FLY FISHING & PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE
ISSUE #16 - DECEMBER 2012 www.flymage.net
THE RIVER OF MONSTERS
6
By Chip Drozenski
FLY TYING VIDEO: FLYING ANT
38
Por Mikel Elexpuru
WOULD YOU FISH HERE? By Antonio Go単i
NEW FLY ROD DESIGN By Robert Selfors
FINDING NIRVANA - part i By Earl Hamilton
42 78 88
Watch our video trailer
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THE RIVER OF MONSTERS By Chip Drozenski
The mighty Limay River, once flowing freely for about 300 miles from its source Lake Nahuel Huapi near San Carlos de Bariloche until it joins the Neuquen River to form the Rio Negro River on its final destination to the Atlantic Ocean, has its flow now interrupted by five dams.
It is the stretch between the Pichi Picún Leufú Dam and the Ezequiel Ramos Mejía Reservoir that is called Middle Limay or Limay Medio.
As a result of the dam, the Reservoir creates a great source for minnows from different species as well as a great environment for trout to grow fast and reach unbelievable sizes. These two things combine to make every fall, March to May, a time when big quantities of migratory brown trout swim up into the river.
It is for these large migratory trout as well as resident specimens, some exceeding 15 to 20 lbs., for which we fish. Trophy brown trout, some of them competing with the famous sea run brown trout in the Rio Grande of Tierra del Fuego.
Another great discovery in late January and February is the minnow hatch where browns and rainbows bust schools of bait fish. A floating minnow pattern on a floating line really gets the adrenalin flowing. It’s all visual and taking these bruisers on top is as good as it gets!!
Although many target the brown trout, the Middle Limay has hard fighting rainbow trout that will put to test a fisherman’s ability to land them.
There are evenings where one can practice dry fly fishing but the Limay Medio River is a “streamer river”. Typical tackle consists of a 9ft 8 wt. rod, shooting heads that are 27 to 30 foot in length, Type #4 to #6 in range of sinking plus a running line like Rio Slick Shooter or Amnesia with 200 yards of backing.
Considering river sections vary between 100 to 200 meters (300 to 600 ft.), long casts are required, many times against the wind and one should be able to double haul.
The flies used mostly imitate our two different minnow imitations “pejerrey” and “Puyen” and the pancora crayfish. Saltwater deceivers and flies with slim profiles and pulsating materials are very productive.
Chip Drozenski Andes Drifters www.andesdrifters.com Andes Drifters offers Best of Argentina. Where the sporting life of trout fishing, trophy red stag and world class wing and waterfowl shoots can be combined with adventure trips and eco tourism.
ArtĂculos de pesca a mosca Fly fishing products
www.urruzuno.com
FLYING ANT
MATERIALS HOOK #14 THREAD BLACK 8/0 BODY BLACK DUBBING BLACK GUM STRIP WINGS WHITE FEATHER HACKLE DARK MARCH BROWN ANTENNAE PEACOCK HERLS
VIDEO
FLYMAGE FLY TYING VIDEOS
#1 Latex caddisfly puppa
#2 Pellet nymph
#3 CDC caddis
#4 Gammarus
#5 Caddis Puppa II
#6 Danica
#7 Summer nymph
#8 Streamer
CLICK ON THE FLY TO WATCH THE STEP BY STEP FLY TYING VIDEO
#9 Buzzer
ÂżWOULD YOU FISH HERE?
The answer is obvious. And, equally, the sense of shame we feel. This is one of many examples of pollution, abuse and lack of awareness regarding rivers and yes, unfortunately, this happens in many countries. Today, rivers are still used effectively as landfill sites. What kind of person brings an old mattress to the river to throws it into the water? Cities and industrial areas, mainly built on the banks of the rivers, have tremendous environmental impact. This picture was taken in the summer, on a stretch of the river Oria in GuipĂşzcoa, where we stayed with friends for... the fishing?
The Oria is the main river of the province of Guipuzcoa in terms of length, basin area and current. It is also the most polluted throughout history due to urban sewage and the heavy industry along its banks, especially the paper industry.
