Frontiers UK 2018 Newsletter

B E S P O K E ELEGANT

JOURNEYS

WORLDWIDE

2018 / 2019

Where do you get your information from?

These days we are bombarded with information.

There are more ‘experts’ out there than there have ever been and we have never been more bombarded with tempting images and social media enthusiasm. So it is no wonder we suffer from FFOMO (fly-fishing fear of missing out) or the shooting equivalent!

This is why we believe that Frontiers has never been of more value. Yes, we bombard you with ideas, that is what this brochure is about, but email, or better still, call us and we’ll be asking you a host of questions which will tell us (and you) if you need to book now for fear of further FFOMO or if you can relax - all that great advice for free!

Tarquin Millington-Drake Managing Director

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Tiger fish in Tanzania Quite simply, we went to Tanzania with a party to have a look and were impressed. It is quite an easy journey with minimal hassle. Fly to Dar es Salaam, overnight, and fly into the camp the next morning.

On the return, the reverse with the overnight in the air flying home.

The fish are simply stunning and an impressive size and the camps, though simple, are perfectly comfortable. Above all, the operation is run by some great, earnest and honest people. It is a really great trip.

Read more on Tarquin’s blog. www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/blogs.

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On arrival in Murmansk Frontiers/Ponoi River guests are met and taken to the VIP Lounge to relax in comfort while their helicopter is loaded. No hanging around the airport!

The incomparable Ponoi continues to shine...

With such negative news on the Atlantic salmon front from almost everywhere, it is hard to understand how the Ponoi manages to continue to produce amazing results even if hampered by windy, rainy and cold weather. But produce it has done, to impressive numbers with over 1000 fish for each of the first two weeks and around 900 for each of the second two weeks with a total of over 5000 fish in six weeks. The weather was so bad that it took until the end of week three for any material success to be enjoyed on the surface but once it began there have been some superb days of 20 or more fish landed on a skated fly.

The season was opened by 16-year old Somerset Fell who also caught the best fish of the week at 19lbs. The best day of the spring season to date was 247 fish. The best fish of the 2018 season was Tom Leslie’s 22lbs fish and the average number of fish per rod per week for the first four prime weeks was a fraction under 42 fish per rod per week. Home Pool has been excellent as always. In summary, despite weather that would seemingly never improve, the spring season was as predicted based on indicators from the previous autumn with the added bonus of a strong summer run appearing almost ten days early.

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But Ponoi’s Ryabaga Camp is not all about the fishing “Given that we were in the middle of the tundra, the standard of the camp was almost too good! Staff were excellent.”

“I put on 2 kilos on the trip! Not happy about that.

Food was absolutely excellent.”

“Guides were good and very safety conscious.”

“One of the best Atlantic salmon fishing experiences available in the world today.”

“A wonderful experience: head and shoulders better than anything else on the Kola.”

These are all real comments from clients from the first four weeks and they tell the story of the focus, care and attention to detail that goes into the camp and the calibre of the staff and guides, a top international team who have been outstanding this season. A big shout out for Marjaliisa in Helsinki who receives huge praise for her calm guidance every weekend and to the Murmansk team who ensure all runs smoothly there too. They are all as much a part of the Ponoi experience as the salmon fishing itself.

Agustin Lo Greco, the new Camp Manager, has started well and has done an outstanding job this season.

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Our shooting clients receive a 10% discount on lessons, gun storage and equipment from Calvert Sporting, so please ask us for codes.

South Africa - the land of the red letter day Seriously challenging, volume pigeon shooting in the heart of the Bloemfontein’s sunflower fields Sport vs numbers? That’s the question. If you are after numbers then Argentina maintains the top spot. If you seek the maximum challenge, in our opinion, there is only one destination and that is South Africa. The birds are as numerous as they are challenging and they are going to test you. If you were to cross a wood pigeon and an October grouse, you would be pretty close to a South African rock pigeon. They come at you low and very fast, almost as fast as a red grouse but jinking, so taking them out in front is a real art, especially while trying to avoid being seen. We firmly believe that sunflower fields are the best place to enjoy some truly exhilarating shooting, combined with excellent African hospitality, all at a great price.

