Our Feature Trips page has a dual purpose.  The first of these is to highlight a number of new and unusual trips, or combination of trips.  The other is to announce some of our upcoming, hosted trips.

In the first category will be found for instance the amazing Chilean operation, ‘Nomads of the Seas’.  This trip is unmatched anywhere in the world for its combination of the ultimate exotic ‘toys’ available, together with its spoiling luxury of the live-aboard environment.  Also we are proud to feature our ‘Cast & Blast’ programme, combining the best of Argentina’s shooting or stalking with its sensational trout, sea trout or Dorado fishing.  And finally we offer some truly spectacular high Andes trout fishing in our ‘Two Country Programme’.

Our Hosted Trips are always a popular feature.  And they are particular favourites of those people relatively new to fly fishing, or to those who happen to find themselves without a fishing partner with whom to travel.
The archipelago of Los Roques is just 80 miles from Caracas.  It consists of over 80 islands and  hundreds of cays.  In 1972 it was  declared a National Park, so the islands and reefs have been preserved in  their natural pristine state.

The huge number of flats offers more wading and stalking opportunities  than almost any other saltwater fishing location.  Bonefish average 4-6lbs, with double figure catches not infrequent.  Tarpon abound, and are found in sizes up to 100+ lbs.  And the elusive Permit is sometimes to be found hovering around the flats.  In addition, there is a wide variety of other species, such as  Parrotfish, Horse-eyed Jacks, Jack Crevalle, Barracuda, Snook, Snapper,  etc.

PROGRAMME:
Castaway Flyfishing is organizing a hosted fishing trip from  Saturday 8th to Saturday 15h  November, 2008.   

RATES:
UK£1,440 per person (US$2,859 if paid  in Dollars) - minimum 4 anglers

INCLUDED:
Airport Reception at Caracas airport; Hotel Transfer; 1-night  accommodation at the 4* Eurobuilding Express airport hotel;  Return Flight to and from  Gran Roque; Reception at Gran Roque airport; 6-nights accommodation at the excellent La Cigala Lodge with Full Board; 6 full  fishing days with professional guide and boatman


(For  further information on Los Roques, please visit the Venezuela page)

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A new and unique experience in fly-fishing – the finest luxury accommodation and facilities, combined with a variety of uncharted waters to be explored.

‘Nomads of the Sea’ is a unique operation created with one goal in mind – to offer an extremely high level of personalised and professional service through its Extreme Flyfishing adventures, and EcoTourism expeditions.  The live-aboard, 150ft. mothership, ‘Atmosphere’, has been completely custom-designed as an aquatic flyfishing ‘lodge’.  Furthermore, it is equipped with an onboard helicopter, 6 Jetboats and 4 Zodiac dinghies in order to provide an unprecedented capability for reaching the remote – even virgin – territories to be fished.  The operation was launched in November 2006. 

Weekly sailings south from Puerto Montt, along Chile’s Patagonian coast, take anglers to the most magnificent fjords, rivers and lakes of the southern hemisphere, some of which may never have been fished before.  The programme of travelling at night allows a full day’s fishing the following day in any combination of the abundant lakes, lagoons and rivers.


THE FISHING:
Large brown trout, rainbows and brook trout abound in these waters, and in sizes that are unmatched in the northern hemisphere.  Steelheads, King and Chinook salmon (up to 20lbs) are also a feature of these waters.  The variety of fly-fishing is such that all techniques may be used – dry flies, nymphs, streamers – according to location being fished and the conditions of the moment.

All of the fishing practiced is either in river mouths, estuaries and inter-tidal sections of the rivers, or the mid and upper river sections, lakes, lagoons and a few spring creeks.  Some of the lower river sections face strong tides (up to 20 feet), thus the rainbows, browns and silver salmon found here tend to move with the tides, following the food chain provided by one of the most fertile oceans on earth.

For fly fishing the Patagonia fjords, the rivers and the inland lakes and lagoons, anglers will be able to apply the whole range of fishing methods – streamers of varying sizes and weights, dry-fly attractors and nymphs, technical dries, dragonfly nymphs, mayflies, as well as interesting Ephemeroptera swimmers, and Trichoptera larva (pupae and adults) and, according to season, the typical aquatic entomology found in technical spring creek waters.