The heyday of the industry was such that by 1915, in the area of Tolosa, there were about 20 paper mills in operation, generating 65% of the continuous paper that was produced in Spain. As a consequence, the Oria became one of the most polluted rivers in Europe, a real sewer.
During the 80s it was decided to curb this decline and enforce pollution control measures and promote a sewage system to companies, to improve the water quality. This, coupled with the relocation of companies and the current decline of the paper industry, has led to the regeneration of the river and fish returning to its waters. The river has now improved its appearance and different species of birds like these swans populate the tidal area.
With the regeneration of the river, anglers have arrived. In the picture, an angler trying to catch mullet near the mouth of Oria.
Upstream, barbel is the main species.
Riverside anglers, Ander P Larruskain and Mikel Elexpuru, selecting the best flies for barbel and trout.
The large population of barbel allows dry fly fishing, especially in summer.
CDC flies are one of the best options when barbel are taking on surface.
Stocking with rainbows and brown trout has enabled fishing for these species on the Oria. Only adult specimens are stocked for fishing. It has also been restocked with eels and salmon smolt, in the headwaters.
Throughout its course it is mandatory catch and release fishing. In the picture, an “old� rainbow trout.
Different liveries of the Oria’s rainbow trout.
Less abundant, brown trout are much appreciated. Arkaitz Martin and J. Cruz with two good-sized specimens.
View of the village of Orio, where the river flows into the Cantabrian Sea.
The estuary in the village of Orio, where rowing is very popular. It has one of the most famous ‘drifters’ competition teams.
Recuperation of the Oria is essential, not only because of its ecological value, but also by the proximity of its estuary to places of importance to tourism. San Sebastian, Guetaria or Zarauz are nearby towns where visitors expect to find spectacular and pristine scenery, and the river Oria should be part of it. Other cases of rivers which were absolutely dead, then resurrected after years of work, and an environmental conscience, are all an example to follow. Will eels and Atlantic salmon come back to the Oria’s waters? Text & Photos: Antonio Goùi
Flymage flies collection tied by Mikel Elexpuru
Exclusive to Flymage, Mikel has designed a collection of 6 “super fishable” flies, all of exceptional quality. Box of 24 flies (4 per pattern) 75€, shipping included. Write to shop@flymage.net
New Fly Rod Design (or how the combination of chronic tendonitis and a burning interest for design ended up as a fly-fishing innovation)
THE FREE-FLEX SYSTEM The blank on a fly rod is designed to bend as is charged with energy during casting. On traditional rods the handle is glued to the blank precisely where the power potential is greatest. It goes without saying that a handle that is glued with hardening adhesive to the bottom portion of the blank inhibits tensioning. This simple fact was the starting point for ArcticSilver’s product development. We wanted to create a rod where the blank entire power potential could be exploited. On ArcticSilver’s Free Flex rods the handle is not glued to the blank. The result is a blank that is charged easier, a rod that bends freely down the reel seat and gives you more punch and feeling with less use of force. All of the talented fly casters who have tried our rods, have given us the same, positive feedback: Free Flex rods are working right down into the palm of the hand, they have a deeper action, providing increased range and greater feeling.The world’s most exciting and innovative rod concepts are under development. Soon you will be able to see and feel the difference.
Quick-Lock reel seat, faster and easier to use than a traditional one, fits all standard reels, no more reel wobble.
By Robert Selfors, If you passionate fly fishers out there want NEW development, renewal and innovation, please support this project. As our backer you will be one of the persons that make this dream come true. You can pre-order the Free-Flex rods today: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/265518 Artic Silver Webiste: http://www.arcticsilver.no
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Finding Nirvana (I) By Earl Hamilton
T
he waves slapped the side of the boat and the engine purred in contentment as the rig was maneuvered in to position to do battle. The guide glanced back; a flashing shard of brilliant light stabbed the atmosphere as his sunnies caught the full glare from the golden orb of the tropical sun. The gratified grin radiating from his tanned chiseled face affirms the satisfaction and confidence that he was mastering his dominion. He knew this game, and how to play it out. The love of his vocation and devotion to his calling manifest themselves with his cool command of the situation. “Keep the pressure on him� The calm tenor of his instructions prompting full trust in his conviction. I respond by cupping my gloved hand around the intensely spinning spool of the reel, pressing firmly, but lightly on the rim to add pressure and slow down the frenzied revolutions.
