ESTANCIA LAGUNA VERDE PRE TRIP

Location of Argentina Argentina is located in the southern part of South America and, thus, in the southern hemisphere. Its frontier with Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia & Chile has a perimeter of 29.038 km.

Its Atlantic coastline is 5,117 km long.

Country Size Argentina has an area of almost 3.8 million square km, of which 2.8 are on the continent and the remainder in the Antarctic. Its length of 3.800 Km goes from latitude 22º to 55º.

Population The current population of Argentina is estimated to be some 46 million; 20.5 million live in Capital Federal and the province of Buenos Aires. These figures give the country a population density of 16 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Type of Government The country is a federal republic and has 23 provinces.

Capital City Buenos Aires, and it is also called Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA)

Geography The fundamental characteristic of Argentina is the enormous contrast between the immense eastern plains and the imposing mountain range of the Andes to the West.

This is the frontier with Chile, and it has the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere Aconcagua, 6.959 meters / 22.841 feet high. From Jujuy in the north to Tierra del Fuego in the south, the Andes presents marvelous contrasts: windswept plateaus of the Northwest, serene mountainscapes in the Lakes Region, and the forests and glaciers of the Patagonian Andes.

Between the Paraná and Uruguay Rivers, the provinces of Entre Ríos, Corrientes and Misiones are formed by low hills where pools and marshlands show the ancient courses of these great rivers. Occasionally, there are fissures that provide spectacular phenomena like the Iguazu Falls. La Pampa, in the center of Argentina, is the largest and best-known plain area. It primarily produces agriculture & livestock and includes the provinces of Buenos Aires, La Pampa, southern Santa Fe, and the southeastern Córdoba. Its landscape is broken to the South by the small mountains of Tandil & La Ventana. And, to the West, by the Córdoba mountain ranges. To the south, comprising the Andes to the sea and the sterile, stony inland plateau, is Patagonia. Patagonia spans part of southern Chile and part of southern Argentina. It has no official political boundaries or borders. Rather, Patagonia often described as a culture and a mindset as it is land. It encompasses the rugged Atlantic coastline in the west, lined with high cliffs, fjords, and diverse marine life, through the glaciated Andes mountains, eastward into the barren, windswept pampas.

Climate Patterns and Seasons Argentina's seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere. Spring weather begins in October. The warmest summer months are January, February, and March.

April is considered early Fall (September in our part of the world). November’s average temperature is 50° F. December and January average 61°, and March temperatures return to 50°. Anglers should be prepared for either type of condition. Conditions in the province of Santa Cruz are, generally, cooler and occasionally can be wet. Anglers should prepare as they would for a trip to Alaska.

Language Spanish is the official language of the Argentine Republic. In Buenos Aires, forms of the city slang, Lunfardo are used. If you do not speak Spanish and plan to do some traveling on your own, a good Spanish dictionary, phrasebook, pocket translator, or translator app in your smartphone, can be useful.

Currency The official Argentine currency is the Peso and it can be exchanged for in banks, hotels & airport bureaus. There are also ATMs readily available in cities and towns.

Credit Cards The most commonly accepted credit cards are American Express, VISA, and Master Card. Just about all restaurants will accept credit cards but you may find that some accept credit for the meal but not for the gratuity, where cash is preferred.

Electricity 220 volts, alternating current. Electrical outlets accept standard 2 round prong design, in use in Continental Europe. Most modern electrical devices like cameras, iPods, laptops, GPS and satellite telephones will accept 110 – 240 volts and output automatically to US standard 110, and for these, all you will need is a simple plug adaptor. If, however, your device does not convert to 110, it is best to bring an external converter.

We suggest a dual-wattage foreign travel AC converter; it lets you use 110VAC (USA) devices on 240 VAC foreign, for motorized or heat-producing devices up to 50 watts, such as radios, irons, lamps, and handheld hair dryers.

Telephone Service Make calls either by cell phone (operates on SIM system), collect, or via a telephone credit card, obtainable at kiosks The hotel telephone charges from your room can be up to 400% of the normal rate.

To call from abroad to Argentina, dial 011, then the country code 54, then the number of the place you want to call, area code first.

For domestic calls within Argentina, the number 4 has to be dialed first. Then dial “0” before the area code and number.

To call from one part of Argentina to another you will need to dial the region code first: 1 for the city of Buenos Aires and outskirts, 2 for the Southern part of the country, and 3 for the Northern part of the country.

For international calls from Argentina, dial “00” and the country code (for example, the USA is “1”), and the area code and number.

