FISHING TRAVEL TIPS
by Franco Fomulo, Italian Editor
Publisher's note: English is Franco's third language so we left this as is
for the full flavor of his comments.
As experienced traveler-angler I think that a
good idea would be to give some tips for the angler searching for big fish and
new preys. I have a "score" of more than hundred fishing-trips in
every continent: salmon fishing in Russia, Labrador, Scotland, Iceland, Norway,
Ireland, Spain, Alaska; saltwater fly-fishing in Belize, South Africa, Bahamas,
Venezuela; Big Game in Mexico, Australia, Kenya, Seychelles, Canary Islands;
Trout fishing in Chile, Tierra del Fuego, Lapland, ex-Yugoslavia, Austria. I
have fished for pikes in Poland and Canada, for peacock-bass in the Amazon etc.
Now I am the manager of a lodge in Cuba specialized in saltwater fishing:
bonefish, tarpon, etc.
Two nice Jacks from Franco's fishing camp in
Cuba
PHOTO : FRANCO FOMULO
A wise fisherman said that a guy goes in a new place to verify which equipment
will occur it, so the next time he will be well equipped. You do however a list
of all things you need. All the good travel agency always supply with a list of
clothing and fishing-tackles. Check the list of clothing and equipment some week
before to leave as if you have ordering some tackle to your shop there is enough
time to stock. As you pack all the items, check them off again.
Don't waiting the last minute to check the
validity of the passport. The evening before departure (or at return) assured
that passport and ticket are handy. Above all don't put in suit-case!!!!. This
happens much often of how much you believe it, also at expert travelers. During
fishing you don't take with you the passport (a fall in the water is always
possible), but in case a photocopy that you will take from home. You should
arrive at the airport well ahead of the scheduled flight time. If the company
asks to be two hours first, you add at least an half-hour. A flat tire, an
accident in the way that blocks traffic could making you losing travel,
particularly if don't exist other flights the same day.
Hard suit-cases always give problem if you're
using small baggage car, small hydroplane or a boat, where space can be a
problem. Leave your good suitcases at home. They don't belong on a fishing trip.
Duffel or soft bag are the best for a fishing trip, better if with a zipper from
the two sides to provide easier access. Make sure that your name and address are
clearly printed on all luggage. If you think to take liqueurs, put them in a
bottle of plastic and put it in suit-case. You won't have to worry of broken
glasses.
Hand-luggage
It has to contain the necessary from toilet,
medicinal essential, a change of linen and a minimum fishing equipment (if your
luggage ends at Peking instead that at Dublin, at least you can fish). No matter
where you go, take a two-piece rain suit with you and make sure you pack it on
top of your luggage where it is easy to reach. If you have it at the bottom of
your duffel and you arrive at the camp in a downpour, you'll be soaked by the
time you retrieve it. Assure that your camera is on hand. Don't keep in
hand-luggage gaffs, knives etc.
Never leave any unguarded luggage in airports or
hotels. The rod-cases often roll out from trolleys of airports and/or are
forgotten on a corner from the airport employees charge besides they are clumsy
or pitiless in handling our delicate rods, it occurs therefore to provide of
travel-rods in 3/4 pieces. In this way can be carried in a comfortable case that
can pass as hand-luggage
You don't have to carry a lot of cash with you.
But you will need some money (boarding taxes, tips, personal purchases). Take
some 1-10-20 dollar bills with you. Keep separate money, passport and credit
cards. Leave jewels and precious watches at home: they can become problems.
Besides they can be damaged or destroyed by salt water. The repulsive for
insects and solar creams ruins crystal. Buy an inexpensive watch: the flashing
of expensive jewels could become a temptation.
Tips for Guides
In most of the lodges the staff is tipped with a
sum that is distributed equally by the manager to the guides, housekeeping
staff, and maintenance personnel. Often they are ignored and contribute like
captains, guides, and sailors to success of the a trip. Ask to the manager for
the tips-range. A good rule of thumb is to keep in mind is to tip 10% of lodge
rates for a super treatment. If you have particularly pleased with your guide,
give a small sum as extra tip or an object (glasses, a knife, the wife*) that
can be welcome.
* Editor's note: As a fellow Italian I suspect
Franco didn't mean this, but it's an interesting idea!
Any place in the world can guarantee a year of
365 excellent days of fishing, but there will be always some negative moments
for different reasons. Also during the best periods you can expect days that
aren't fantastic. Ask in advance about the season and which equipment you need
for alternate angling targets.