In the sweltering heat, a bead of sweat was running down the side of my neck as I grunted to heave. The adrenalin pumping through my veins gave power to the deathly grip I had on the rod. The strain on my arms was uncompromising, as the singing drag on the reel intoned the tightness of the thin filament rolling off the spool. The flimsy rod bent over double, its fine tapered tip plunged under the sparkling surface of the cobalt sea, tracking the unseen monster as it bore down penetrating the inky depths in search of its salvation. The big fish’s efforts to escape were overwhelming the crude and inefficient tackle employed to subdue this quarry. The game is on, and I am experiencing the ultimate experience, the height of pleasurable emotion, the harmony and joy and complete satisfaction, a state of grace and wholeness. This was Nirvana.
Starved of the necessary inspiration to appease longings of the mind, many a saltwater fly fishing dream is played out like this. Our imagination wanders in search for such an event that will endow such a sacred encounter with fulfillment that transcends mere gratification. I am no exception, and my pursuit to find such an exceptional experience directed me to Damon Olsen in Australia, who’s fishing charter operation Nomad Sport Fishing delivers the prospects where fantasies meet reality. Nomads office based in Brisbane, Damon his wife Claire and a small team
of office staff, the crew of several guides, a full time chef, a hostess, fully qualified engineer and ships master, and his assistant operate this unique floating resort and its fleet to various distant and isolated parts along the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, which presents arguably the best fishing opportunities for adventure sport fishing in the world. These guys have rightfully earned their reputation of providing the most comprehensive and professional service available anywhere to take you to some of the most amazing diverse and productive fisheries on the planet.
Damon Olsen with a fish for a happy client
More happy clients have fun on the beach
Nick Milford, Guide and operations manager for Nomad, landing a golden trevally for American guest, Bill Cowin.
The greatest of angling adventure starts with a specially chartered sea plane that takes you out to the boats already waiting at the venue. The spacious purpose built comfortable airconditioned 80ft mother ship caters for 12 guests. With ample accommodation, a fully equipped galley, a wellstocked bar, a large dinning reception area, two showers rooms with domestic toilets and top deck for relaxing and tackle rigging etc. For the fishing there are three 18ft dories, two 26 foot Contender center consoles and a 36ft big game boat all
fully equipped with the best tackle and electronics that will cover any type of ground and any type of fishing for the guests, and in comfort. All this coupled with the venues and comprehensive professionalism provides the perfect setting and opportunities for dreams to come true. Unforgettable experiences and euphoria where only an exceptional catch in reality can meet and exceed ambitions only dreamt of are part of everyday life for the Nomad team and they excel in granting such wishes to their guests.
Whilst returning from a Christmas Island trip earlier in the year, I visited the Nomad office to see Damon and catch up on news. I was greeted by his wife and the staff and Damon soon appeared as he came down the stairs. Very quickly in the opening conversation, he told me they had decided to do an exploratory trip up in the far north of Queensland very close to one of their most productive venues Bligh Reef, on grounds they had visited, bit not fished, and that this was going to be a trip specifically for fly fishing and an opportunity to cast the fly at, Barramundi, Mangrove Jack, big Queenfish, Permit Golden Trevally, Sombre and Painted sweetlip, big Giant trevally, Red Bass, Coral Trout, big Narrow barred Spanish mackerel, tuna, Dogtooth tuna, Sailfish and even Marlin to name just a few.