Group sizes are best between four and six. There is no limit on the number of days you can go for, we recommend a minimum of three. Each gun should expect to shoot 500+ cartridges a day. The season is April through to June. Travel is easy, a direct flight to Johannesburg and then either another flight or drive to the lodge. See blog and video at www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/blogs.

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Astove and Farquhar, Seychelles Whether it be the above atolls or Alphonse, Providence or Cosmoledo, we have seen them all and, most importantly, can compare and contrast and make sure you go to the right one at the right time with the correct expectations. These photographs are from our teams during 2018 with the best fish being a 114 cm Giant trevally. We achieved many firsts on GTs, bumphead parrots, triggers and permit. When we advise you, it is most important that we know your level of experience and species objectives. Our group to Cosmoledo is full for 2019 but please ask us about our groups to Astove and Farquhar. Read about our recent trips to Farquhar and Astove in Tarquin’s blogs at www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/blogs.

These trips are true saltwater adventures to thriving marine oases.

Join our team at Astove from 25 March - 1 April 2019.

Contact Toby for details tb@frontierstrvl.co.uk Join our team at Farquhar from 8-15 March or 19-26 April 2019.

Contact Richard for details rs@frontierstrvl.co.uk

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Do not forget we have wonderful fourday trips to Greenland, which can be a trip in its own right or an Icelandic extension. www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/greenland

Iceland - our experience is second to none...

We have visited Iceland as a company for something like 40 years, our experience in our UK team runs close to 30 years and over 20 rivers we have actually cast a fly over and that does not count the trout fishing. Loyalty to Iceland stems from the wonderful visual nature of the intimate salmon fishing on attractive crystal-clear rivers with small flies.

Disappointment can come as a result of nature from time to time but expectations are more often the cause, the latter well within our control and that is why we have a website dedicated to Iceland (www.frontiersiceland.com) and staff who specialise not only in the fishing but the logistics of the country as well.

Every river has a slightly different prime time and each has its own peculiarities so knowing them as intimately as we do serves you very well. Certain rivers work well for non-fishing partners, others do not but then that depends too. What we will want to know is your experience and what you thought of places you have been to whether they were in Iceland or elsewhere. We will also ask about your fitness level, your preference for single or double-handed rods and your skill level with them as well as your desire for bigger fish versus lots of fish.

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Whether trout, salmon or char, have a look at our Iceland website. www.frontiersiceland.com

Welcome to Didi Godman!

Didi joins us from managing a Michelinstar restaurant and will be looking after all our Iceland and South American travellers in the future.

Iceland - what we can do for you...

We can do three-day salmon or trout trips; salmon river combos which are practical from a travel point of view; salmon and trout combos at the right times so that both are fishing well; wilderness adventures into the interior for trout and char; and of course the famous big trout of Lake Thingvallavatn on the best beats.

Prime salmon fishing is beginning to change with fish coming earlier. The rivers in the west are beginning to show excellent numbers of two-sea-winter fish in June before the grilse which extends the worthwhile salmon season in that area. July is traditionally the best month with the first 20 days being best for many rivers. The further north the later the fresh fish still arrive. For trout, in the rivers the second half of June and July is best but the season is broader than the salmon fishing. For Lake Thingvallavatn the prime dates are second half of April, May and June. Of course, there are exceptions to all these guidelines!

Best time to plan for Iceland is September, October and November of the previous year. This is when we can be most creative with combination itineraries before space is at a premium. All this is supported by our ability to advise and assist with nonfishing tourism in Iceland from your arrival to your choice of hotel and dining in Reykjavik and all the great spectacles that Iceland has to offer all around the island.

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There are many destinations not featured in this brochure including the world famous sea trout in Tierra del Fuego, so if you do not see what you are looking for, please ask!

