Our Pre – Trip info

Transcription

Our Pre – Trip info

ALTO PARANÁ LODGE
Ituzaingó, Corrientes, Argentina
PRE TRIP INFORMATION
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
4 Welcome to Nervous Waters
Combo Trips
18 Spinning and Casting Equipment
19 Equipment rental
6 Air and Travel Arrangements
Clothing
Documents Required
Reciprocity Fee
Electric Current
20 Fishing Methods
7 Travel Insurance
8 About the Country
The Daily Program
21 Guides
Arrival in Buenos Aires
Catch & Release
9 Buenos Aires Info / Attractions
10 Lodge Location
Getting there
Licenses
22 Additional Tips
23 Miscellaneous
11 Health concerns
Climate
Safety Equipment
24 Communication Facilities
12 The Lodge
Medication
13 Food and Drink
Gratuities
14 The Fishing
Currency
15 Fly-Fishing Equipment
25 Helpful Hints for a Successful Trip
Rods, Reels, Lines & Leaders,
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Useful Online Resources
Flies, Wet Flies & Floating.
26 Final Pre-Trip Checklist
Fly Patterns
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Dorado, Pira Pitá, Pacú.
28 Your Notes
Emergency Contact
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Please take a moment to read the following
information well in advance of your departure. It will
help answer most questions concerning your stay.
NOTE TO GROUP LEADERS:
Please be sure to share this information with your group. It is your
responsibility to assure that everyone in your party is fully prepared, has
read and understands the trip cancellation policy on refunds, and has
had the opportunity to purchase travel protection insurance. Our deposit
and refund policies are clear, and there can be significant financial
consequences incurred if you do not provide this information to all members
of your group. Please take a moment now to review this information.
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welcome to
nervous waters
Starting with one lodge, Nervous Waters has grown into a company that has virtually transformed
fishing travel-and we won’t stop improving! We know great fishing is why you are coming. We also
know great fishing is what will bring you back. Providing quality experiences on and off the water is
our goal and our pledge. Since 1984, Nervous Waters has brought passion and attention to detail to
the concept of the modern sporting lodge by focusing on details that are critical to anglers.
Every day, we offer you five star service, so that your singular focus can be on the fishing.
combo trips
Nervous Waters owns and operates nine world-class fly-fishing destinations with the same high
standards of sport and service. From the legendary trout of Tierra del Fuego to both Argentine and
Chilean Patagonia, the Bahamas, the Iberá Wetlands; also the upper Paraná River and Paraná Delta,
our company has hosted thousands of discerning anglers. We know you will travel a long way from
your home to our lodges and we would like to both encourage you and offer you an incentive to
make the most of that journey with add-on lodge options and Combo Trips. Please ask us for more
information!
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OUR LODGES
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air & travel
arrangements
Relax... you’re in expert hands from the moment you leave home until
you return to gather your mail.
As owners of a family of lodges, and partners with PRANA TURISMO,
a travel agency that can book flights, hotels, and make myriad en route
arrangements, Nervous Waters is one of the few sporting companies
that takes responsibility for your entire trip. Your smooth, worry-free
travels are our top priority.
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Tailored packages are our specialty — travel accommodations,
air bookings, charter flights and ground transfers, everything
associated with your lodge stay. Our Concierge Service is at your
disposal 24/7.
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Because we are one company, if you have a delay, we are able to
notify your destination, so you’ll be met on arrival, regardless of
the hour.
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In addition to professional lodge employees, Nervous Waters
maintains an extensive outside staff to ensure smooth operations
of the travel sides of the business. A friendly voice will answer your
call any time, day or night, no matter where you are in the world.
It’s all part of our belief that we need to take care of the entire
experience, and that by doing so, it results in a seamless and more
integrated fishing travel holiday.
Let us know if you’d like to take advantage of Prana services and we’ll
take care of your needs.
required
documents
reciprocity fee
VERY IMPORTANT
American, Canadian and Australian passport holders visiting
Argentina will be required to pay a reciprocity fee. YOU WILL
NOT BE ALLOWED TO BOARD AN AIRCRAFT TO ARGENTINA
WITHOUT THE RECIPROCITY RECEIPT.