Do prepare gear early. If nylon in reels is old,
change it before leaving. Don't wait to change it in the boat or at the lodge.
To find nylon, lines etc. in a remote camp can be a problem. It is a sad thing
discover you have ended flies just while fishes are biting.
Many lodges doesn't have cigarettes for sale, and
the nearest store is a long boat ride away, so smokers should bring their own
week's supply.
Pack a kit for a such common complaints as
diarrhea, upset stomach, motion sickness, headache, adhesive bandage. Include
any prescription medicines you normally require. Those who need medicines take
them from home, because chemist's shops don't sell medicinals without medical
prescription and often don't accept prescriptions released in other countries.
Be careful of air conditioning: changes of temperature often are causes of
disagreeable colds. Those who suffer air or seasickness can take XAMAMINA that
is stronger, at least half an hour before travel or Travel Gum (the effect is
blander but works immediately after two or three minutes). Also You can use
system with plasters Transcop (to apply a few hours first, it lasts three days).
If you have this problem avoid however huge breakfasts before going out in a
boat. Always keep in your bag some repellent. The repellent is also effective
against no-see-hum and sand flies you might find along beaches if you do some
surf fishing. Some pill of vitamin B a few days before departure offers an
adequate protection against bites.
Even if you have 10/10 ,always wears glasses when
you are fishing. Sometimes accidents cant happen, particularly when the fishing
is close to other fishermen. A cast-mistake, a gust of wind or a spoon can leave
the hold while fish jumps. Always keep them assured with a string, you will
avoid that they fall in water. If you fish in saltwater remember to wash in
fresh water each evening the whole equipment that it has come get in touch with
saltwater (lures, reels etc..).
When you fish to the Tropics remembers that the
heat can swell graphite and sometimes can be a problem when you try to
disassemble the rod. The best way to prevent this is to pass a candle (or wax)
before unite the pieces of the rod. If you have got rods and new reels, before to
leave check that foot of these enter into the rods.
There are assurances that foresee cancellations
motivate by work or health. Reservations in the best places needs deposits with
a remarkable advance. It is worth therefore taking in consideration an assurance
that contemplates these risks.
Better have film and a camera if you get
something unique, like swimming with a whale shark.
PHOT0: FRANCO FOMULO
Don't forget to bring plenty of film for your
camera: it will be a good way to immortalize your catches. In many remote places
it is impossible to find rolls. The new compact waterproof cameras are easy to
use and they stay in a pocket. If you leave your cameras in the luggage that
will go in the airplane, remember that batteries can result non functional for
some time. This is due to the cold but after some time at normal temperature
they will retake to work. Sand, water and excessive dampness can cause damages
and is therefore useful taking some plastic-bags to keep the rolls and cameras.
Also excessive heat can damage, therefore don't leave cameras in the sun. Don't
worry too much for rain. Pure water, contrary to salty water, doesn't damage
instruments, be sure to dry well before packing. To avoid that lens get misted
when you go out from a air conditioned hotel wait a good ten minutes before using
them.
Who loves holiday in camper be careful that, at
reservation, that on the brochures for "six comfortable places" it
intends a camper great enough for three friends (truly friends) with their
equipments and a change of dresses everyone.
Assured that clothing is suitable to climate of
where you will go to fish. If there are 100° degrees in Dallas saying not that
will be also hot in Alaska. For the same reason if you point towards the Tropics
assured to have shirts with long sleeves and trousers long to secure you from
sun and from insects. A burn is quicker way to ruin an expensive fishing-travel. Never
believe at who says you that insects aren't a problem: always take repellent.
When you fly into a remote river or lake the
weight is always too much and many pilots don't accept more than 20 kilos of
luggage. You have to pondered the "small extra". In clothes, for
example, it can save room and while a hot and waterproof parka is almost always
essential, isn't necessary a daily change of dresses. Choice of clothes has to
answer in general a criteria of practicality and comfort, hygiene, to match the
climate. A fundamental principle is to keep present when choose clothes is that
one of clothing "at layers": it is much better in fact to have many
light clothes to wear upon, rather that an only heavy.
On case of "hard" fishing under rain
the ideal is represented or from a modern and functional jacket in Gore-Tex; this
offers an excellent impermeability, et the transpiration and represent also an
excellent protection against wind. Much attention is fastening to the with the
and to wrists that it has to have a good watertight to avoid to water to enter
(we keep in mind that hands, in phase of casting and fishing, often are up, in
the air). The Velcro is the ideal in how much adaptable at any wrist.
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