Gallery
Saltwater - Aruba
Famous for its beautiful beaches and resorts, Aruba is not very well known by traveling fly anglers. However, there are many of the prized saltwater species readily available along Aruba's western coastline: bonefish, baby tarpon, jacks, snook... and rarely, even permit!
I was fortunate to have Laurenz Van Mook as my local host in Aruba: Laurenz is the most knowledgeable fly fisherman in Aruba... and one of the coolest fishing companion!
If you ever make travel plans to Aruba, two things you need to remember: one, to take your fly rod, and second, to get in touch with Laurenz! (http://www.flyfishingaruba.com)
Argentina - Trout
When you fish the superb waters of Argentina, Patagonia, it is hard to believe they were devoid of any trout just about century ago. Trout are native species of the Northern Hemisphere, and were not successfully introduced in South America before 1905. Brown, rainbow trout (and brook trout in a few locations) adapted remarkably well to the habitat of the many rivers and lakes of Patagonia. From then on, they were introduced to almost every drainage basin of Argentina and Chile, creating one of the world's most exceptional trout fishing regions. Argentine rivers are stunningly beautiful, filled with trout, and undoubtedly some of the most fascinating waters to explore and fish.
Chile - trout
Blessed with countless lagoons, lakes, streams, creeks, and ocean-flowing rivers, Chilean Patagonia has earned a well-deserved reputation as a world-class fly fishing destination. Although parts of it are now settled and thus, fairly accessible, its massive and sometimes inhospitable geography still makes it a true frontier territory. It is one of the very few corners of the world where fly fishing opportunities are still being discovered.
There are brown trout, rainbow and brook trout, of course, but also some massive Pacific salmon to be caught and released in Chile. If one word characterizes angling opportunities in this part of the world, it is diversity: from trout to salmon, from lakes hidden high up in the mountains, to coastal rivers, there is a lot of everything, and a lot of great fishing.
France - trout & grayling
While everybody has heard of French wines, very few anglers outside of western Europe know about the rich history of fly fishing in this country. Although the quest for new fishing territories has led me to new angling experiences in foreign countries, I will always be fascinated by the extraordinary variety of trout streams found in my home land, and by their delicate and finicky wild fish. Each region of France has its character when it comes to trout rivers - just like it does for gastronomy: from the productive chalk streams of Normandy, Champagne and Burgundy, to the tea-stained and trout-rich streams of Brittany and Massif Central... Not to mention, the Vosges and Alsace regions, the famous Franche Comté / Jura region and the mountain ranges of the Alps or the Pyrenees, just to name a few of the options available. While fishing today may not be as good as the old timers can remember, there are still countless opportunities to chase wild, native brown trout or grayling. But beware - you'd better polish your technique and your presentations skills, because these fish know their stuff. Every fish you catch there will be well deserved - which makes it so much more rewarding.