This MUST be done prior to your departure.
The payment of this “reciprocity fee” is not a Visa since Argentina does
not require a Visa from the aforementioned countries when traveling
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for tourism or business purposes. The Argentine Government set
this entry fee to be equal to amounts Argentine citizens pay when
requesting a Visa to travel to those countries.
To access the online Reciprocity payment forum, please click the
following link:
https://reciprocidad.provincianet.com.ar/Registro.aspx
You must register and pay with a credit card. Once the payment is
received, an electronic receipt will be given and passenger would
need to show it upon their arrival in Argentina. Print it out, put it in
your passport, and bring it to present to immigration when you arrive
to Argentina.
Fees:
NATIONALITY
FEE
AUSTRALIAN
U$D 100.-
CANADIAN
U$D 100.-
AMERICAN
U$D 160.-
NUMBERS OF ENTRIES
MULTIPLE ENTRIES (1 year)
MULTIPLE ENTRIES (10 year or
up to one month before passport
expiration’s date)
MULTIPLE ENTRIES (10 year)
Please note: this is a requirement for the aforementioned nationalities
to enter into Argentina and has no relation with Nervous Waters.
*Rates subject to modifications based upon reciprocity
Passports and Visa
Requirements
Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom,
South Africa, New Zealand and other Western European nations, do
not require a visa for tourist trips of up to 90 days to Argentina-however
they must travel with a valid passport from their country of residence.
Those carrying Passports from other nations should check with their
local consulates for specific regulations.
On Arrival
You will complete a two part landing card and be issued a stamp for
stays of 30, 60 or 90 days. Staple the duplicate of the landing card into
your Passport, next to your entrance stamp, as you’ll need it to leave
the country.
travel
insurance
We strongly recommend you purchase both health and trip cancellation
insurance. Once we have received the trip payment we are unable to
make a refund in the instance of a cancellation.
For standard travel insurance, we recommend Travel Guard
Click Here to get an online quote now or call +1-800-826-4919
and let the representative know that you are going to a Nervous
Waters Lodge so that they can better assist you.
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about the country
Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the eighth in the world. It is about 889 miles across at its
widest point and stretches 2,268 miles from the north to the south. Argentina boasts a diverse landscape of mountains,
plateau, and plains with varying climactic conditions.
Argentina has a low demographic density. It consists of around 41 million people, concentrated in the urban centers.
Eighty-five percent of the population is descendant of immigrants from Europe. Spanish is the official language and is
spoken by the great majority of Argentineans. However, English, as a second language, is also commonly used.
Argentina’s mainly European cultural roots are clearly reflected in its architecture, music, literature, and lifestyle. The country
is home to intense cultural activity seen in festivals and concerts that take place in the main cities.
The typical Argentine food is asado, and dishes such as milanesas, empanadas, tamales, and locro, among others.
However, varied international cuisine adds color and local menus. The country’s signature drink is mate. The quality of its
wines and meats is world-renowned and the contemporary Argentine cuisine has reached international audiences due to
the country’s top chefs.
arriving in buenos aires
International flights typically arrive in the morning at Buenos
Aires’ Ezeiza International Airport (the airport’s official name is
Ministro Pistarini, code EZE), which is about 45 minutes driving
time from downtown. There is another airport in Buenos Aires
for domestic travel: Jorge Newbery Airport (code: AEP).
Upon landing at Ezeiza you will go through immigration. The
process is easy—just have your passport and immigration
documents (which you will fill out on the airplane before you
land) ready for the official as you approach the counter. You
will also be given a customs declaration form. Duty is not
charged on personal items, books, and other articles for
non-commercial purposes up to $300. Make sure to declare
any valuable electronic items, such as laptops, as customs
officers can be suspicious that you may be bringing them
into the country to sell.
The next step is to retrieve your luggage from the
carousels. There will be rental carts nearby and the
machines accept dollar bills and credit cards. Once you
have your bags you will go through customs. Chances
are that they will just wave you through, but you may be
stopped and checked.
Just outside customs you will enter a small area where you
can make arrangements for transportation to the downtown
core and hotels, if you have not done so already with Prana
Turismo or another agency.
