Cover (Page 1) - Rio Parismina Lodge
Transcription
Cover (Page 1) - Rio Parismina Lodge
REAL REEL NEWS Book your 2009 Trip Today! Visit our web site: www.riop.com Tarpon in Costa Rica Amigo Pescador PARISMINA, Costa Rica — Rubinho's letter translated from Portuguese to English We saved you a seat at Rio Parismina Lodge. We have a boat waiting for you! WANTED: Photos & Articles for our next Reel News Photo Gallery. Send us your favorites. Sorry we cannot send your pictures back, so send spares! Space is Limited So Book Your Trip Today! PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PA I D PERMIT #6450 San Antonio, TX P.O. Box 460009 San Antonio, Texas 78246-0009 For More Information Call, 1-800-338-5688 1-(210)-824-4442 already had fished Tarpon in other places, but I did not imagine that it could be as good as it was in Costa Rica, at Rio Parismina Lodge. It had been some time since I felt this much emotion over a fish. I was tremendously impressed with the energy, vibration, force and nobility of the Tarpon, this surely enters in the list of the very best of experiences that I have ever had the chance to feel on the end of my line. I Beyond Tarpon, the regional fish make it possible to catch great robalos, machaca (a relative of matrinxã) and an exotic fish call guapote. These other species are fished in the diverse tributary rivers of the Parismina and in the sand bars of the other rivers that empty into this tropical paradise. When you hook your first Tarpon and it explodes out of the water, it's a show; a battle of man versus fish. It takes a great deal of skill to bring in “the one you don’t want to lose”. There is no doubt in my mind, this would be the next destination I would fish! Abraços, Rubinho REAL REEL NEWS REAL REEL NEWS Recreation Fishing at Rio Parismina Jumping at the chance / Anglers find tarpon flying high during recent trip to Costa Rica By JOE DOGGETT For The Chronicle WAKE-UP calls are available at no extra charge at Costa Rica's Rio Parismina Lodge. And, not coincidentally, so are jungle tours. The roaring of a howler monkey opened my eyes as gray light sifted through the room. The booming commotion from the high canopy stirred a flock of squawking mystobirds - no chance for a snooze alarm now. I pulled on fishing shorts and stepped outside. Gregg Pratka, bunking in the room next door, was stirring a cup of steaming café con leche placed on the veranda by the staff - a civilized reveille, considering the logistics. The lodge, located in the Caribbean rain forest near the mouth of the tarpon-rich Rio Parismina, is accessible only by boat or small charter aircraft. The screen door squeaked and Gregg's son, Harris Pratka, walked out. "What was that awful racket?" he asked. A GOOD TEST Lodge owner Judy Heidt was taking orders as Houstonians Link Smith, Ronnie Sellers, Mike Sellers and Kirk Sellers debated the finer points of catching tarpon. "Those monkeys sure were in a bad mood," I said, sliding a chair across the hardwood floor and reaching for the platter of fresh mangos, papayas, and pineapples. "Maybe they heard the surf," said Ronnie. "Listen." The boom and crunch of heavy surf carried from the nearby river mouth. The cannonading was not what we wanted to hear. Rough surf across the river mouth can be a trip killer - at least it was 25 years ago when I first fished the region and the tarpon camps utilized small 16-foot aluminum skiffs to reach the ocean. Rio Parismina Lodge commands a fleet of 21-foot center consoles. The heavy, seaworthy hulls improve the percentages of getting "outside" on rough days. Our trip during mid-May was a good test for the program. "Jaguar," I said, raising a cup and pointing to the dark wall of jungle. "You'll want to watch where you walk after dark around here, rookie." "I know better than that," Harris snorted. "This might be my first trip to Costa Rica, but if that was a jaguar, you guys would be hiding under the bed. Let's get breakfast; I think the others are already in the dining room." Spring is an excellent season for tarpon in the 50- to 150-pound class, but conditions can be unpredictable. Fernando Gonzales, the lodge manager, walked in and announced the verdict. "We just took a boat and checked the river mouth, and it should be OK," he said. "The 2 guides know how to time the waves and wait for lulls; they won't risk it if the lulls are too short." At the dock, we paired two to a boat and donned mandatory life vests and made the short run down the muddy river to the