FlatsRoamer

Haha Mike I know that I just didn't mean it literally lol. Next trip the expectations won't be as high... Les thanks for the kind words. I am well aware of how lucky I am, this is actually my 2nd trip to Patagonia... Flats

Slow was the way to describe fishing, but lots of fun. Day 1 - Fished the Petrohue river swinging for salmon with 10 and 9wts and 400-450 grain line with big articulated salmon flies. First stop I caught my first one, a solid king that the guide said was around 20lbs, give or take. Was a great fight in the strong currents, even on a 10wt. Rest of the day was very slow, with only a decent sized rainbow on a sculpin. That day we were only focused on salmon and I achieved my goal of getting a big salmon. Day 2- We fished the Maullin river, with trout in mind. The trout is 90% brown trout, although the nicest fish of the day was a 15in rainbow. We caught over 10 browns and the 1 rainbow. The browns didn't have much size to them but still fun seeing them chase after streamers. It was a lot like snook fishing, getting the fly under the trees as quietly as possible. Actually threw a lot of orange crayfish patterns which the river was full of Day 3 - Started at a big mountain lake looking for big browns but nada. After that we floated down to the top of the Petrohue and fished around the banks some. My dad caught a nice rainbow, about 20in. I was happy for him since he wasn't doing too well fishing wise. He caught another small rainbow and so did I, all on streamers throwing 6wts. Overall, fishing was slow but I made the fatal mistake of coming with overly high expectations. Chile is an amazing country with really good food and nice people. I'll think of this trip as a success

Vic, don't overthink it too much. I have been in some pretty sketchy situations and never had a problem. No need for a gun down here, and if you wear shoes and use common sense wildlife won't harm you. That being said, I've been here all my life so I know what's going on. I'll just recommend using some common sense and enjoy the bumps on the road... I am actually in Chilean Patagonia right now! 24 hours later... ready to fish and hopefully have some luck! I'll update tomorrow

Sweet man! When you swing by Miami consider doing some peacock bass fishing. And also hope it doesn't get cold again as that'll turn the tarpon off...

Mike, am I allowed?? Up to you if 16 is considered a child. I would hate to miss out... I'm kidding of course lol

Sweet! Do you mind me asking who it is?

Going to the Chilean Patagonia in a couple fays! Also the Turks and Caicos for bonefish this summer. Yes... I know I am a very lucky person.

Thanks, Mike. I added a light coating of UV Loon Flow to encase the head, and it gives it a nice shin appearance (doesn't matter). More importantly to me, it kind of covers/hides any of the leftover dried-up glue (which probably also doesn't matter lol). Flats --- I am getting pretty damn excited...

Thanks for the input, gents. Ended up scraping it off with a bodkin and the hook-end of my whip finisher. Will make sure to add a light coating of Loon Flow over the head to give it a shiny appearance, as well as add some durability. Can't wait to get out there, you'll definitely be seeing a report from me in just over a weeks time! Flats

I doubt they do, but I'm worried if the excess glue deters them from the fly due to the smell?

All right, so I'm headed to Chile next week for 3 full days of fishing. Tying up some streamer patterns,and apparently I'm not so good at gluing the eyes on cleanly to the skull head. I was wondering if it mattered if the excess was there, or if I could fix it (Maybe a casing of Loon thin?). Thanks Pics

Mike, that's what draws me to them! Nothing like the sound of a reel peeling drag and a boat engine turning on first thing in the morning. I must admit, I have tried to get into some sharks and have been eluded or me doing it wrong. Soon...

Good guiding and report, Capt. I know exactly how that first snook on fly means (about 3 months ago). I fished Biscayne last Friday and the cudas were everywhere. Was trying for a bone but maybe next time I'll keep some cudas and chunk them up for sharks on fly...

Very nice. How does the mono thread grip bucktail? I would imagine not too well but I am not the most educated on this subject...

I would think the legs would foul around the bend, and the craft fur wrap around the eyes. I'm just kind of anal I guess about making my flies as foul-proof as possible lol.

I would imagine there would be a lot of fouling going on with this pattern. Looks deadly for sight casting some Bahamian bonefish though...

Never got to meet him, but I'm sure the next generation will carry the legacy (myself included). It's up to us to keep up his work and to spread his knowledge

Good to hear Bob. I was at flamingo yesterday (outside the park) and found a lot of baby tarpon rolling, just didn't want to eat a fly.

I don't use sinking lines, even though I should for peacock bass since they are usually on the bottom. What I do, is use a heavy butt section of leader, usually 40lb flour, then tie that with a loop to loop with 25 (mono) then the same to 15 (mono). This way it'll sink, although not as fast, and you won't be replacing expensive fluorocarbon leader. I used to pick up a spin rod when things got tough, but then a guide told me that you get better by fly fishing in the hard conditions, makes you adapt and in turn more knowledgeable. I must say, he was right ...

Update --- So ended up booking with a guide called Jack Trout (with a last name like that...) and we will go with one of the locals who guides for him. 3 full days, and we are planning 2 for big salmon and 1 for trout, if weather prohibits. Flies and Gear - Was told they would have everything from rods to flies, but I tie my own and would love to try my skills in a different fishery. Was told that big and heavy streamers that get down and move a lot will get the most action, so ordered a bunch of Game T106H hooks, baitfish skull heads, and a few zonker strips, schlappen, etc. Will make sure to post some pics on here. Also, McFly (if he even checks anything besides his video posts), I will be tying several Baby Bow Streamers thanks to your instruction... As you can imagine, I can not wait...

Still a bit iffy about them fouling, shedding water, and durability (and price). Yes I agree the movement is insane, but is it really worth all the negative side effects? One valid point that I have been thinking about is that it is something new. Tarpon , especially in the keys, see a lot of flies. Toads and v-shaped hackle style patterns are the most common, so maybe the dragon tail will have that effect since they have never seen this kind of thing before? Tarpon season is right around the corner and only time will tell...

Back to the thread... I will definitely email the guide once I found who we will be going with.

So my dad's boss completely surprised me by inviting me to tag along on my dad's business trip. We plan on going 5 days before just to fish the southern part of the country, the Chilean Patagonia. I have fished the Argentine side of the Patagonia, which is where my love of fly fishing and first real fish came, so this has a special place in my heart. We will mainly be targeting salmon. King, chum, and coho are the 3 main species I believe, as well as some bycatch-trout. I have no idea what to expect lol. What flies do they eat? What flies do I bring? Best fly line? Any kind of advice like that is greatly appreciated. Also, it is worth noting that we will be fishing with a guide, probably on float trips if that helps. Dates - (fishing wise) March 30 -April 1. Pretty excited for the trip I must say, and I never saw it coming. Flats

Remember how they used to look?? Hard work pays off

Bob- those pink and tan tarpon patterns you tie look deadly to me, and I am sure they have sold well in the shops. I have been tying for the local shop for about a year now, so I know what will sell good and when. Also makes me a better fisherman since I'm more intertwined with the patterns, weather, etc. Back to the thread - Those are some very nice looking flies, Duke. I have also experimented tying black and pink flies, just need to see if that actually works lol. Flats