Big Red Bass are a real handfull on the fly rod
With that news, my hand dove into my pocket and I pulled out an immediate deposit which I slapped into Damon’s hand exclaiming my commitment and said “I’m on!”. This was it, I had wanted to fish this venue for the last 4 years, and being fly fishing specific, this was going to be the best trip I could imagine. This was a trip not to be missed and I had filled the first spot with my deposit. There was nothing left to do but take care of the usual logistics of flights, overnight hotels, insurance and tackle preparation for the trip according to the guides recommendations and tie flies while waiting for the months to go by till its time to go. The Journey had begun, but the voyage was to come. This was going to be my 5th week fishing with them on various trips, none of
which fell bellow a standard of absolutely amazing. With my normal luggage, together with eight fly rods from #8wt-#17wt, umpteen fly reels, all the fly line combinations, and leaders to accommodate and match any eventuality plus boxes and boxes of flies tied over the previous months of anticipation and waiting. At Cairns, I met the rest of the guests joining the trip. A mixed bag of company, 12 of them fishing and one camera man for a crew filming an episode of their fishing program. We boarded our chartered flight and we arrived at the Iron Range Airstrip nearly 2 hours north of Cairns. Damon and the Guides were there to greet all the guests. We were gathered together and duly transported by truck for a short trip to be ferried to the waiting mothership in two of the center consoles.
Guide Matt “Matty� Zahra returns a 30lb Giant Trevally to the water after a long fight on a #9wt fly rod.
We arrived on the mother ship, our home for the next week. After a short orientation on the rules and safety from the ships master, we set about getting to know each other while rigging the gear for the next morning when the fishing would begin immediately after a full breakfast. A Scotsman, two Americans, a group of work colleagues and friends from Melbourne, the film crew and myself were going to share a rare experience of fly fishing in virtually untouched virgin waters isolated hundreds of miles from the nearest habitation, let alone civilization for the next 6 days on board the mother ship Odyssey and the fishing grounds from just two minutes off the ship. We had the choice to fish many extensive flats, reefs, rivers and even offshore blue water to quell those yearnings that drive our aspirations in search of a myriad of species
that swim those waters, and of course those piscatorial monsters of mythical proportion and legendary strength that dreams are made of! This was just the beginning of an adventure that only a very few places on earth can offer. I had now entered the passage of this voyage, where dreams are played out in a theater of reality. The players are a team of dedicated professional guides and a random group of likeminded individuals who journeyed to share a passion for experiencing fly fishing extremes in an arena of unspoiled nature in the raw, the authenticity of which is relayed in the photos and sentiments of this article. I will return to this Utopia and find Nirvana again nomadsportfishing.com.au
Local fish expert keeping an eye on the poachers!
Rounding off a day with a barbeque and beers on the beach.
Some of our gear for the trip
The smiles say a lot. A happy client and a guide with a prize sized Golden Trevally.
Always plenty of action on the sand spits at the ends of the sand kays.
Bill Cowin of Seattle with a rare capture of a nice Cobia on fly off the beach.
Mangrove Snapper from the river system.
Guest John Lloyd of St Louis fighting it out with a good Giant Trevally on a #9wt rod, while the guide manouvers the boat.
A beautiful GT, a beautiful place, and great result.
Immersed in the pleasance of the surroundings
A surprise harvest of locally caught fresh prawns for an after fishing snack and beers on an untouched beach.
At the first anchorage day 1
A challenging creek in search of Australia´s iconic barramundi.
An idilic location and a beautiful prize.
The author with his first catch for the trip.
The Bluefin Trevally, is there a more beautiful fish?, and one of my favorite species for the fly.
For many fly anglers, the Giant Trevally is the ultimate quarry.
Great sport and an aerial acrobat, the queenfish.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Contributors in this issue Chip Drozenski - Ander P. Larruskain - Mikel Elexpuru Robert Selfors - Earl Hamilton - John Langridge Juan Urán - José L. García - José L. Garrido
E D I T O R S José H. Weigand Angler, photographer and TV fishing editor at Caza y Pesca channel on Digital+ for 14 years. Contributor to some international magazines, blogs and forums.
Antonio Goñi Antonio Goñi, fishing video producer, photographer and angler. Currently producing fly tying series “The Silk corner” at Caza y Pesca channel on Digital+.
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