pass. Recurring waves between 4 to 6 feet deep broke across the shallow channel, but the skilled skippers circled inside, jockeying and stalling, then punched over the bar and into the slick ocean. The drill was impressive. Also worth comment, it was exhilarating. Why? It was real. This was no programmed adventure park. We were on the raw edge of the jungle, running fast and clean, and you could feel the energy in the air. The boats blasting through the pass and into the untrammeled promise of the open Caribbean were a long way from corner convenience stores, freeway traffic jams and the latest video games. We were out there doing it, living it. And once we got outside, the fishing was up to par - which is to say it is the best deepwater tarpon fishing in the world. At least, it is the most consistent venue that is readily accessible to tourist travel. That remains my firm opinion based on numerous trips to the region. Jon Duncan Kimrey Aggie Group Dear Judy, Thought you might need some pictures ’09 newsletter. Great trip and looking forward to having 24 next year. Gig‘em Aggies Stormy Kimrey ‘58 Dear Judy, Thanks for the hospitality and great fishing on my trip to Rio Parismina, Fernando, Sergio and Sidney were all great. I’ve enclosed a CD of Photos. It’s hard to snap them of Jumping Tarpon when you’re on the fish! Will try for more shots next time. Thanks so much. Todd Steckel Dear Judy, We had a great time on our first trip to RPL. We’ll be back in September! Thank you so much- you ran a first class operation. Walter Neuman Diane Flanagan Grayslake, Illinois This trip will go down as one that will rank the very highest in our enjoyment and hospitality. Every detail was taken care of in the finest fashion. All of the other guests shared these same sentiments around the evening gathering before dinner, and speaking of dinner...one cannot come close to saying all the nice things that should be said about our dining experiences. absolutely the best might summarize this past of our trip, but again, everything was outstanding and every detail was tended to with pride and excellence. Oh yes, there was also an adequate amount of rainfall. Lodge manger Fernando with great friends: Dave Sheffield and Ron Grimm You can always take a quick dip in the Lodge pool to cool off. For this experience, we can only say THANK YOU again. Accompanying this letter is a short note from Dennis highly, the President & CEO of Cabela’s, a mutual friend. His insight is as ours, in that you are the very best and provide your guests with the best. God Bless You. John Runk Vern Bauman Charles A. Herzog Sr. IN LOVING MEMORY OF FRANK PRIEBE THE FISHERMAN’S PRAYER And it's pleasant fishing. Boats depart at 6 a.m. and fish through the relative cool of the morning. Anglers return to the lodge at 11 a.m. for lunch, pool and siesta - a great break during the heat of the day. The afternoon anglers depart at 2 p.m. and return at 5 p.m. Even with the midday timeout, you get a full eight hours of fishing. This is possible because rich tarpon water is located within 10 minutes of the lodge. Dear Judy, We want to give this small token of our most sincere appreciation for your kin services to our wives and ourselves while we were in your fabulous fishing lodge. Rio Parismina Lodge is a facility that all other lodges must be envious of and rightfully so. Your Detail to excellence is without question, and you made all of us feel as though we were the most special guests ever. I pray that I may live to fish Until my dying day. And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray: When in the Lord’s great landing net And peacefully asleep That in His mercy I be judged Big enough to keep. The Priebe Family Shake, Rattle & Roll... Longer runs to nearby lagoon passes and river mouths are possible but seldom necessary. 