Over a year ago, I was invited to give my Fly Fishing and Traveling Patagonia presentation, at the Portsmouth, New Hampshire library. As usual, prior to the presentation, I had no idea whom, and how many people would show up. If I recall correctly, I had about 30 people in the audience. One of the attendee’s was Frank Clarkson. As it turns out, Frank's wife saw an advertisement in the local paper and she suggested he attend the presentation. Fast-forward twelve months after the presentation; I received a call from Frank…he wanted to meet in person and discuss, what else, but fishing Patagonia.
Fortunately for both of us, Frank only lives 15 minutes from my house. So, due to our proximity, we had the chance to meet face-to-face. We met on two or three occasions and I soon discovered that Frank was taking a 4-month sabbatical from work. Speaking of work, Frank is the pastor and the Universalist Unitarian Church, in Haverhill, MA. Prior to becoming a pastor, Frank was a successful, self-employed commercial photographer. I also discovered that his daughter recently graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy; however, she was not a member of our fly fishing club (I am the club advisor; and Frank's daughter graduated #1 in her class = too busy for fishing). Well, upon our last meeting, I was delighted to learn that Frank's fishing plans changed from one week, to three weeks. I asked him why. He explained, "after listening to your presentation at the library, then doing my own research, and finally meeting with you; I do believe you are right...to even begin to 'feel' Patagonia, an angler needs a minimum of two weeks...so, I have four months off, why not add another week.” I like how Frank thinks. With all this in mind, I began to plan a three week Argentina and Chile travel and fly fishing adventure program.
Three weeks! How does one plan for a three week Patagonia fly fishing and traveling adventure? Lucky for me, in the year 1999, and for twelve months, I hiked and fished from Tierra del Fuego to Columbia. My point? From JunÃn de los Andes to Futaleufu/La Junta Chile, and all points/waters in between, I know this area like the back of my hand. So, if you ever want to experience the real Patagonia, which means combining Argentina and Chile, please feel free to talk to me about our adventure travel programs. Better yet, see Frank’s pictures, testimonial and even feel free to contact him. http://firstcastflyfishing.blogspot.com.ar/p/raves.html
Week #2: Walking-Wading Argentina Patagonia
If you have read my blog and my post's, you obviously understand that I am a true DIY walk-wade type of angler. In other words, if given the choice, I would rather walk and fish all day long, rather than fish from a drift boat. But, for those who wish to fish Patagonia, I highly recommend doing both. By combining walk-wade and floating, you get the full Patagonia experience. Enough said; enjoy Francisco's walk-wade experience, in/around Junin de los Andes.
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| 40 Miles of some of the best walk-wade waters in the world! |
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| Secret formula for a good day in Patagonia = We leave at 6am. We walk. We watch the sunrise. We fish. |
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| We are not climbing Mt. Everest, but a slow steady walk, up to 1.0 or 2.0 hours. We put you in wild, un-touched waters. |
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| Hatches in Patagonia? Not as common as you think, but there are certain spots on the river that consistently produce hatches. |
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| No BS = Caught on the 1st cast. |
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| No BS = Caught on the 2nd Cast. |
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| This fellow was puking Pancora Crabs. |
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| Walk-Watch-Hunt-Wait-Cast... |
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| Way to finish strong, Francisco! |
Final Word
Keeping your feet on the ground, or I should say in the water, is one way to fish Patagonia. We don't think it is the only way, but for some strange reason, we love it and we highly recommend it. If you like to cast/blast from a boat, we won't turn you away. But, if you still have some life left in those legs, we can take you to some very-very special places...places that no drift boat experience will ever compare!
We believe your time spent in Patagonia should be 100% dedicated to meeting your personal fishing needs. In other words, we'll put you in the best fishing spots that meet your style of fishing; and, we'll put you in the best lodging that meets your budget. So, if you are looking to create your own DIY walk-wade and float trips, or the combination of both, or travel to Chile, please feel free to contact us. Lastly, please feel free to read testimonials from previous clients at
www.firstcastflyfishing.blogspot.com.ar/p/raves.html
Many Thanks...Gone Fishing,
Mark
PS. Our business is 100% organic, and by referral (we focus on fishing). If you like us, please feel free to share and post comments. FYI, you can find us on Facebook.
