Lago Strobel, Argentina
“The first lodge Lago Strobel, was a long drive, and the final 15km to the lodge was an experience of great views and very rocky, bumpy tracks. Mercedes at the lodge made me feel very welcome and took really good care of me. The food, drink and hospitality were first class. Martin was my guide, and was very helpful, he helped me set up both my rods. He advised me to set up both double handers rather than the single hander since the winds would be averaging 70 kmh. Martin advised me I could buy some flies if I wanted but he would tie on the best flies for the situation, and actually tied the dropper set ups for me, so he was an exceptionally excellent guide. With the wind conditions it was not really possible to fish the side of the lake where most of the fish were, so he took me to parts of the lake that had some protection from the wind. I landed 3 fish per day, lost the same number. The size of the trout were huge, seemed to average about 8lb, but I had some at 14 and 15 lb.”
La Villa Maria Behety, Tierra Del Fuego
“La Villa Maria Behety is the best one I have ever stayed in. Anna and the other staff were absolutely wonderful. The bedrooms were perfect. The lodge had everything, spacious, warm, great wader and boot room where everything was dry again within a few hours, both my double handers rods were taken care of by the guides. The fly tackle shop was excellent, so I was able to get what I needed. My own waders were leaking and they let me borrow a pair of waders free of charge. I brought a book with me to read, but never had time to look at it. Fishing in the morning, then back for a wonderful meal, or even a barbecue on 2 days, having a great chat with the other lodge guests, who were absolutely brilliant, relaxed, sense of humour, great stories, and with useful advice. Then 2 hours sleep, then out fishing from 6.45pm to 11pm, wonderful dinner at midnight, and a chat about the day or life in general and back to sleep at 1.40am… I was just glad to be able to fish such a wonderful place, so catching some sea trout was a bonus, and for the week I had 11 which was perfect for me, 7 of these were over 15 lb including 2 at 18 lb and 2 at 21 lb. The 3 guides were first class, helping with the set ups of the rods, casting tips to handle and use the windy conditions, even giving me flies that would work if I did not have the right one. I learnt a massive amount from them, especially that the wind is your friend when casting a line. I have to write down all the things I learned, so that I can practice a bit before my next trip. Alex was really nice and helpful during the transfers and at the airport, definitely reduces any stress. Many thanks Lorraine for all the organising you did to arrange this wonderful holiday.”
Joe O’s