7 REAL REEL NEWS REAL REEL NEWS See What Our Guests Are Saying! Dear Judy, The other day I received one of those long, list-your-favorite-things e-mails, which usually I just delete. But one question stuck out: "If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?" That was easy. Even though Dusty has been to Parismina 40 times, and I've made the last 29 of those trips, my answer was "I wish we were at Judy's." Which is why we've already booked our group's usual week at Rio Parismina Lodge for the fall of 2009. Kimrey Aggie Group You and Fernando and your staff have created a paradise for pescadors, and Dusty and I and our amigos can't wait to come back for another week of jungle magic! See you in 301 days! Fondly, Gloria (Ensley) Larry Schoenborn’s Group April 2008 Dear Judy, Thanks to you and your wonderful staff for a week of fishing at RPL that will never be forgotten. Our group of four boated in excess of 85 large Tarpon per boat during the week of 9/2-9/8. We had them up and jumping all the time. Now the four of us need a rest just to get our strength back. WOW! What a trip. The food, boats, guides and the staff! Everything and everyone was fabulous. Thanks again for being such a great hostess. Alan Sandler Chicago, IL Dear Judy, One of the best trips I’ve been on. You have a great place—guides & food 2nd to none. Hope to be back next year. Ted West Chicago, IL. Dear Judy, Hi this is James, I’m one if the camera guy/editors at BWP. Nate passed along your email address so I could send you a couple pics. I have two with Babe’s daughter, who’s name is Donny, and Babe. We never got a pic of Babe with a Tarpon unfortunately. During a given session, one boat might hit a hot area and put 15 or 20 fish in the air while another crew struggled for two or three, but the overall numbers balanced out. For example, newcomer Harris hooked several fish the first day but failed to land one; the next morning he brought five or six to the boat for clean releases - an overnight expert. “During a given session, one boat might hit a hot area and put 15 or 20 fish in the air” Frankly, once you've landed a few, you tend to fish for the exciting strikes and initial jumps. A stubborn tarpon hugging bottom in 90-foot water becomes sweaty, exhausting work. And "work" is the correct word. You pour on the heat, using the powerful butt of the rod and utilizing side pressure whenever possible. The proper technique puts unrelenting strain on both ends of the line. The first fish I caught, while sharing a boat with Mike, was estimated by guide Jorge Menendez to weigh at least 150 pounds - as James Cordell Videographer/Editor Babe Winkelman Productions Almost all the gang. Left to Right Harlow Lockwood, Dave Sheffield, Don Degeus, Ron Grimm, Steve & George Shallbetter. Our two-angler boats routinely jumped eight to 12 tarpon per day. Most were in the 70- to 100-pound class. The standard technique was to drift sardina minnows on 30-pound boat rods or cast fast-sinking lures on 20-pound plug rods. The schools were located in water between 50 to 90 feet deep within a mile or so of the beach. large as any we've hooked in five trips. I beat the thick, fat female in 29 minutes on a 30pound outfit, but I was woozy all that afternoon and most of the night. The nearest professional diagnosis was heat exhaustion, but I knew better. It was a severe case of tarpon overdose. LEAPING LARGE The payback for fighting deep-water tarpon on light tackle is the occasional "skying" fish. A skying tarpon races from the depths and launches straight up. The vertical leap carries 10 or 15 feet, maybe more. The silver fish is so high you are staring up rather than out at the stupendous effort. Forget about proper fishing technique - all you can do is point and yell. The wild leap for freedom is the most impressive display you ever will see over a light fishing rod; tarpon on shallow flats cannot achieve the vertical momentum, and tarpon on heavy tackle are dragging too much resistance. An example was the fish on this page. I hooked the sixfoot tarpon while fishing with Gregg. He alertly grabbed my camera for a fast-draw shot. The motor drive Canon was set on auto focus, and he nailed the broadside fish on the descent. The photo has not been retouched in any way. The tarpon pulled free following the jump but no matter - the image of the leap will last a lifetime. And it is those superlatives that make Parismina so special. Howling monkeys, beckoning surf and skying tarpon are just some of the things that keep us coming back. But be careful. Pulling on those big fish under the tropical sun can be brutal. You need to be realistic, especially with sweat pouring from a balding, graying dome. You need to pace yourself, but in the often oversold world of angling, that is not a bad problem to address. —Joe Doggett “for the Houston Chronicle” Dear Judy, I never got a chance to really thank you, but I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. I finally got a few of the pictures and I can't help but day dream of still being at Parismina. I hope all is well. Talk to you soon. Thank you again for setting up a perfect trip. Alex Gerber 6 Donny sho w