Fly fishing Bonefish Alaska Argentina Mexico fly fishing permit Tarpon Freshwater DoradoFly fishing trips fly fishing travel fly fishing travel
agent Pescador Solitario is Spanish for Solitary Angler…and the name means everything. We do not like crowds! After saltwater fly-fishing for the last fifteen years, I have dedicated the last seven years to finding the next great “undiscovered” fishing destinations. ? The search began in Central America with great success on the Belize/Mexican border at Costa de Cocos. Bonefish, permit, tarpon, and snook are the primary target. Some of our clients made their eighth trip this year. The flats are user friendly and fishing, in a word, is awesome. ? Then it was off to Alaska, where Painter Creek Lodge provides classic Alaska fly-fishing in an incredibly remote and beautiful setting. King salmon are generally the target of my trips, because this location provides the unusual opportunity to fly-fish for these 20 to 50 pound, sea bright bruisers. All of the five Pacific salmon and artic char are plentiful. The fishing is nothing less than incredible and we are pleased to have a sister relationship with this facility. In addition to hosted trips for Kings, we book throughout the season. Spots fill quickly so call early. ? My friend Marcelo Perez pulled something off I never thought was possible. The Argentine government awarded him the exclusive right to fish a tailwater on the Uruguay River. You have never heard of this area because it has been closed to fishing for years. You also may never have heard of a fresh-water dorado. Imagine a golden, giant brown trout with pit bull jaws…that lives in the river with piranhas…..a rough neighborhood. When hooked the fish essentially acts like a tarpon. I believe this is the best concentration of trophy dorado in the world but the fishing is not for sissies.. Marcelo has the pending fly-caught world record for fresh-water dorado at 43 pounds. As part of the agreement with the government, each fish must be weighed, measured, and tagged, so you have the opportunity to participate in the study and conservation of fisheries in Argentina….and beat the record. ? Down on the Costa Rica/Panama border is a small quiet lodge that started as a dolphin research center….the draw…GIANT tarpon. This Atlantic tarpon fishery is unpressured and when you add tropical jungle, wildlife, magnificent beaches, and a coral reef, you have paradise. We call it Tarpon Ville. This small Manzanillo, Costa Rica lodge has been in operation for about three years and much of the area is still to be explored. The locations you will find on this site are remote and pristine, and all have excellent, and sometimes unique fishing. None are easy to get to but the fish are fast and big, the expert guides work long hours…none of this back at 4:30 business…and the lodge ownerships are exemplary hosts. One more cast to all…
Location Costa de Cocos is located near the small fishing village of Xcalak, Quitana Roo, Mexico, about 8 miles north of Ambergris Cay, about 150 miles south of Ascension Bay, and eight miles north of the Belize Border. The excellent fishing is found on the bonefish and permit flats in Chetumal Bay, mangrove ringed inland lagoons with tarpon, snook, permit, and bonefish, and ocean-side fishing with more permit and bones on turtle grass flats. Chetumal Bay is the primary fishery and the boat run to the most productive flats is generally 20 to 40 minutes. Accommodations Costa de Cocos provides individual cabanas constructed of native stone and hardwoods and a large restaurant lounge building. Each beachfront cabana has a private bath and ceiling fans. The lodge has its own private dock and three 23 foot pangas equipped for fly fishermen. Power is wind generated and storage batteries provide electricity for full-time ceiling fans and other conveniences. At the lodge you will enjoy three meals per day included in your package. Breakfast is generally light, but special requests for hardier appetites will be accommodated. Lunch is almost always on the flats.....between casts. The five course, gourmet family style dinners are excellent and include a full range of seafood, local fare, and more traditional foods. Fishing The Fishing Day Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 7:00 AM and boats generally leave the dock by 8:00 AM. At certain tides you may want to leave earlier. There are never more than two fisherpersons per boat and the guide can accommodate the departure wishes of the clients. General areas and sometimes specific flats are assigned each evening at dinner. This assures flats rotation and no over-pressuring. We have over 30 productive flats and lagoons. Because there are only two to six fishermen at the lodge per week, if you desire you can fish the same flat more than once during your six days of fishing. Our guess is you will want to keep exploring new locations, with each having its own special character and beauty. The Fish Bonefish Mostly because of our operation, Chetumal Bay now has the established
reputation as the best location for Big bonefish in the Mexican/Belizean
Caribbean. The per client average catch rate during the fall and
winter months is generally 8 to 15 bones per day, with days of 25
to 30 fish not uncommon. During the summer months the fish are bigger,
but catch rates are lower at about 5 to 10 fish per day. While we
generally expect the bonefish to be smaller on the average during
the winter months, in 2002 this was not the case. The average fish
was about 3 to 5 pounds, about twice the size of the “real”
average in Ascension Bay. Big bonefish are plentiful (7 to 8 pound
fish are fairly common), and a number of trophy fish in the 10 to
