore-Tex® type products are the best. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof and breathable. Rain jackets must be seam sealed, multi layered, of QUALITY construction and from a recognized outdoor clothing company. Simms, North Face, Sequel, and Patagonia all make some fine breathable raingear. Jackets specifically designed for flyrodders are the best. Oiled cotton jackets are another alternative and are comfortable to fish in. Barbour, Hardy, Orvis and Filson are the manufacturers to look into.

Note: Always chose your rain jacket for its ability to ward off rain. Breathability is very important, but is secondary to being 100% waterproof. Buy the best rain jacket you can afford, as it is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can own. Being wet is no fun. NEVER leave the lodge without your rain jacket.

WADING EQUIPMENT: Stocking foot, breathable waders are the only way to go. Neoprene waders are antiquated, do not permit moisture to escape, are heavy and cumbersome and appropriate for sedentary fishing (float tubing) where insulation is the only concern. Gore-Tex® "Breathable" waders have totally revolutionized wading equipment. We have tested breathable waders from Kamchatka to Tierra del Fuego, and they work...and work well! You will experience little or no moisture build-up inside the waders, even after a long hike; they wear like iron, and are comfortable to be in all day. Lastly, Gore-Tex® "Breathable" waders take up a fraction of the space neoprene waders take-up when packed in your duffel bag. All waders should be worn with synthetic fiber underwader wear for maximum comfort, minimum moisture retention, and warmth. For safety we strongly recommend wearing a wading belt at all times.

CLOTHING STRATEGY: By planning your clothing strategies around the layering system, you can easily adjust and adapt to changing temperatures and conditions. These insulating layers can be used in any combination, and not necessarily in the order listed. For instance, you may wish to put your rain jacket directly over your Base Layer on a warm, breezy day. A final thought on clothing. Experienced outdoors people agree on one thing when it comes to dressing for the outdoors - cotton does not work. Cotton garments are nice in the tropics but have no place in the mountains or wet country. When wet, cotton has negative insulating qualities and takes a very long time to dry. Concentrate on synthetic or wool fabrics in all your garments when packing for Patagonia.

SOCKS: Anglers should bring enough socks to alternate on a daily basis. For a week's fishing trip, three pairs should be fine. Do not wear the same socks every day, but alternate, leaving one pair to dry and air while wearing the other set. Wool, polypro or a combination of both are the best choices in sock material. Try on your socks with your waders and wading boots before you leave for your trip to insure that you have plenty of room to move your toes. Being unable to move your toes, and cramping of your feet in your wading boots are the biggest reasons for numb toes and cold feet. We've experienced great success with the disposable air-activated heating pads available at many outdoor stores. Removal from the cellophane wrapper activates them, then simply stick to outside of socks for hours of cozy warmth.

WADING BOOTS: Felt soled wading boots are highly recommended as they offer superior ankle support and are exceptional for hiking to and from waters. Cleats or studs are not needed, and are tough on rafts. A wading staff is not a bad idea.

WOOL OR POLYPROPOLYNE GLOVES: Fingerless gloves are great for cold, rainy days. Neoprene gloves are fine, but retain a lot of water when wet. We have had the best success with synthetic or wool gloves.

FISHING VEST OR TACKLE PACK: For vests we like a high quality product, in either a shorty or standard model. Choose one that has room for a rain jacket or camera in the back If you prefer a tackle pack, take a good look at J.W. Outfitters, Wood River or Patagonia products.

SMALL DAY PACK: This can be an extremely important article to include while packing We like a waterproof, top-loader daypack that can hold extra gear, clothes, flies, camera, snacks, etc. The Patagonia Stormfront Pack is perfect!

FISHING HAT: Look for a hat that is comfortable, relatively waterproof, and that has a good size brim to shade your eyes and face and keep the moisture from fogging your glasses. A dark underbrim is strongly recommended.

POLAROID SUNGLASSES: Fly fishing in Río Gallegos can be a visual experience. Good quality polarized sunglasses are a must. Polarized sunglasses not only let you spot fish more effectively but protect your eyes from the intense sunlight experienced in Patagonia. Action Optics and Hobie make some of the best in the industry. Bring a bandanna or lens cloth to wipe them off and keep them clean.

LINE CLIPPERS, PLIERS, HEMOSTATS, & HOOK FILE: These are essential to any fisherman and should not be left behind.

CAMERA & FILM: Waterproof or splash-proof 35mm pocket cameras are handy. SLR cameras with a good zoom lens (28 - 80) are the best. Choose high speed film, Kodak or Fuji in ASA 200 or 400. If you are going to take your 35mm SLR camera, make sure you have a waterproof case for it. We like the Frost-Pak insulated waterproof bags or a river dry bag, as they pack nearly flat. The best waterproof cases we have found to protect expensive camera equipment are made by Pelican Products, www.pel-ican.com. Don’t forget your flash unit.

FLASHLIGHT: Our favorites include the Tekna-Lites or Magnalites with a lanyard to wear around your neck. Headlamps also work well, freeing your hands. Petzl & Black Diamond make some of the best headlamps on the market.