Winkelma s her dad, Babe n, how it’s done. 3 REAL REEL NEWS REAL REEL NEWS See What Our Guests Are Saying! Dear Judy, The other day I received one of those long, list-your-favorite-things e-mails, which usually I just delete. But one question stuck out: "If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?" That was easy. Even though Dusty has been to Parismina 40 times, and I've made the last 29 of those trips, my answer was "I wish we were at Judy's." Which is why we've already booked our group's usual week at Rio Parismina Lodge for the fall of 2009. Kimrey Aggie Group You and Fernando and your staff have created a paradise for pescadors, and Dusty and I and our amigos can't wait to come back for another week of jungle magic! See you in 301 days! Fondly, Gloria (Ensley) Larry Schoenborn’s Group April 2008 Dear Judy, Thanks to you and your wonderful staff for a week of fishing at RPL that will never be forgotten. Our group of four boated in excess of 85 large Tarpon per boat during the week of 9/2-9/8. We had them up and jumping all the time. Now the four of us need a rest just to get our strength back. WOW! What a trip. The food, boats, guides and the staff! Everything and everyone was fabulous. Thanks again for being such a great hostess. Alan Sandler Chicago, IL Dear Judy, One of the best trips I’ve been on. You have a great place—guides & food 2nd to none. Hope to be back next year. Ted West Chicago, IL. Dear Judy, Hi this is James, I’m one if the camera guy/editors at BWP. Nate passed along your email address so I could send you a couple pics. I have two with Babe’s daughter, who’s name is Donny, and Babe. We never got a pic of Babe with a Tarpon unfortunately. During a given session, one boat might hit a hot area and put 15 or 20 fish in the air while another crew struggled for two or three, but the overall numbers balanced out. For example, newcomer Harris hooked several fish the first day but failed to land one; the next morning he brought five or six to the boat for clean releases - an overnight expert. “During a given session, one boat might hit a hot area and put 15 or 20 fish in the air” Frankly, once you've landed a few, you tend to fish for the exciting strikes and initial jumps. A stubborn tarpon hugging bottom in 90-foot water becomes sweaty, exhausting work. And "work" is the correct word. You pour on the heat, using the powerful butt of the rod and utilizing side pressure whenever possible. The proper technique puts unrelenting strain on both ends of the line. The first fish I caught, while sharing a boat with Mike, was estimated by guide Jorge Menendez to weigh at least 150 pounds - as James Cordell Videographer/Editor Babe Winkelman Productions Almost all the gang. Left to Right Harlow Lockwood, Dave Sheffield, Don Degeus, Ron Grimm, Steve & George Shallbetter. Our two-angler boats routinely jumped eight to 12 tarpon per day. Most were in the 70- to 100-pound class. The standard technique was to drift sardina minnows on 30-pound boat rods or cast fast-sinking lures on 20-pound plug rods. The schools were located in water between 50 to 90 feet deep within a mile or so of the beach. large as any we've hooked in five trips. I beat the thick, fat female in 29 minutes on a 30pound outfit, but I was woozy all that afternoon and most of the night. The nearest professional diagnosis was heat exhaustion, but I knew better. It was a severe case of tarpon overdose. LEAPING LARGE The payback for fighting deep-water tarpon on light tackle is the occasional "skying" fish. A skying tarpon races from the depths and launches straight up. The vertical leap carries 10 or 15 feet, maybe more. The silver fish is so high you are staring up rather than out at the stupendous effort. Forget about proper fishing technique - all you can do is point and yell. The wild leap for freedom is the most impressive display you ever will see over a light fishing rod; tarpon on shallow flats cannot achieve the vertical momentum, and tarpon on heavy tackle are dragging too much resistance. An example was the fish on this page. I hooked the sixfoot tarpon while fishing with Gregg. He alertly grabbed my camera for a fast-draw shot. The motor drive Canon was set on auto focus, and he nailed the broadside fish on the descent. The photo has not been retouched in any way. The tarpon pulled free following the jump but no matter - the image of the leap will last a lifetime. And it is those superlatives that make Parismina so special. Howling monkeys, beckoning