16 (yes 16) pound range have been landed. Probably the most interesting development in terms of the fishing is the apparently ever-increasing numbers of permit. We generally targeted these fish in the May, June, July period. We now see them in good numbers year-round. Last year the Mexican Navy completed a new canal that connects Chetumal Bay to the Caribbean, and essentially cut the Xcalak Peninsula in half. This increased daily water exchange appears to be one of the reasons for increased permit. Also, it does not hurt that as a species permit are apparently on the rise in numbers. Adding to the successes is the fact that fishermen are simply getting better at catching these fish, and the guides better at teaching the special skills necessary to be successful. Costa de Cocos is a great place to get that grand slam, with the average permit fisherman getting 3 to 10 shots per day. Tarpon Chetumal Bay is not known for its tarpon fishery. Regardless, there is a good population of resident tarpon in the bay and in the small lagoons we fish. These are juveniles, generally not exceeding 40 pounds, and most are 20 pounds or less. We also see larger fish in the Bay, up to 80 pounds or so, and true giants in some of the reef cuts on the ocean side. If you want to maximize your tarpon fix, come in June or July. Snook From December in to February snook cruise the flats of Chetumal Bay like I have seen nowhere else. The large numbers of snook present in the winter are a very real added attraction. We can now predict with some regularity the migratory patterns and time of this mostly winter fish. It is a real treat to catch these guys cruising the flats, much like bonefish, away from the mangroves. December through February is not uncommon for clients to land 2 to 5 of these 10 to 20 pound fish in a day of fishing. Resident snook, which tend to smaller, are in the lagoons year-round. Other Activities The Palancar Reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, and is 400 yards off the dock at Costa de Cocos. Snorkeling is excellent right off the dock and diving can be arranged through the on-site dive shop. The area is famous for its quality of diving and varied and plentiful marine life. Bird watchers can take special trips to "bird" island to see incredible numbers of water birds nesting, cavorting, and hunting. Other wildlife includes manatees, small crocodiles known as caimans, and chachalacas, a large bird that looks like a cross between a pheasant and a cuckoo that will wake you up each morning. Jaguars are sometimes seen near Xcalak. Iguanas and geckos are generally on your roof. Sea kayaks are available for the fly fishermen and are great for exploring the back-country lagoons, late evening fishing, or just exercise. There is always revelry apre fishing at the full service restaurant/bar.
The bar is full service with an honor system for paying. Dave Randall
is usually around for some adventure stories and bar tending. The
atmosphere is very casual. Travel Getting To Costa de Cocos The preferred route to Costa de Cocos is via Belize City. You fly to Belize City, and within thirty minutes to one hour you are on an eighteen minute flight to San Pedro. The current charge for the Tropic Air round-trip flight to San Pedro is $93. We pick you up in a boat in San Pedro for the one and one-half hour boat ride back to Costa de Cocos. The route to the lodge is in the bay and inside the reef so the water is flat and the scenery spectacular. Unless you intend to rent a car in Cancun and sight see the Yucatan, we strongly recommend this route over the Cancun connection. It is about a five hour drive from Cancun to Costa de Cocos. Pricing The prices for the 2002/2003 season are $2,350 per fisherperson for double occupancy, two fishermen to a boat, and $2,900 for a solo fisherperson with private guide. The price includes six days of fishing/guides and seven nights at the lodge with all meals. Contact Information and Bookings Mark Cowan of Pescador Solitario can be contacted directly to book a trip. Mark Cowan Pescador Solitario Location Painter Creek Lodge, in operation since 1982, is located in the remote wilderness of the Alaska Peninsula. It is 350 air miles from Anchorage and 95 miles south of King Salmon, Alaska. The lodge is accessible only by air and surrounded by the Alaska Peninsula Wildlife Refuge and the Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve. The Peninsula is only 50 miles wide in this area, assuring sea bright fish in the King Salmon River and Painter Creek. Accommodations A main lodge building provides for dining, reading, fly tying, relaxing by the fire, or just enjoying the outstanding view. Sleeping quarters are in three duplex cabins, providing double occupancy for up to twelve guests, each room having private bath facilities. During King Salmon season (July) a tent camp is set up at the end of the tidal surge on the King Salmon River. The camp has a weatherall mess tent and smaller, two person sleeping tents with cots. The hard core fishermen, like most that book with us, enjoy the fishing hours at the tent camp…basically as much as you can stand. At the lodge you will enjoy three meals per day included in your
package. Breakfast and dinner are hardy gourmet affairs. Lunch is
on the river....between casts. The Fishing Day At the main lodge breakfast is served around 7:00 AM and the clients generally are on the boats around 8:00 AM. Depending the fish locations and species within the river, the time in the boats can vary from no time to about one hour. You are usually back at the lodge by 6:00 PM. Fishing is generally wading with transportation to and from the productive areas via jet boat. At the King Camp it is a simple matter of getting up and walking
the 40 yards to the river, at your leisure and at your schedule.