ACCOMMODATION:
All facilities, including the cabins, are state-of-the-art, and no attention to detail has been spared in order to ensure absolute luxury on board.  The upper deck provides 4 Jacuzzis and a sauna, and a massage service is permanently available below.  Fine gourmet dining, the finest Chilean wines and an open bar service lend an agreeable tone to the evenings’ relaxation, during which a slide show is given of the day’s activities with photos taken by the guides and guests.

Housing on board a crew of 32, including guides, ‘Atmosphere’ can cater for up to 28 passengers and provides facilities for up to 18 anglers.


THE PROGRAMME:
Departures from the coastal city of Puerto Montt are every Saturday during the season.  Guests will be met at Santiago international airport and transferred to their domestic connection to Puerto Montt.  There you will be met and transferred to the Nomads land base for refreshments and an induction presentation to the week’s activities, before boarding ‘Atmosphere’ later on in the afternoon.

Nomads’ operational distance covers some 450 miles, from Puerto Montt south along the Patagonian coast to the Taitao peninsula (Lat. 41 to 46 degrees South), and back again.  The whole of this coast is one of incomparable natural and unspoilt beauty.  According to season, it is also alive with sea species such as whales, sea lions and penguins. 

‘Atmosphere’ usually travels at night in order to provide for a full day’s fishing at each destination.  Following a sumptuous breakfast, each day will commence between 9 and 9.30am in order to schedule various departures.  At each successive destination the helicopter and jet boats will provide access to new, and more exciting, fishing adventures.

At the end of the week, and after a Saturday morning return docking at Puerto Montt, you will be transferred to Puerto Montt airport at a time to suit your domestic connecting flight home (or for any optional additional programme).


OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Of particular interest to non-fishing partners are the Eco-Tourism programmes. ‘Nomads of the Seas’ undertakes scientific exploration of fauna, flora and marine biology.  Qualified scientists and instructors host daily programmes of Eco-tourism, and these include whale watching, as well as tracking sea lions, dolphins, penguins and a plethora of bird species.  In addition, there are expeditions to glaciers, hot springs, and just trekking the magical scenery.  Another state-of-the-art facility is available for these sea-based activities – a Zodiac Hurricane 900 RIB craft, which caters for18 passengers, and which boasts specially sprung seats designed to absorb the impact of any rough seas.

SEASONS:
Nomads’ season runs from the beginning of November to the end of April each year.

RATES:
All-inclusive rates for the week vary according to type of cabin (Deluxe or Premium), and occupancy (single or double), and start at £8,500/person (US$14,875), including 19% Chilean tax.  Non-angler rates start at £5,780/person (US$10,115) ), including 19% Chilean tax.

Rates include:  All meals and refreshments;  Open bar;  All activities on board (Sauna, Thalasotherapy, Lectures, Wine tasting);  Cabin accommodation as  requested;  Daily flyfishing excursions as schedules;  Daily whale watching and ecotourism excursions as scheduled;  Transfers between Puerto Montt airport and ‘Atmosphere’.

Not included:  Air flight tickets;  Massages;  Laundry;  Satellite phone;  Fishing tackle and equipment;  Extra helicopter/jet boat hours;  Special liquors;  Gift shop goods;  Gratuities


CONDITIONS:
A 30% deposit is required to hold your reservation.  The balance is due no later than 90 days prior to departure date.


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A programme that combines the best of Argentina’s two principle sporting activities – shooting and fishing.  The following is a suggested programme, but it can be tailored to suit other number and other dates – subject to availability:

Taking advantage of the compatibility of the respective seasons of the northern and southern hemispheres, a combined shooting and fishing programme in Argentina is becoming increasingly popular.  We are able to do this in a number of different combinations, including:

• WING SHOOTING: Duck, dove, partridge

• STALKING: Deer, wild boar, water buffalo, moufflon, antelope, puma

• FLYFISHING: Dorado, trout, sea run brown trout


Below is an example of an 11 day programme put together, for a party of 6 people, for the 2006 season:
This programme comprises the following:

Saturday:
Reception at Ezeiza international airport, Buenos Aires, and transfer to the San Fernando airport to take a private charter flight to Santa Fé.  Charter flight from Buenos Aires to Santa Fé (Reconquista), reception at the airport and transfer to the Don Isidro Lodge.