Health Services Medical services are good, but may not meet U.S./Europe standards. Hospitals and doctors often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S/Europe medical insurance is not always valid outside their countries, therefore supplemental insurance that covers the overseas medical cost is needed. Provisions for medical evacuation are recommended. An international Health Insurance policy must be brought.

Potable Water It is recommended travelers only drink bottled water while in Argentina cities. Water is reliable in most cities and hotels, anyway. In the South of Argentina, water quality is excellent and, generally, very safe.

At our lodge, our tap water is perfectly ok to drink, which comes from a full year running spring, near the lodge.

We try to minimize the use of plastic at the lodge.

Food in Argentina Argentina is well known for exceptional beef and lamb, barbequed in the famous Asado fashion for holidays and festivals over an open fire. With its vast ocean coastline, Argentine cuisine incorporates a wonderful variety of fresh seafood as well. Contrary to what many travelers think, Argentine cuisine is not spicy. We highly recommend our *empanadas* at the Lodge.

Wines and Liquors in Argentina Argentina’s wines are among the finest in the world, and all dinners will be accompanied by one of a variety selected from the country's top vineyards. Argentina is currently the world’s 5th largest producer of wine. Mendoza, with over 370,000 acres dedicated to viticulture, is the powerhouse behind Argentina’s colossal industry. Argentine malbecs in particular, but also cabernet sauvignon, merlot and bonarda are world-class.

Taxes and Service Charges Foreign travelers are exempt from paying the VAT (value-added tax) of 21% for certain products and services.

At the airport, you can recover the 21% VAT, if you have purchased local products for an amount greater than $200 (per invoice) in shops that are members of this plan (this amount may vary so please check the web). You can visit the following

https://www.afip.gob.ar/viajeros/ayuda/devolucion-a-turistas.asp or https://www.globalblue.com/business/argentina/

Luggage In case of loss (this occurs very rarely in Argentina), report it immediately to your airline representative before leaving the airport. Your lodge representative in Calafate can help with this and arrange to get your bags out to the lodge.

Please pack as light as possible and follow the airline recommendations for packing your luggage.

International Travel to and From Argentina All airlines flying into Argentina arrive at the Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) International Airport of Buenos Aires, 35 km from the city center and connected to it by the Teniente General Ricchieri motorway. Upon leaving the country a tax of $23.50 must be paid.

Buenos Aires City has two main airports. Ezeiza, the international airport, is located on the outskirts, 35 km from the city center. And Aeroparque Jorge Neweery (AEP), the domestic airport, is located in town 30 minutes away from the main hotels. It is the main connection airport in the country. Domestic travel is pushed through this airport, making it a perfect hub to connect the country from north to south. The airports in Buenos Aires are 28 miles (45 Km) apart.

Carry-on Restrictions Each airline has its own specific restrictions on carry-on luggage. Please be sure and contact your airline directly with any questions you may have. *You will need to check rod, reels and flies in your suitcase, as usually, they are not allowed for flights in Argentina.

Immigration Requirements for Entry into Argentina A valid passport is required for any foreign citizens to enter Argentina. For most countries, citizens do not need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism or business, but it is important you check at Argentina Embassy or Migrations offices online, or by calling the Argentina Consulate or Embassy of your country.

These are the countries that require a visa, besides a valid passport: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesible/indexA.php?visas

Customs Generally, foreign tourists (especially tourists carrying fly rods) are not bothered by customs officials upon entry. You are allowed to bring personal items such as clothing, footwear, toiletries, personal medications, as well as any fishing equipment needed during your stay. It is prohibited to enter the country with plants, or perishable food.

You are allowed to enter Argentina with 2 liters of alcoholic drinks, 400 cigarettes, and 50 cigars. Expensive cameras and video equipment should be declared and brought out with you when you leave.

Airport Transfers The companies Manuel Tienda León (Av. Santa Fe 790, Tel. 4315-0489) and San Martín Bus (Av. Santa Fe 1162, Tel. 011-54-11-4816-7676) offer half-hourly bus services between its offices in Buenos Aires and Ezeiza Airport from 04.00 to 21.00 hours.

There are also taxis and chauffeur-driven rental cars. City taxi transfers to the airport are expensive and do not usually have the luggage space for all the baggage that groups of anglers carry. Specific information on airport transfers and city hotels will be sent to you.