Breakfast is usually around 7:00 AM and dinner is usually served
around 7:00 PM. After dinner many clients return to the river for
a few hours of fishing. From King Camp boats may run five to twenty
minutes from camp to fish some of the many holding areas in this
section. All five species of Pacific salmon run in the Painter Creek/King Salmon River area and other nearby streams. Trophy sized char and dolly varden are in abundance. The King Salmon This is the target for most of our clients and the run occurs in
the month of July. These big bruisers are fresh from the salt and
a typical fish of about 30 pounds will take about 20 to 30 minutes
to land. For the 45 and 50 pounders, count on an hour to an hour
and a half. This is ten weight fishing with large streamers and
generally sink tip lines. Expect to land 30 to 50 fish in six days
of fishing. It is hard to describe the feeling of seeing your 4/0
pink bunny disappear inside a mouth the size of a gallon bucket.
The Painter Creek ability to catch these fish in shallow water is
unique in the King fishing world. The Silvers This is probably the most sought after salmon because of their strong fighting ability and aerial antics. August and September are the months for this fish and catch rates are ridiculously large. Bright pink poppers and wogs are the ticket, and the surface strike is awesome. An eight weight with floating, and sometimes sink tip lines works well. The average fish is eight to twelve pounds. The Chums These are extremely powerful fish that are in the river system from June through August. We like to fish for them with waking flies or poppers. Their clumsy take is nothing short of hilarious. This is a good break when you are tired from battling Kings. An eight weight works well and floating lines, or occasional sink tips, are used. The average fish weighs 10 to 15 pounds. Sockeye and Pinks The Sockeye run starts in mid-July and continues through September. These are excitable fish in the 5 to 12 pound range and sometimes difficult to take. Dead drift nyphing techniques seem to work the best and when you hook one, keep your hand away from the reel handle. An eight weight works well with a floating line. Pinks are the smallest salmon and run every other even numbered year. At 2 to 5 pounds, a five or six weight will work great. Small streamer flies are the ticket with floating and sink tip lines. This run is primarily in August. The Char Painter Creek fishermen have set several world records for Char. These are sea run fish and accordingly they are incredibly strong. For the largest fish you should come in September, but they are in the river system for essentially the full season. A waking fly is the preferred method, and with a sliding egg pattern, your numbers can exceed 30 in a single morning. Imagine a brown trout kind of fight with more spinning. Other Activities The remote wilderness offers, in addition to exceptional fishing, the rare opportunity to observe birds, moose, caribou, brown bear, lynx, wolves, fox, and wolverine. Hiking is possible right out the lodge door and jet boats provide river wildlife viewing. There is always revelry by the fireplace apre fishing at the lodge, and the hardcores spend the evening tying flies. No stuffed shirts here…the atmosphere is very casual. Travel From the lower forty-eight several commercial airlines offer good
flight schedules in to Anchorage. Generally it is necessary to overnight
for one night in Anchorage. On Saturday morning a Peninsula Air
flight takes you from Anchorage to King Salmon, and then in a Cessna
Caravan, on to the strip at Painter Creek. It is possible to be
fishing on Saturday afternoon. The prices for the 2002/2003 season is $4,000 per fisherperson.
The price includes six days of fishing/guides and seven nights at
the lodge with all meals. Rates do not include fishing licenses,
transportation to and from the lodge, or gratuities. Location The Uruguay River runs along the northwest border of Argentina.