surf and skying tarpon are just some of the things that keep us coming back. But be careful. Pulling on those big fish under the tropical sun can be brutal. You need to be realistic, especially with sweat pouring from a balding, graying dome. You need to pace yourself, but in the often oversold world of angling, that is not a bad problem to address. —Joe Doggett “for the Houston Chronicle” Dear Judy, I never got a chance to really thank you, but I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. I finally got a few of the pictures and I can't help but day dream of still being at Parismina. I hope all is well. Talk to you soon. Thank you again for setting up a perfect trip. Alex Gerber 6 Donny sho w Winkelma s her dad, Babe n, how it’s done. 3 REAL REEL NEWS REAL REEL NEWS Recreation Fishing at Rio Parismina Jumping at the chance / Anglers find tarpon flying high during recent trip to Costa Rica By JOE DOGGETT For The Chronicle WAKE-UP calls are available at no extra charge at Costa Rica's Rio Parismina Lodge. And, not coincidentally, so are jungle tours. The roaring of a howler monkey opened my eyes as gray light sifted through the room. The booming commotion from the high canopy stirred a flock of squawking mystobirds - no chance for a snooze alarm now. I pulled on fishing shorts and stepped outside. Gregg Pratka, bunking in the room next door, was stirring a cup of steaming café con leche placed on the veranda by the staff - a civilized reveille, considering the logistics. The lodge, located in the Caribbean rain forest near the mouth of the tarpon-rich Rio Parismina, is accessible only by boat or small charter aircraft. The screen door squeaked and Gregg's son, Harris Pratka, walked out. "What was that awful racket?" he asked. A GOOD TEST Lodge owner Judy Heidt was taking orders as Houstonians Link Smith, Ronnie Sellers, Mike Sellers and Kirk Sellers debated the finer points of catching tarpon. "Those monkeys sure were in a bad mood," I said, sliding a chair across the hardwood floor and reaching for the platter of fresh mangos, papayas, and pineapples. "Maybe they heard the surf," said Ronnie. "Listen." The boom and crunch of heavy surf carried from the nearby river mouth. The cannonading was not what we wanted to hear. Rough surf across the river mouth can be a trip killer - at least it was 25 years ago when I first fished the region and the tarpon camps utilized small 16-foot aluminum skiffs to reach the ocean. Rio Parismina Lodge commands a fleet of 21-foot center consoles. The heavy, seaworthy hulls improve the percentages of getting "outside" on rough days. Our trip during mid-May was a good test for the program. "Jaguar," I said, raising a cup and pointing to the dark wall of jungle. "You'll want to watch where you walk after dark around here, rookie." "I know better than that," Harris snorted. "This might be my first trip to Costa Rica, but if that was a jaguar, you guys would be hiding under the bed. Let's get breakfast; I think the others are already in the dining room." Spring is an excellent season for tarpon in the 50- to 150-pound class, but conditions can be unpredictable. Fernando Gonzales, the lodge manager, walked in and announced the verdict. "We just took a boat and checked the river mouth, and it should be OK," he said. "The 2 guides know how to time the waves and wait for lulls; they won't risk it if the lulls are too short." At the dock, we paired two to a boat and donned mandatory life vests and made the short run down the muddy river to the pass. Recurring waves between 4 to 6 feet deep broke across the shallow channel, but the skilled skippers circled inside, jockeying and stalling, then punched over the bar and into the slick ocean. The drill was impressive. Also worth comment, it was exhilarating. Why? It was real. This was no programmed adventure park. We were on the raw edge of the jungle, running fast and clean, and you could feel the energy in the air. The boats blasting through the pass and into the untrammeled promise of the open Caribbean were a long way from corner convenience stores, freeway traffic jams and the latest video games. We were out there doing it, living it. And once we got outside, the fishing was up to par - which is to say it is the best deepwater tarpon fishing in the world. At least, it is the most consistent venue that is readily accessible to tourist travel. That remains my firm opinion based on numerous trips to the region. Jon Duncan Kimrey Aggie Group Dear Judy, Thought