Remember, there are two airports in Buenos Aires, Domestic and International. The domestic airport is about 20 minutes from the downtown area, and the International is about 45 minutes. You will need at least two hours for auto transfer between the International Airport “Ezeiza” and the Domestic Airport “Jorge Newbery” Domestic airport.

There should be a 5-hour window frame between flights from the two airports.

For more information you can check: https://www.aa2000.com.ar/ If you would like us to arrange transfers between airports, hotels, etc, do not hesitate to let us know, and we can set up those services for you.

Health concerns *No vaccines are required *Covid-19: all travelers can enter the country *In case of an emergency, hospital attention is easily accessible if you have a Health and Travel Insurance policy. *If you have a health condition, please bring all medications required for your stay and notify us of any health conditions or concerns.

Useful information, tips, and suggestions EMERGENCY CELL PHONES: LUCIANO ALBA: 54 9 2954 15521896 ROBERTO E. ALBA: 54 9 2954 15521898 MARIA SILVIA DEVEGA: 54 9 221 5455992

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY OR ANYTHING WE COULD BE HELPFUL, BEFORE, DURING OR AFTER YOUR STAY IN ARGENTINA, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US.

Whatsapp If you have traveled to South America before, you will know how popular WhatsApp is as a way of communication. Not a bad idea to download this APP and become used to it! You will notice most people use it for a variety of purposes, such as calls, messaging, sending files, information, etc. *The cell phone numbers provided, are also our WhatsApp numbers, which works both with cell signal and/or the internet.

Transfers to and from the lodge Transfers IN y OUT Lodge: The duration of the transfer from El Calafate to the lodge and vice-versa takes approximately 5 hours.

In order to take advantage of the arrival day, as well as avoid the risk of delayed flights, that may cause you to miss the scheduled transfer to the lodge, we recommend anglers to arrive in El Calafate the day prior to the start of the program.

This allows anglers to have an earlier transfer to the lodge, the day of the start of the program, and at the same time, to enjoy a good night’s rest, sightseeing at El Calafate, and the chance to visit its main attraction, Perito Moreno Glacier.

This outstanding Glacier is located at Los Glaciares National Park, about 45 minutes from El Calafate downtown.

Hotel night at El Calafate or dinner is not included in the fishing program and rates. If you need any assistance booking a hotel, do not hesitate to let us know. Same for restaurant suggestions. For sure, a Calafate favorite is Patagonian lamb, which you can find at La Tablita, as perhaps the most famous restaurant in El Calafate. Another well-renowned parrilla is “Don Pichon”, also famous for its excellent barbequed lamb.

Transfer time from Calafate to the lodge is normally between 6 to 7.45 hs AM. The exact time will be reconfirmed to your hotel, where someone from our staff will check that you have properly arrived there.

Because of its remote location, the lodge has to combine times, which may cause changes in the normal transfer times.

Regarding exit time from the lodge, this normally takes place between 6 am to 8.30 am.

If you are flying to your next destination the same day you are exiting the lodge, we recommend that you book flights after 15 hrs. This will allow for a comfortable check-in at the airport.

Do not hesitate to let us know any questions or help you may need.

Facilities The Estancia provides wireless internet access, laundry service and daily room cleaning, as well as all the meals and drinks during their stay.

The lodge has 10 bedrooms (8 singles and 2 doubles) with en suite bathrooms, a comfortable living room, a newly built bar fully supplied with a very good variety of drinks and spirits, with a 42 inch LCD TV, Direct TV. Electricity is available at 24 hrs. a day (220 volts). A Satellite phone is available (its use is charged according to the minutes used. Local calls are not charged).

There is a strategically located changing room/wading room that provides convenient use before and after fishing, not only to dress/undress but also to have all the fishing gear ready and dried every day such as waders, wading boots, rods, reels, vests, etc.

The lodge does not accept credit cards, travelers’ checks or personal checks payments.

Gratuities Tips are not included in the rates of the lodge. It is absolutely not mandatory and at the total discretion of guests. The suggested tip for the lodge fishing guides and staff, goes from 8% to 15% of the rate paid, depending on the quality of the service received by guests: 8% good; 10% very good, 12 to 15% excellent.

Tips should be in cash.

Cuisine and drinks In Argentina, we take great pride in our internationally renowned meat, known for its exceptional quality and flavor. However, our gastronomic riches extend beyond just meat. We also boast an excellent selection of lesser-known delicacies such as "fiambres" (cold cuts), cheese, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, wines, and regional liquors. These culinary treasures are a result of our country's diverse geography, which allows for a wide range of crops, as well as the influence of immigration from countries like Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and Russia. The fusion of these international influences with our native gastronomic culture creates an irresistible combination for those who appreciate fine cuisine.