Most of our guests spend their first afternoon and evening
getting to know Buenos Aires, and then fly to their fishing
destinations the following day, departing from the domestic
Aeroparque Airport terminal.
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buenos aires
general info
& attractions
We always recommend that anglers stay at least one night and day in
this fascinating city before or after their fishing adventure. From its rich
history and dramatic architecture to its seductive arts, cultural, and
culinary scene, Buenos Aires offers something for everyone.
Buenos Aires is a beautiful, European-style city, with plenty to see and
do. It is famous for tango dancing, delicious steaks, museums and
galleries and exciting nightlife.
Season:
Tours can be arranged year round. However, the most popular time
is November through April, which coincides with the fishing season at
most of our Argentina-based destinations.
Lodging:
Buenos Aires is a huge city and accommodations of all types can
easily be booked. Contact us for a list of hotel recommendations or
consider Prana Turismo Concierge Service.
Things to do:
City Tour
Delta Fishing Trip
Estancia Tours
San Telmo Market
La Boca neighborhood and stadium
Tango Show
Colón Theatre
Plaza de Mayo
In the evenings, this “city that never sleeps” is open for concerts,
shows, cinemas, casinos, discos, coffee-shops, and pubs. Many
visitors stay up until the wee hours, as well.
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lodge
location
Alto Paraná lodge is based out of a traditional northern
Argentinean tropical estancia located in Corrientes province
by the legendary Paraná River. The river marks the border
between Argentina and Paraguay. This section of the Paraná
flows clear along beautiful fishy banks, sand bars, and
islands that create deltas and smaller “riachos” (streams).
The Parana river, and its delta is the main system in the Rio
de la Plata basin, the biggest in the country, and the main
home of the Dorado (salminus brasiliensis).
The lodge is only 10 minutes from the boat ramp at the
shore of the river. The area offers two other great
gamefish: pira pita and pacu.
getting
there
Guests fly into Buenos Aires and typically overnight there
having spent a day touring this wonderful city. There are
daily flights available from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque
domestic airport AEP) to Posadas (PSS). The flight is
non-stop and takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Once
at Posadas airport, a transfer will take you to Alto Paraná
Lodge (1 hour drive).
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health
concerns
No inoculations are required to enter Argentina. The CDC
still includes this area on the ‘vaccine recommended’ maps.
But there have been no reported cases of malaria in the
area for decades. Should you require their information, they
can be contacted on 888-232-3299 or www.cdc.gov.
The city of Posadas has a good clinic and Buenos Aires
offering first class hospital care in case of an emergency.
The sun can be strong, especially out on the water.
Sunscreen is HIGHLY recommended. There are no
problems with drinking water.
Mosquitoes generally come out in the evenings but are not
found in huge numbers. The use of protective clothing and
mosquito repellent is advised.
If you have a health condition, please make sure to bring
ALL the medication you will require for your stay. Please
notify the lodge of any health conditions or concerns we
should be aware of. You can do this with the questionnaire
provided.
The lodge has a basic first-aid supply, but do bring any item
you think you might need.
As with all destination travel, you should be covered by a
general Health and Travel Insurance policy before you fly.
climate
The dorado season runs from November to May. Corrientes
province is a subtropical area, similar to northern Florida in
the U.S.
December and January are the hottest months, with
temperatures up to 95 degrees. Toward the end of March
the temperature cools down, ranging from 55 to 85 degrees,
with mornings and evenings cool and comfortable.
Visit www.myweather2.com to check our forecast at
Corrientes, Argentina.
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the lodge
Built in 1800 and recently refurbished, Alto Paraná Lodge
is one of the oldest estancias in Corrientes Province. The
estancia extends from the Paraná River all the way down to
the Iberá Marshlands surrounded by exuberant vegetation
and fauna.
The main house has four fully air conditioned-single
bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. There’s also a
large living room, a dining area, a fully stocked bar and a flytying table. A veranda, with swimming pool, surrounds the
whole house providing a spectacular view of an immense
park.
The lodge hosts up to 6 anglers and 4 non-anglers.