Fin & Game We recognise that fishing tackle has become highly specialised for every destination. What you take on one trip will now be completely different for another even if seemingly the same type of destination. Lodges now publish specific fly lists, and we endeavour to make sure we have them. Whether it be a certain rod, a multi-tip line, a particular fly or simply the hooks they are tied on, our team at Fin & Game has done its research and tested equipment so we can offer you the best advice for the exact trip you are planning. The days of spending extortionate amounts on incorrect gear are behind you... we are here to help.

What qualifies us to make such a claim? We have been there - over a year’s combined experience in Russia on ten rivers, guiding on the Rio Grande, Norway’s great rivers, saltwater in the Seychelles, Mexico or the Bahamas, we have actually done what you are planning to do and have talked to the guides and tested the gear.

We have delighted in our thriving relationship with Frontiers, which we firmly believe serves you better from every perspective.

Tom Leslie, Fin & Game, Kelso 14

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Alaska - think of it in threes...

Everyone needs to go there at least once We know Alaska so well and have a whole department which specialises in it! There are basically three seasons and three types of lodge.

The early season for Kings and/or rainbow trout, the mid-season for sockeye salmon, chum salmon and trout and the autumn season for silver salmon and trout; each special and unique as the season evolves.

The three lodge types are the traditional fly-out lodge we all dream about, the fixed lodge or camp that fishes the river they are located on and, for the ultimate adventurer, there is the float trip down a specific river.

Which combination of lodge and time of year will be down to our discussions with you. Finally, recently, we have found clients wanting good photographic opportunities as well as great fishing – we have good ideas there too!

BIG congratulations to our USA Office, which turns 50 in 2019. Founded in 1969 by Mike and Susie Fitzgerald, Frontiers has gone from strength to strength ever since. We have 65 specialists to call on in our US office. Thank you for all your support over the years!

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The Frontiers world of trout Argentina, Chile, Iceland, Slovenia, USA, Alaska, Spain, New Zealand…

We may have grown up trout fishing but it was never too long before we were tempted by the size and power of Atlantic salmon or the sun and sand of saltwater. However, trout and trout fishing still takes you to some of the most stunning parts of the world, and the fishing is as challenging and interesting as it has ever been. We know our trout fishing.

There is the world-beating, upstream sighted fishing of New Zealand which can be built into a broader New Zealand trip.

The plentiful waters of Argentina and Chile, with their myriad of rivers and lodges (including the sea trout rivers) to be enjoyed, can easily soak up two weeks of great fishing amid spectacular scenery. Indeed each country can be a separate trip for fishing alone or a broader experience to include wine, mountains and deserts as well as city culture.

The wild rainbows of Alaska that eat mice and salmon eggs, as well as dry flies and nymphs and run like bonefish, have to be among the strongest trout that swim. Alaska too can be combined with a broader experience around wildlife or even a cruise. Let us also not forget the American West, the home of cutthroat trout and some of the most spectacular big sky country you will ever see, and without doubt take the family to ride or just enjoy the experience. The awe-inspiring giant brown trout of Iceland’s Lake Thingvallavatn, or their river cousins the length and breadth of the country, also lead you to some of the most extraordinary volcanic landscapes you will ever see as well as a culture steeped in art and poetry. Of course there is also the more European flavour of Spain or Slovenia, we know them, we love them and we can help and advise you on itineraries which can be hard-core trouting or take in a greater flavour of the country.

In most cases trout fishing is excellent value too including lodging, guides and transport. You give us the brief: upstream, downstream, technical, streamer, country of choice or a mixture of many, and we’ll give you the advice and remember, all at no extra cost to you.

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The only thing holding you back is your imagination.

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Kick Plastic This bottle came in on the surf as we fished Farquhar.

Plastic is one of marine life’s biggest threats today. With two thirds of fish in our ocean testing positive for plastic we have come to a critical stage. The average person in the UK uses 280 single-use plastic bottles per year with 200 billion plastic bottles being manufactured per year across the globe.