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday:
4 full days duck and dove shooting, and/or Dorado fishing.  Shooting takes place in the morning and late evening.  The middle of the day can be spent resting or Dorado fishing.

Thursday:
Shooting or fishing in the morning.  After lunch, transfer to the Santa Fé airport for a regular commercial flight to Buenos Aires.  Reception at Bs As airport and transfer to Hotel.  One night in Buenos Aires with breakfast and taxes included

Friday:
Transfer to the domestic airport.  Commercial flight from Buenos Aires to Rio Gallegos.  Reception at Rio Gallegos airport and transfer to Truchaike Lodge.  Fishing in the late afternoon.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday morning:
3 full days and one half day sea trout fishing.  Tuesday afternoon return flight to Buenos Aires.  Reception at BsAs airport and transfer to Hotel.  One night in Buenos Aires with breakfast and taxes included.

Wednesday:
Free day in Buenos Aires, Lunch courtesy of our Argentine associates and transfer to the international airport for return flight home.


THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:    
All local air flights (charter and commercial);  ground transfers within Argentina;  9 half-day shooting outings (duck and dove) and/or Dorado fishing at Don Isidro Lodge;  use of all the installations at the Don Isidro Lodge, including swimming pool;  8 half-day fishing outings at Truchaike Lodge;  all meals (in Buenos Aires, breakfast only), finest Argentine wines and ‘open bar’ throughout;  3 double rooms – for 5 nights at Don Isidro Lodge, for 4 nights at Truchaike Lodge and for 2 nights in a Buenos Aires hotel;  and lunch in Buenos Aires courtesy of our Argentine associates on the final day.


THE PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:    
International air flights, international airport taxes, fishing and shooting licences, rental of firearms, cartridges (rental details available), fishing equipment and flies, meals (other than breakfast) in Buenos Aires, other personal items of expenditure.


TOTAL COST for the complete package above, for a group of 6: UK£3,290 per person (US$5,760)


BOOKING CONDITIONS:
A deposit of 50% is required to hold a reservation.  The balance is payable 60 days before departure.


VARIATIONS:
The above programme can be customised to suit groups of different sizes, and to include preferred species of game and fish


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We are currently offering a unique combination of two spectacular fishing operations in Patagonia – one in Argentina (El Encuentro on the Futaleufu River), and the other in Chile (Isla Monita on the Lago Yelcho).  Both have a long and successful history of hosting and guiding guests to the best fishing available, and both enjoy some of the highest records of repeat clients.


EL ENCUENTRO LODGE, ARGENTINA:
El Encuentro Lodge, near Esquel, Argentina, is located on the edge of the massive Futaleufu River (Rio Grande), overlooking both the river and the spectacular, snow-capped Andes separating Argentina from Chile.  The Lodge is just 20 minutes from the border crossing with Chile.  It is run by the Anglo-Argentine family that own it and most of them are trained and certified, bilingual guides in their own right, including the daughters.

Rainbow and Brown Trout are the major quarry.    The fishing begins on the home river, the Futaleufu (Rio Grande).  Typically the Futaleufu will be good for fishing dries, from stimulators to mayfly´s and caddis.  Other times it may be necessary to use a sink tip and streamers to get down to the big browns.  Wading can be had year around but it is better from January on because of lower water levels.  Depending on the length of stay there are several other rivers also that will provide a variety of different challenges.  These waters range from large rivers with pools and runs, through to creeks such as the famous spring creek, Arroyo Pescado.  If time permits, a day or two can be spent in the national park Los Alerces floating down the gin clear Rio Rivadavia.  The float begins at one lake and ends in another. All three waters can be fished.  If it is still waters that are preferred a day trip to Wilimanco can be included, a lagoon in which large trout abound.  There is a great section to wade and site cast to these enormous browns.