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food and drink
At Nervous Waters, our kitchens come to life through the use of fresh
and regionally representative meats and produce. By combining these
elements, we create delicious flavors and varied textures that harbor
hidden stories and package traditions on each plate. A top-notch
team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both
classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, execute our food. With
an artisan’s touch, chefs prepare every dish by scratch to be served
at a minute’s notice.
In addition, our inspired lunch and dinner menus are paired with some
of Argentina’s—and the world’s—best wines, Bodega Catena Zapata.
In addition to our focus on fresh food with organic origins, we also
celebrate our Argentine heritage with a wine partnership that brings
truly world class wines to our lodges. We feel that the food we present
and the wines we serve should mirror the sporting opportunities we
offer—and be the very best available. While our vast country offers
many options for traditional activities such as riding, hunting, eating
good meats, and drinking good wines, we have chosen to blend fine
food and outdoor activity at an even higher level. We feel our offerings
from Bodega Catena Zapata blend perfectly into our harmonious niche
in the sporting environment. Boasting many accolades from the wine
community at large, a Bodega Catena Zapata wine recently received
a “number four in the world” icon ranking from Wine Advocate. These
are truly great wines that compete on the world stage and in addition
to enjoying your sporting holiday and our excellent menus, we also
hope you will also take note of our wines. They hold a special place in
our culture and we are proud to serve them to you.
Our Northern Argentina kitchens specialize in diverse dishes that
pair prime cuts of local meats with the freshest fruits and vegetables.
Beyond traditional asados, salads and sides, enjoy exotic appetizers
such as yacaré meat, savory cheeses, and homemade breads such as
our classic chipá rolls. Desserts tantalize guests with multiple textures
and flavors designed to provide an unforgettably delicious final touch.
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the fishing
Dorado
Our guides have been exploring the area and its dorado fishing itself
for more years than most. Do follow their advice.
The Dorado (salminus brasiliensis) is an aggressive, acrobatic fish.
It can be found near confluences, on edges of eddies, riffles, sharp
bends in the current, and close to overhanging carpets of water
hyacinth. It can be fished in narrow runs, on skinny water, large fish are
hooked in a multitude of differing locations in the river.
Pira Pita
There are two species we target: Brycon Orbignianus and the
commonly named in Brazil Piraputanga. Both are, pound for pound,
two of the most combative freshwater species. Plus, they take surface
flies.
Pacu
Incredibly strong and complex, this omnivorous round shaped fish can
provide sight-casting opportunities and great dry-fly action. Not only
that, they can get big: 15+ pounders have been caught.
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fly-fishing
equipment
Dorado fishing requires casting large flies in high
temperatures. If you think your casting abilities are not up
to it or want to take a break during the day, we suggest
you bring a casting or spinning rod. Double-hauling is an
easily learnt technique which will pay dividends when you’re
fishing for dorado and elsewhere.
It’s important to remember that your streamer fly must be
stripped from the moment it touches the surface of the
water. Fast-stripping of the fly is the key to more fish in the
boat but it can be tiring after a long day, another reason to
bring your casting rods.
Rods: We recommend bringing 2 different single-handed
set of rods to approach the different species.
An 9-ft. 8-wt rod to approach dorado with reels carrying
tropical floating lines (Bnoefish - Tarpon or RedFish Tapers all
work well). At Alto Paraná Lodge we mostly fish floating lines
for dorado; although under certain water level conditions we
could use a sinking line (250 to 350 grain) to fish some of the
rocks that hold big fish.
An 9-ft. 6 or even 7 weight rod is suggested for Pira Pitá dry
fly fishing. Floating tropical lines are a must to cast smaller
flies under this warm weather condition.
We approach Pacu with both 8 and 7 weight rods and fruit
patterns; also floating lines are used.
We recommend rods from Sage.
reels: A quality reel is important. And a strong, smooth
drag is a must, as many fish will take long, fast runs. Reels
(and spare spools) should have capacity for the fly line and
100 yards of 20-pound backing. We recommend reels from
Sage.
lines: Pack weight-forward tropical Floating lines
(Redfish, tarpon, and bonefish tapers all work fine) and
integrated sinking-tip setups. Do not bring conventional
cold-water floating lines, as the hot weather makes them
soft and gummy and therefore difficult to cast.