Twenty kilometers from the large town of Concordia is Salto Grande
Reservoir, and below the reservoir is our tailwater. We call it
La Zona (the zone). There are few places you can travel to unique fishing grounds with
huge fish and stay at a resort/spa each night. The resort &
spa Ayuí is a warm and cozy building, set in the middle of
a magnificent pine and eucalyptus forest, which covers 150 hectares
on the shores of Salto Grande Lake. The beautiful scenery is composed
of bays and lonely beaches. Ayuí has excellent facilities;
rooms with a view to the lake, air conditioning, frigobar, satellite
TV, telephone with DDI-DDN, room service, climatized pool, natural
water pool, a pool for children, solarium and permanent snack bar
in the pools, lobby and snack bar with lake view, restaurant with
regional and international dishes, convention room, covered parking
lot, tennis, soccer and volleyball courts, driving range, children’s
playground, and bikes, The resort has first aid and 24 hour security
service. In addition, La Zona clients have access to a complete
fly shop to meet their requirements and will be treated as a preferential
group in the hotel. International anglers consider the golden dorado to be the world’s most powerful fresh water sport fish. It is in La Zona where the biggest fish of this species can be found. The Uruguay River is a tailwater below the large Salto Grande Reservoir and provides the best possibilities of catching the golden dorado of your dreams. No other place can be compared to La Zona in matters of quantity and quality of fish. Because it is a tailwater, fishing can be year-round. The river is large and mostly unwadable, so fishing is via comfortable skiffs, specially designed by La Zona for fishing in this specific area. The skiffs have wide platforms that allow unobstructed casting from both the bow and stern. La Zona is a unique experience. Without the exuberant landscapes of the Parana Litoral jungle, La Zona can be distinguished by the quality and quantity of the fish. In addition, large sardinatas, lachas and chafalotes, all excellent fighters, can also be caught. The dorado fly rod world record, a huge fish weighting 43lb, was caught by Marcelo Perez on September 16th , 2002. This record was documented by many national and international publications, such as FLY FISHERMAN magazine (February 2003 edition). When fishing for the largest dorodo in the world, saltwater style
fast rods in 9 and 10 weights are recommended. Floating and varying
sink tip lines are recommended due to the changing depths of the
river. The preferred flies are big streamers, some as long as 10
inches. Other Activities Travel The transfer is made in a Land Rover Discovery, from the Buenos Aires international airport to the resort & spa Ayuí. The spa/resort Ayuí is located in the shores of Salto Grande lake, inside a great pine and eucalyptus forest and is 20km away from the city of Concordia, the second largest city in the state. The airport and our pier are set in a country area, a few minutes away from the hotel. For this, the every day transfers are very short. The hotel is reached via national route 14, which connects our Argentina with Brazil and is in perfect condition. The trip to Ayuí avoids city limits. The distance from Buenos Aires is 460km and it takes approximately 6 hours to get to Ayui. Pricing The prices for the 2002/2003 season is $2,500 per fisherperson.
The price includes six days of fishing/guides and seven nights at
the lodge with all meals, and your transfer to and from the Buenos
Aires airport. Rates do not include gratuities. Manzanillo, Costa Rica Location On the Caribbean Cost of Costa Rica just north of the Panama Border
is The Manzanillo Resort Lodge. The facility is on Playa Manzanillo
and south of the nearest Costa Rican community of any size, Puerto
Viejo. South of the lodge is the Sixaola River that forms the border
between Costa Rica and Panama. The mouth of this river is one of
the many fishing grounds. The southern Caribbean coast of Costa
Rica's Limon province is one of the nation's most beautiful regions,
with magnificent beaches, lush jungles, quiet rivers, marvelously
friendly people - most of whom speak English - and an abundance
of tropical birds, monkeys and other wildlife. The region is protected
by the Manzanillo-Gandoca National Wildlife Refuge With excellent accommodations and beautiful views, the local area
has been noted by Outside Magazine as "one of the most beautiful
deserted beaches in the world." (October, 1999) All rooms are
on the beach front, with telephones, TV, and air-conditioning. Fishing
clients may also enjoy the large swimming pool and restaurant serving
the best Caribbean and Costa Rican dishes around. I first saw this area fifteen years ago while in Punta Uva, a small
surfing village a few miles north of Manzanillo. I swore I would
return someday with my fly road. For years fishermen have heard
rumors of large tarpon in great numbers on the Caribbean coast of
Costa Rica, near the border with Panama. As it turned out I found
the "mother lode" without knowing it at the time. Nowadays
tarpon weighing over 130 pounds are being landed and twenty hook-ups
in a morning have been accomplished. Tarpon well over 150 pounds
have been jumped. Jacks and mackerel are incidental species that
can be caught when the tarpon fishing slows. Other Activities Unlike many fishing destinations, there is a lot of fun to be had
whether or not you are an angler. Excursions include wild dolphin
watching tours, kayaking with wild dolphin, river kayaking, guided
jungle hikes, snorkeling and Scuba diving, horseback riding, indigenous
cultural tours, botanical gardens, beachcombing the miles of undeveloped
white sand beaches, and the legendary Caribbean night life in Puerto
Viejo. Numerous airlines offer good schedules into San Jose. Ideally you should arrive sometime before 5:00 PM. You will be greeted at the airport by a Manzanillo representative and taken to your private ground transfer to Manzanillo Resort Lodge, a 3 to 4 hour trip. The Costa Rican country-side is awesome and the drive enjoyable. You also have the option of over-nighting at the San Jose Hotel and departing the next morning at 5:30 AM, which means you will be fishing by 9:30 AM.
6 DAY / 7 NIGHT PACKAGE: 5 DAY / 6 NIGHT PACKAGE: 4 DAY / 5 NIGHT ITINERARY: 3 DAY / 4 NIGHT PACKAGE: |