SUN PROTECTION: The summer weather in Patagonia is generally pleasant, with the average highs in the mid-70's. Though not hot, the ultra-violet rays of the sun in this part of the world are particularly intense. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and frequent use of a strong sun block (SPF 30+) is highly recommended.

CAMP SHOES: After a long day of fishing, it's nice to get out of your waders and slip into a comfortable pair of shoes to wear around the lodge. We suggest moccasins, duck boots, or your favorite tennis shoes -- something really comfortable.

 Helpful Information • Catch & Release

G x G x L

800 = W

G = girth (inches)

L = length (inches)

W = Weight (pounds)

Metric Equivalents

1 inch = 2.54 centimeters

1 yard = .9144 meter

1 mile = 1,609.3 meters or 1.6 Kilometers

1 pound = .454 kilograms

1 acre = .4047 hectare

640 acres (1 square mile) = 259 hectares or 2.59 square kilometers

To convert into Multiply by

Centimeters Inches .394

Meters Yards 1.093

Kilometers Miles .621

Kilograms Pounds .2.205

Fish estimation formula: Girth squared (X) the length (÷) 800 This a widely accepted formula that will give you a fair estimate of your released Sea-run Brown Trout’s weight.

 Catch & Release

GOOD TECHNIQUES HELP REDUCE FISH MORTALITY

MERELY RELEASING a fish which you have caught and landed does not ensure that it will survive. To reduce fish mortality, anglers must handle fish carefully and quickly with approved techniques. Always fish using a barbless fly. This not only makes it easier to release the fish but is a safety precaution for both you and the guide. Use steel hooks so that if the leader must be cut to prevent additional trauma and the hook is left in the fish, It will corrode more quickly than nickel or stainless steel hooks. Whenever possible, we like to have the guides assist you in releasing fish. If one is not available to help you release a fish, please follow these guidelines:

Land the fish as quickly and efficiently as possible; the longer the playing-time, the greater the stress on the fish. If you can, it is best to remove the hook without handling the fish. However, it is often necessary to hold a fish during the hook removal process. Hemostats, or the new "Ketchum Release," should be used to remove the hook. When holding a fish, cradle it gently and horizontally in two hands (size of fish permitting). Turning the fish upside down can often disorient the fish and keep them calm long enough to remove a hook. Keep hands and fingers away from the gills; do not put fingers over the eyes. Do not squeeze the fish in the throat or stomach regions; vital organs can be easily injured.

To photograph the fish, have someone ready with the camera and do it quickly, but KEEP THE FISH IN THE WATER! Never throw a fish back. Grasp it gently and return it carefully into quiet waters deep enough to support it. Revive the fish by pointing its head into the current until it recovers enough to swim out of your hands. (Seeing a fish swim out of your hands might be the moment of C&R’s maximum enjoyment!) Be patient, this may take more than a few minutes. If a fish needs to be revived and the gill plates are not moving, gently hold the fish under water by the tail with one hand and support the underbelly with the other. Face the fish into the current and gently move the fish back and forth. Generally, a few minutes of facing the fish into the current will be enough assistance so that it can swim off on its own.

REMEMBER LIST

__Waterproof Bag for Wading Gear __Waterproof Bag for Laundry

__Rain Jacket __Light Socks

__Heavy Socks __Zip-Lock Oven Bags

__Travel Flashlight __Emergency Telephone Numbers

__Destination Addresses __Maps

__Pocket Knife packed in checked luggage __Bandanna

__Slacks and Pants __Belt

__Shirts __Undershirts, Undershorts

__Under-wader wear __Light pile or fleece pants

__Fishing Hat or stocking cap __Fleece or pile jacket/pullover

__Long-sleeved Shirts __Short-sleeved Shirts

__Fishing Gloves __Pen and Pencil

__Reading Book __Addresses & phone numbers

__Camera, Film, Lens Paper __Batteries

__Sun Screen, SPF 30+ __Lip Balm & hand lotion

__English/Spanish Dictionary __Flask

__Airline Tickets & Itinerary __Valid Passport

__Copy of Passport (packed separately) __Wallet

__Travellers Checks, cash & credit cards __Copy of Traveller Check Numbers

__Fly Rods __Fly Reels

__Spare Spools, Spare Lines __Leaders

__Tippet __Fly boxes

__Dry Flies __Streamers

__Nymphs __Floatant

__Clippers, Pliers, Scissors __Fishing Vest/Tackle Pack

__Day Pack, Tackle Bag __Reel Lubricant

__Hook File or Stone __Knot Tool

__Hemostats __Split Shot

__Polarized Sunglasses __Extra pair of Sunglasses

__Reading Glasses __Waders

__Wading Belt __Wading Boots & gravel guards

__Insect Repellent __Toilet Articles

__Prescription Medications __Aspirin

__Notebook __Playing Cards

__Plastic Garbage Bags __Tape measure

OTHER ITEMS TO REMEMBER