you might need some pictures ’09 newsletter. Great trip and looking forward to having 24 next year. Gig‘em Aggies Stormy Kimrey ‘58 Dear Judy, Thanks for the hospitality and great fishing on my trip to Rio Parismina, Fernando, Sergio and Sidney were all great. I’ve enclosed a CD of Photos. It’s hard to snap them of Jumping Tarpon when you’re on the fish! Will try for more shots next time. Thanks so much. Todd Steckel Dear Judy, We had a great time on our first trip to RPL. We’ll be back in September! Thank you so much- you ran a first class operation. Walter Neuman Diane Flanagan Grayslake, Illinois This trip will go down as one that will rank the very highest in our enjoyment and hospitality. Every detail was taken care of in the finest fashion. All of the other guests shared these same sentiments around the evening gathering before dinner, and speaking of dinner...one cannot come close to saying all the nice things that should be said about our dining experiences. absolutely the best might summarize this past of our trip, but again, everything was outstanding and every detail was tended to with pride and excellence. Oh yes, there was also an adequate amount of rainfall. Lodge manger Fernando with great friends: Dave Sheffield and Ron Grimm You can always take a quick dip in the Lodge pool to cool off. For this experience, we can only say THANK YOU again. Accompanying this letter is a short note from Dennis highly, the President & CEO of Cabela’s, a mutual friend. His insight is as ours, in that you are the very best and provide your guests with the best. God Bless You. John Runk Vern Bauman Charles A. Herzog Sr. IN LOVING MEMORY OF FRANK PRIEBE THE FISHERMAN’S PRAYER And it's pleasant fishing. Boats depart at 6 a.m. and fish through the relative cool of the morning. Anglers return to the lodge at 11 a.m. for lunch, pool and siesta - a great break during the heat of the day. The afternoon anglers depart at 2 p.m. and return at 5 p.m. Even with the midday timeout, you get a full eight hours of fishing. This is possible because rich tarpon water is located within 10 minutes of the lodge. Dear Judy, We want to give this small token of our most sincere appreciation for your kin services to our wives and ourselves while we were in your fabulous fishing lodge. Rio Parismina Lodge is a facility that all other lodges must be envious of and rightfully so. Your Detail to excellence is without question, and you made all of us feel as though we were the most special guests ever. I pray that I may live to fish Until my dying day. And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray: When in the Lord’s great landing net And peacefully asleep That in His mercy I be judged Big enough to keep. The Priebe Family Shake, Rattle & Roll... Longer runs to nearby lagoon passes and river mouths are possible but seldom necessary. 7 REAL REEL NEWS Book your 2009 Trip Today! Visit our web site: www.riop.com Tarpon in Costa Rica Amigo Pescador PARISMINA, Costa Rica — Rubinho's letter translated from Portuguese to English We saved you a seat at Rio Parismina Lodge. We have a boat waiting for you! WANTED: Photos & Articles for our next Reel News Photo Gallery. Send us your favorites. Sorry we cannot send your pictures back, so send spares! Space is Limited So Book Your Trip Today! PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PA I D PERMIT #6450 San Antonio, TX P.O. Box 460009 San Antonio, Texas 78246-0009 For More Information Call, 1-800-338-5688 1-(210)-824-4442 already had fished Tarpon in other places, but I did not imagine that it could be as good as it was in Costa Rica, at Rio Parismina Lodge. It had been some time since I felt this much emotion over a fish. I was tremendously impressed with the energy, vibration, force and nobility of the Tarpon, this surely enters in the list of the very best of experiences that I have ever had the chance to feel on the end of my line. I Beyond Tarpon, the regional fish make it possible to catch great robalos, machaca (a relative of matrinxã) and an exotic fish call guapote. These other species are fished in the diverse tributary rivers of the Parismina and in the sand bars of the other rivers that empty into this tropical paradise. When you hook your first Tarpon and it explodes out of the water, it's a show; a battle of man versus fish. It takes a great deal of skill to bring in “the one you don’t want to lose”. There is no doubt in my mind, this would be the next destination I would fish! Abraços, Rubinho