It takes approximately 2000 years for plastic to degrade – meaning all plastic ever made is still on the planet today, a terrifying thought. The way in which we react to this is of the utmost importance and it is a topic very close to our hearts at Frontiers. Therefore we encourage you to buy a reusable water bottle instead of single-use plastic bottles and get into the habit of travelling with it.

KEEPEMWET Frontiers is a brand partner of keepemwet.org, which promotes releasing fish in the best condition possible to reduce the impact sport anglers have on fisheries around the world. They campaign to minimise air exposure, eliminate exposure to dry surfaces and reduce handling

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Oman Africanus and Indo-pacific permit with wild and empty beaches combined with great blue water fishing for bill fish and other species. What’s not to love? Oman is one of the newest and up and coming saltwater destinations. If you are interested in fishing for permit then Oman needs your consideration. Casting into a ball of feeding Africanus permit is an amazing experience and, given the correct tides, having a shot at catching one is almost guaranteed. Can we help you tame the Africanus?

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We represent 31 different lodges and suppliers in the saltwater world...

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12 are in the Bahamas 5 in Belize 8 in Mexico and 6 in the Seychelles

Mix it up in the Bahamas - a refresher course...

The Bahamas are back for many reasons so we decided to go on a refresher course and thought we should pass on our thoughts about why they are enjoying a renaissance. Nobody knows them like Frontiers, we have two staff dedicated to them.

We have all become a little side-tracked by other species and other destinations but they often require a week-long stay which at times does not suit. The Bahamas are in the USA’s backyard so they are used to fishers popping in for three or four days. Not everywhere else is perfect for a non-fisher to enjoy the short stay either but again, the Bahamas excel and combine well with nearby destinations including the USA. Frankly, we have all forgotten how good the fishing is too and that it is not just bonefish, albeit some of the biggest there are. Barracuda, permit and tarpon all appear in a Bahamas fishing book but triggerfish are beginning to do so too and no doubt other species will with time. The Bahamas are truly back for the saltwater fisher!

So, by ‘mix it up in the Bahamas’ we mean flexibility of stay with the option to do multiple lodges for a few days each thus broadening your risk, non-fishers more than welcome and species mix too without forgetting it is already world-class fishing. To that end, Richard and Toby visited numerous lodges this spring and stand ready to help you... again, all advice for free!

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We welcome Toby Burrell to the Frontiers team. Toby (pictured left) joins us from managing fishing camps in Russia and Africa and is consequently a very experienced head on young shoulders.

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Frontiers has long been highly regarded for its Pre-Trip information. It includes a succinct list of key necessities as well as more detailed information with links to articles, blogs, films and equipment.

Dubai Turn a negative into a positive...

If you do not want to commit to buying saltwater tackle for your first trip in case the salt is not for you call Fin & Game on 01573 224066 and they will rent you some premium gear or receive a 10% discount on purchases.

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If you do not like changing planes in Dubai, why not stop for a day or two to acclimatise and, better still, enjoy some great fly fishing.

As a result of all the man-made islands, Dubai has created amazing reef habitat and in so doing there is a new marine eco-system. The key species are queenfish, golden trevally or ‘goldies’, barracuda, cobia, king fish and many more. Dubai is far from only a stop-off destination. Take the kids to Dubai for half term and fish in the mornings and meet up back with the family at lunchtime? A blank is unlikely which is even better!

Do not bother to get the rods and gear out at all if passing through or, if staying in Dubai, why bring them at all? They have all the gear and it is top notch. There is one final positive about Dubai if stopping on the way to the Seychelles or Tanzania. Dubai gives you a chance to not only practice and make your mistakes, but you have top guides to coach you as well.

Frontiers Bespoke Our non-sporting travel service...