Also bring a fast-sinking shooting taper like Teeny’s T-250
or T-300, Rio’s Leviathan 26ft 300-350 grain sink tip or
comparable sinking line for the Corrientes River fishing.
RIO’s intermediate sinking “slime line” is another good
option.
leaders: Freshwater Dorado are not particularly leader
shy. WhilFreshwater Dorado are not particularly leader shy.
While reasonable stealth should be exercised, the leaders
should be heavy enough to turn over big wind resistant
flies, so heavy-strong butts are important. Spools of mono
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should include 15, 20, 30, 40, 50 lbs, test weights, for tippets.
For floating lines you should have 8 to 9 foot long tapered
leaders (Knotted or Knotless, depending on your personal
preference).
For sinking lines 4-6 feet of 20-30 lb. mono should work
well. Maxima Ultragreen Mono is a good option for leader
material. The most important thing to consider in a Dorado
leader is the shock, or bite tippet. These fish have very sharp
teeth that will cut even the strongest mono. We recommend
using a 26 to 40 lb. wire section at the end of your leader.
American Fishing Wire and Malin BOA wire are both good
options.
Bring plenty 26 to 40 lb test steel leader for your stay. AFW
(American Fishing wire) Surflon Micro Supreme 7x7 Stainless
Leader wire in camo brown is a favorite among our guides.
26 and 40lb test for Dorado and Pacú; and 13lb test for Pirá
Pitá.
flies: The Lodge provides a wide selection of fly patterns
as well as a modest supply of backup tackle at very
competitive prices. This notwithstanding, we recommend
you bring a good supply of your own flies to get you through
your stay.
Wet Flies: Big Saltwater Streamers are usually the
norm. Colors: Black, Black and Chartreuse/Red/Yellow,
Red/Black, Purple and Black with plenty of flashabou.
Deceivers traditionally work very well. Other well-known
patterns such as: Lefty’s Half and Half, Whistlers, CockRoaches and Clouser Minnows are excellent choices as
well. Poppers & Divers in similar color patterns have proven
very effective in certain conditions. All flies should have a
generous quantity of flat, wide holographic flashabou. Weed
guards, though not a must, have proven to be quite useful.
Size: from 1/0 to 3/0 (mostly 2-0 and 3-0)
Floating: Large Bombers, frogs, soft foam poppers,
pencil poppers, deer hair poppers, Chernobyl ants and large
bass or pike bugs. Bring a selection of different colors as
shade is often more important than style. Size: 1/0 to 2/0.
For Pacú and Pirá Pita, we recommend fruit imitation flies.
Keep your hooks razor sharp. Alto Paraná Lodge strongly
encourages the use of barbless hooks.
Fly Patterns
Dorado Fly Patterns:
In most cases, golden dorado prefer dark fly patterns that produce
great silhouettes in tannin-colored waters. But there are situations
when carrying a mixture of brighter colors can be effective. So don’t
be afraid to experiment across the color spectrum. All flies should be
tied on stout 2/0 to 4/0 hooks. Streamers can be tied from 4 to 6
inches long, or longer. However, it’s important that they’re light enough
to cast. For the real big stuff, we recommend hydrophobic materials
that shed water and therefore cast farther and easier than a watersoaked piece of bunny strip. In order to make your flies more durable,
add glue or epoxy throughout the tying process.
For more details on some of our favorite, deadly dorado flies—including
how to properly tie and fish them— follow the link.
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Pira Pitá Fly Patterns:
At Alto Parana lodge, anglers target resident Pira Pitá with lighter
tackle than what is typically used for dorado. We recommend 6- to
7-weight rods for presenting assorted dry flies—similar to the foambodied, terrestrial-style flies that are used for trout. The difference is,
fly patterns for Pira Pitá are bigger and use stronger (up to 1/0) hooks.
In addition to drys, we also fish small, bright baitfish imitations and
leech-style streamers.
For more details on some of our favorite, deadly Pira Pitá flies—
including how to properly tie and fish them— follow the link.