ISLA MONITA, CHILE:
Isla Monita is a private 250 hectar island situated in the middle of the magnificent Lago Yelcho.  It is almost equidistant from the town of Chaitén on the Chilean coast to the border crossing with Argentina – each about 11⁄2 hours drive away.  Isla Monita is no more than 2 hours by car from El Encuentro.  It is owned by an Englishman, and managed very professionally by a young American couple.

Lago Yelcho is in the heart of the Chilean Patagonia wilderness, and Isla Monita and its Lodge sit right on the doorstep of some of the finest big trout water in the country.  The Lodge’s ideal and central location is literally anywhere from five minutes to an hour’s drive to a huge variety of outstanding fishing locations in this region. 

Isla Monita provides the greatest diversity of fishing to be found anywhere in this area.  Fishing by driftboat and jet boat on the Futaleufu, Palena, Rosselot, and Yelcho Rivers, lake fishing on Lago Yelcho, and exclusive access to four private lagoons awaits at this unique destination.  This variety ensures that there are always have options in the pursuit of trophy trout no matter what the weather.  Streamer fishing for large rainbows and browns, sight-casting to cruising fish, and dry fly fishing to quality trout are the standard methods practiced at this catch-and-release flyfishing Lodge. 


ACCOMMODATION:
Both Lodges can be flexible in terms of numbers to be accommodated, but rarely will groups larger than 8 be catered for.  Both are extremely comfortable and the cuisine at each is first class.  A full bar service is included in the price, and advantage can be taken on the two-country programme of sampling the very best of both Argentine and Chilean wines.  Isla Monita is able to provide internet access via a satellite connection.

A number of non-fishing partner activities are available such as horse riding, trekking, kayaking, white water rafting, flora and fauna exploration.


PROGRAMME:
For both Lodges the fishing season runs from 1st November to 30th April.  A combined programme for visiting each Lodge can usually be tailor-made – subject to availability – to suit dates and travel plans of individual guests.  The Lodges are approximately two hours apart by car.

For a combined programme, flying to and from Buenos Aires (BUE), rather than Santiago (SCL), is recommended.  From there, there are direct domestic flights to and from Esquel on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.


A suggested 2 week, 2 Country Programme is as follows:

· Sunday: Flight from home (Europe or USA) to Buenos Aires (BUE)

· Monday, a.m.: Arrive Buenos Aires (BUE);  Transfer across town to Aeroparque airport;  11.30am flight to Esquel (2 hours);  Meet at airport and transfer to El Encuentro Lodge (1 hour approx);  Lunch;  Siesta and/or fishing afternoon and evening;  Late dinner

· Tuesday to Friday incl.: 4 full days guided fishing, usually with lunch at Lodge, siesta and late dinner

· Saturday: Morning fishing;  Midday transfer to Chilean border;  Meet at Chilean side of border and transfer to Isla Monita Lodge;  Afternoon fishing, if desired;  dinner

· Sunday to Thursday incl.: 5 full days guided fishing;  Lunch at Lodge or picnic lunch;  dinner

· Friday: Morning transfer to Argentine border;  Meet at Argentine side of border;  Transfer to Esquel airport for domestic flight 3.30pm to Buenos Aires (Aeroparque);  Transfer across city to international airport (BUE) for night flight back home (Europe or USA).


PACKAGE PRICE:
The package price for the suggested 2 week programme above is £3,390/person (US$5,930/person).


INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE PRICE:
All road transfers from and to Esquel airport, and to and from both Lodges;  10 days (9 full days and 2 half days) guided fishing (1 guide per 2 rods);  11 nights accommodation (double occupancy);  full board;  finest wines and full bar service

NOT INCLUDED:
International and domestic air travel;  transfers between international and domestic airports in Buenos Aires;  airport taxes;  fishing tackle and equipment;  gratuities


SUPPLEMENTS:
Supplements are available for:  single occupancy;  single guide per angler;  non-fishing partner rates


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