Many clients are not aware that we have had a highly regarded non-sporting bespoke travel service for over 20 years led by Lara MacDonald lara.macdonald@frontierstrvl.co.uk. It is half of our business! We have a passion for travel, imagination, attention to detail and love the challenge of designing unique experiences for individuals, couples, families and groups alike across the world. Whether it be Africa, South America, South-east Asia, Australasia or even the Poles, we have the contacts to ensure a great experience for you and the family.

We have excellent first-hand destination knowledge and have developed a client following who trust our judgement and will travel with no-one else.

We also have a full staff in the USA, and together our network runs wide and deep. If you want a truly personal service at competitive prices, Frontiers Bespoke is for you!

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We are a member of the Virtuoso network of travel agents, which means better contacts and service and extra value and perks for you! We are also top producers for Lindblad National Geographic, Belmond, Four Seasons and Rocco Forte.

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Not enough of the next generation are taking up fieldsports. Frontiers loves to encourage families to enjoy all that fieldsports have to offer - ask us where we have had the greatest successes inspiring the young.

Couples or family destinations... in the salt...

We think this is an area of travel which is increasingly important and we have made it our priority to ensure we are up to speed to give you the best advice. Lodges and operators are getting the message too and responding by trying to evolve their destinations to make the non-fisher or family equally important. As is so often the case, the key is a conversation with you. Some destinations offer simply a lovely place to relax while being well looked after, others offer a lot more to do. We need to know your priorities to give you the best advice.

Destinations featured in the photographs include a new fishing operation on Thudufushi in the Maldives with all the luxury facilities that one would expect. Alphonse Island in the Seychelles has never been better set up for non-fishers and family than it is today. They have focused so much on the non-fisher, they have evolved a new brand which they have coined ‘Blue Safari’ which makes perfect sense given that so many of these wonderful properties are located in some of the last marine sanctuaries.

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All we have is time, use it wisely...

Delphi Lodge on Abaco in the Bahamas has a full menu of non-fishing activities focused on the ‘restless’, ‘the curious’ and ‘the idle’.

Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica not only has great on and off-shore fishing but excellent eco and jungle non-fishing programmes which are fun and educational for all the family.

And finally Grand Slam Lodge in Mexico, a hide-out tucked away south of Cancun which combines very well with some of the luxury hotels and Mayan cultural sites further up the coast on the Yucatan peninsula.

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...and in the fresh...

When we focus on possible freshwater locations which combine well with non-fishers or the family, one realises it is a broader subject.

Alaska, for example, offers so much to see and do that it is almost impossible to concentrate on one lodge. We receive more and more requests for a fishing/photography location, for example, but there are many more options. Canada and the American West offer wonderful family holidays on their ranches and tick the fishing/riding box with gusto.

New Zealand must be the ultimate for combining world-class fishing with just about anything else there is to see and do. But do not forget Africa, particularly Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe or the Kenya coast for the ultimate fishing and safari combination. There is more beyond the photographs we have chosen. Iceland offers so much for the non-fisher to see as does Spain with its stunning fishing in the Pyrenees. Slovenia too has some wonderful fishing easily combined with enjoying the country.

As we keep repeating, the secret to the right choices lie in a conversation with you.

The prices we give you for your trip are as quoted to us by the lodges in their currency, fully transparent.

You can pay in GBP, USD or Euros in the UK or USA.

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We like to talk to you!

Please call for a chat so we can give you the best advice for your next trip.

A passion for travel and a passion to share Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this newsletter are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed in this newsletter. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected.

Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.

Our ATOL number is ATOL 3315.

Kennet Cottage Kempsford Gloucestershire GL7 4EQ

ABTOT provides protection for your booking as set out in the bookings section of our booking conditions on our website at www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/abtot. Our ABTOT number is 5309.

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Photo Credits: Frontiers Travel Ltd, Tarquin Millington-Drake, Richard Scrope, Toby Burrell, Kyle Reed, Barry & Kathy Beck.

Copyright Š 2018 Frontiers International Travel. All rights reserved.

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