Pacú Fly Patterns:
Pacú fishing at Alto Parana lodge is all about exciting sight-fishing
opportunities. We use 8-weight rods, rigged with floating tropical lines,
in order to pitch spun deer-hair “fruit patterns” tied on stout hooks,
as well as foam, high-floating dry flies and smaller streamers, toward
intended targets. Pacú are omnivores, so fooling them on the fruit, and
on top, is sure to please all the purists in the group!
For more details on some of our favorite, deadly pacú flies—including
how to properly tie and fish them— follow the link..
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SPINNING
AND CASTING
EQUIPMENT
Rods: An 8-foot 6-inch, two-handed medium- to heavy-action
rod for 8- to 20-lb line will let you cast the 1/4 to 1 1/2 oz lures we
normally use here. A 6-foot single-handed rod is also good to have to
fish pockets and smaller waters. Take 2- or 3-piece rods for ease of
transport.
Reels: Open-face spinning reels are the easiest to use but, in
experienced hands, bait casters are the easiest to use accurately and
they give you the best chance to place your lure where you want it. Bait
casters should feature a high-speed retrieval ratio, as lures are normally
worked very rapidly. Whichever style is your favorite, it will need to be
loaded with 25-30 pound multifilament line.
Leaders: Steel leaders are a must. Dorado have sharp teeth and a
5 to 10 inch, 30-45 lb test (Sampo) steel leader is needed.
Lures: Of course, the list available is never-ending. Don’t be afraid
to take your own and experiment. There is a good possibility that a lure
you bring will change our way of fishing forever.
Below is a sampling of those we have tried that have worked:
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Spoons, all colors; 1/4 to 2 oz silver and gold are very effective
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Rapala Gliding Rap 12
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Rapala Super Shad Rap 14
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Rapala C Rap 8-10 & 12
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Rat-L-Trap, 1/4-3/4 oz
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Rapala Husky Jerk, 3/4 oz
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Rapala Jointed Minnow (very effective)
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Rapala Original Floating, 3/4 oz
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Rapala Rattlin Rap, 3/8 oz
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Daredevil Spoons, 2 oz
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Mepps Spinners, 1/2 oz
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Zara Spook
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Slugg-O Plastic Baits
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1/4 to 3/4 oz Jigs with varied plastic bodies
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Any topwater prop bait
Note: All sinking lures are better with weed guards.
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equipment
rental
There are quality fly rods available at the lodge for you to use if needed.
The cost per day is $25 and it includes the rod, reel, and line. Please
advise us of your need for a rod prior to arrival to ensure availability. A
charge of $150 will be billed to you in the event a rental rod is broken.
This covers the cost of shipping and repair.
clothing
The summer climate in northeastern Argentina is hot. Normal “flats
gear” is ideal, keeping in mind that long days in the sun are common,
thus lightweight and light colored pants and shirts are best.
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Light colored trousers (full-length) and long sleeved shirts help
protect you from the sun and insect bites
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A long-billed cap also protects you from the sun and enhances
your vision
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Sunscreen is a must
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Many guests use sun-gloves and stripping guards
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Pack a light rain jacket as tropical showers are common
§§
On the boat, comfortable tennis shoes, tevas, flats boots, or
canvas deck shoes are ideal
High-performance outerwear is a key ingredient to comfortable fishing.
Patagonia produces some of the best.
Laundry service is available at the lodge.
electric
current
220 volts, 50 cycles; a standard converter and European adapter for
two-pronged plug should work fine throughout Argentina.
Lodges have reliable electric power and back-up lighting.
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fishing
methods
Alto Paraná Lodge is located in the best part of the Paraná River
for large dorado, and pirá pitá and pacú on dry flies. There are also
great opportunities to sight-fish for these three exotic species. Fishing
methods include streamer fishing and plenty of dry-fly action.
The hook-set for dorado is similar to that of many saltwater fish such
as bonefish or tarpon. Simply raising the rod will not do the trick. A
good, solid strip-strike is key in hooking this fish. The guides will be
more than happy to instruct you on the most successful techniques.
the daily
program
To avoid the midday heat, anglers generally leave the lodge early in the
morning around 8 am or earlier.
Guests return to the lodge for a swim, lunch and drinks at around 12.30
pm. After Lunch and a siesta boats will typically leave the dock around
4:30, returning at dusk. Fishing hours will change slightly depending
on the time of year.
Non-fishing activities such as horseback riding, or bird watching are
available to allow our guests to enjoy the amazing wildlife in the area,
and should be organized with the head guide. The swimming pool is
the perfect place for relaxing and sunbathing.
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guides
Our guides at Alto Paraná are trained professionals. They will be able
to offer tips on how to best fish each area, as well as which fly and
presentation should work best depending on the conditions. Do follow
their advice; they are a first class team with an impressive knowledge
of Dorado fishing. They are there to make your fishing more productive
and enjoyable.
catch &
release
To ensure the best fishing possible, a strict catch-and-release policy
is in effect. We also ask that all fishermen de-barb all lures and flies.
Not only do barbless hooks penetrate more readily, allowing for more
successful hook-ups, but they are also more easily removed, should
a cast go errant.
Recent studies have shown a high mortality rate on all jungle species
mainly due to piranha predation. We strongly encourage you not to
handle fish, not only to reduce stress on the fish, but also because
many species have strong jaws and sharp teeth that can severely
injure you!
The guides are well trained in fish handling and care. If you want to
photograph measure or weigh the fish, have the guide hold it.
licenses
All information necessary to obtain your fishing license will be taken
from your pre-trip questionnaire. Please make sure you fill it out and
send it in one month prior to your departure.
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additional tips
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
If you have questions, ask your guide. They know the river well and can give you the
best recommendations on how to approach a particular fishing situation.
Fishing days are long, especially early in the season, and the climate can be difficult.
Concentrate your fishing during periods when fish are taking, and don’t hesitate to
rest at midday. If you find that you tire as the week progresses, talk with your guide
about departing for the river a bit later; they will be happy to accommodate you.
Check leaders regularly for wind knots, which halve the breaking strength of
monofilament.
Handle all fish with care and release them unharmed. Try not to let your trophies
thrash on the bank or in the boat. When taking pictures, cradle the fish in wet hands
while gripping the tail firmly.
All boats have been specially designed for fly-fishing. We recommend using a life vest
during prolonged boat rides. Please notify the manager upon arrival if you cannot
swim.
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miscellaneous
Biting insects are (mostly) few and far between on the Upper
Paraná River. However, sandflies can be present and, therefore, we
recommend that you wear long-sleeve, tropical-weight pants and
shirts (similar to what you’d use while fishing the flats). In addition,
pack a buff, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a pair of clear
glasses for protection in poor-light conditions. Bring a light rain jacket
for unforeseen weather. And as for footwear, light wading shoes or
sandals are ideal for fishing from the deck of the boat, or walking the
shoreline.
safety
equipment
For eye protection, sunglasses should be worn while fishing the Río
Paraná. Polarized lenses and a fishing hat with a brim that will protect
your eyes and ears make an ideal combination. Also, anglers should
pack yellow or clear protective glasses. Yellow lenses tend to brighten
the dusk sky. Anglers who wear prescription glasses should pack
prescription polarized lenses as well as backups.
Guides are prepared to handle emergency medical situations, but you
can take a few Band-Aids for cuts, scrapes, and blisters. Many anglers
like to tape their stripping finger with electrical tape to avoid cuts.
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communication
facilities emergencies
Alto Paraná lodge has telephone and Internet services for guests.
You will find all the relevant contact details at the bottom of this pretrip file, a copy of which you can leave with a family member in case
of emergency. Your pre-trip questionnaire should indicate a contact
in case of emergency, which is forwarded to the managers of Alto
Paraná Lodge.
medication
Travelers should always pack medication for such common ailments
as diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache and nausea,
along with any necessary prescriptions. Most visitors to Argentina don’t
experience stomach problems associated, for instance, with Mexico,
but it pays to have treatment available just in case. You’ll find food to
be outstanding and bottled water available everywhere in Argentina.
gratuities
The amount of any tip is for you to decide, of course, in your sole
discretion. As a guideline, we suggest that you consider a gratuity
of approximately 10-15% of the contract price for your trip. You are
welcome to reward extraordinary service with a higher tip.
Here’s a typical breakdown of the tips:
$ 45 – 75 per angler per day to your guide (given to the head guide at
the end of your stay to distribute to all the guides).
$ 45 – 75 per angler per day to the lodge staff (given to the lodge
manager at the end of your stay to distribute to all the house staff.
The lodge provides airport transfers to and from the lodge. However,
our driver is always grateful for any gratuities.
currency
The dollar is widely accepted, and you can change dollars to pesos at
your hotel or any bank. When paying in dollars, most merchants give
change in pesos. This can be a good way to get small bills for cabs,
tips for porters, etc. It is difficult to exchange traveler’s checks of any
kind outside Buenos Aires. American Express, Visa, and MasterCard
are widely accepted. The lodge accepts payment in cash and with
the credit cards previously mentioned. With the latter, there will be a
surcharge of 3.5 % added to the final payment.
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helpful hints for
a successful trip
Even though we’ll do everything under our control for you to
have a successful trip, smooth, enjoyable fishing adventures
require some additional prep on your part.
Here are some hints and tips that will help:
§§
§§
Use the gear and fly lists provided in this file. We
have spent years creating and fine-tuning these lists to
ensure that our clients travel with the right type and right
amount of equipment that is applicable and relevant to
each destination.
Practice your casting! You may be proficient with some
specific rod types and flies, but we recommend that you
practice with the equipment you’ll be using during your
trip with us. For best results, practice casting both into
and across the wind and practice your accuracy. each
destination.
§§
Check your passport and travel documents to
make sure that everything is valid and up-to-date.
§§
Dispatch rods/reels!
Finally, please note that
rods/reels will not be accepted as carry-ons during
international and DOMESTIC flights! Instead, stow
these items with your regular luggage, or check them
separately in appropriate tubes and cases.
useful online
resources
Sportsmans Travel Insurance
With insurance through Travel Guard you’ll have
valuable coverage that travels with you. Travel
Guard is America’s leading provider of travel
insurance plans and assistance programs and
has packages specially designed for sportsmen.
Get an online quote HERE:
http://www.travelguard.com/NewRedirects/
agentlink.asp?ta_arc=241203&pcode=&
agencyemail=info%40nervouswaters.com
Seat Guru
The ultimate source for airplane seating, in-flight
amenities, and airline information, including
detailed information about seats with limited
recline, reduced legroom and more:
www.seatguru.com
25
Passport Information
The U.S. State Department website provides
information and services to American citizens on
how to obtain, replace, or change a passport:
www.travel.state.gov/passport/
Weather Underground Trip Planner
View average and historical annual temperatures
and precipitation levels for most destinations: www.wunderground.com
The Weather Channel Web Site
Check weather for your destination, monthly
averages, track airport delays, storms and
more: www.weather.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A great website for travel and health information.
The latest health-related news and advisories for
any destination, here: www.cdc.gov/travel
final pre-trip
checklist
90+ DAYS OUT
§§
Pre-Trip planning materials and invoice have been received and
thoroughly read
§§
Client Pre-Trip questionnaire form has been submitted
(www.nervouswaters.com/pre-trip)
§§
Airline reservations made / tickets confirmed
§§
Trip insurance policy purchased
§§
Passport and travel documents checked - All dates are valid

60 DAYS OUT
§§
All flight information sent in to Nervous Waters
§§
Trip final payment sent to Nervous Waters to secure reservation
§§
All equipment ordered / purchased / gathered for your trip
§§
Transfers and Hotel accommodations booked via Prana Turismo
or other agency
7 DAYS OUT
§§
Flight times and travel details confirmed directly with airlines
§§
Passport and travel documents reviewed and double-checked
§§
All equipment packed and ready to go
§§
Final Pre-Trip call with Nervous Waters; all questions answered
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emergency
contact
CONTACT AT THE LODGE
Fany Salas – Lodge Manager
[email protected]
MAIN OFFICE
Santiago Garcia Seeber
[email protected]
Phone: (+54) 11 4801-1008
Direct from USA: 800-530-6928
24/7 TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
Direct from USA: 917-338-7186
[email protected]
Local land Line: +54 9 11 4914-8214
w w w. n e r vo us wat e rs .co m
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your notes
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