At our lodge, we strive to become true ambassadors of these gastronomic riches, providing our guests with a satisfying experience of tasting exquisite delicacies meal after meal during their stay, after a long day of fishing. With careful consideration, we have curated a daily menu that showcases mouth-watering typical dishes from different regions of Argentina. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with an exceptional selection of wines from Mendoza, Salta, and Neuquén. Among these wines, we offer different brands of our ineffable Malbec, the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Merlot.

Furthermore, our visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the deep Tannat and our unique stock of white wine (Torrontés variety), which, thanks to the Andes mountain range and its special climate, has acquired a new dimension.

Our wine cellar, cherished by Roberto and Luciano, is a source of great pride. We conduct weekly wine tastings, expertly pairing the wines with a variety of cheeses personally selected from their home region of La Pampa. These cheeses are sourced from small dairy producers known for their exceptional quality, and they are aged to perfection at the Estancia, ensuring a remarkable wine experience.

To start the day with plenty of energy, our lodge serves an excellent and satisfying breakfast. Guests can choose from a wide array of options, including coffee, tea, fruit juices, yogurts, milk, regional cheeses, eggs, ham, bacon, toasts, freshly baked bread, croissants, butter, Patagonia marmalades, honey, cereals, and an assortment of dried and fresh fruits.

For lunch, we arrange a variety of options based on the section of the Estancia where our guest fishermen are fishing that day, considering their stated preferences. These options range from trout or meat "al disco" (a special method of barbecuing in the open air) accompanied by salads when fishing in the chained lagoons, to picnics featuring different cold meats, a selection of cold cuts, cheese, and fruit when fishing the Barrancoso river. Alternatively, guests can enjoy a leisurely lunch by the coast of Lake Strobel, fully equipped with comfortable amenities and soft armchairs, providing a generous and satisfying meal along with the opportunity for a well-deserved siesta for those who prefer a slower pace after an exciting and tiring morning of fishing.

In the afternoon, or at any desired time, our guests can indulge in comforting coffee, tea, or mate (as Argentinian fishermen do), along with regional liquors. These beverages can be enjoyed alongside sandwiches, cookies, crackers, or our typical "alfajores," providing a boost of energy as a fitting reward for their efforts in catching Strobel rainbow trout.

Upon returning to the lodge after a successful fishing day, our guests are welcomed into a friendly atmosphere. They can gather at our bar and living room, savoring their choice of drink, cocktail, beer, or wine as they prepare for dinner. Each evening, a variety of appetizers are served, followed by a memorable dinner experience. Coffee, tea, cocktails, and drinks are readily available after dinner, both at the main table and at the lodge's comfortable bar and living room. This allows our guests to unwind, review the pictures taken during the day, use the computer, or simply relax and share their fishing experiences with fellow guests, creating a cozy and rejuvenating atmosphere in preparation for the next day's adventures.

One of the most memorable evenings at our lodge is our "Asado night" (barbecue), which has become a beloved tradition over the years. We host a grand asado event for all guests and staff in the middle of the week, showcasing Argentina's rich culinary heritage. This special evening is paired with great red wines from our cellar, creating a truly unforgettable experience. On the farewell night, we offer an "empanada night," where guests, guides, and staff come together to savor the traditional Argentinian dish, further strengthening the bonds formed during their stay.

Tackle suggestions Important Note: We feel that properly outfitted and prepared anglers have the best chance of having a trip of a lifetime. Our main concern is that you have a great trip.

This is a guideline to help anglers assemble a successful collection of flies and equipment. It's not necessary you have everything listed in this pamphlet, just a good cross-section.

One thing that we’ve all learned from years of fishing Strobel Lake, Barrancoso river, Moro creek, and the chained lagoons, is that it is almost impossible to tell what kind of lines and flies are going to be most successful on the river at a given time. Conditions can change without warning and we must be able to adapt to conditions at hand.

Guides normally have a selection of flies on hand in case you don't have the right fly for the situation, and flies are for sale at the Lodge. There is a fly tying desk at the lodge and guests are free to use them. (A great gift for guides is tying materials. They are always running low).

If you have any questions concerning tackle and equipment recommendations, please feel free to contact us at any time at

info@estancialagunaverde.com

Rods For Lake Strobel and the smaller lakes we suggest strong powerful rods capable of handling strong winds and with enough backbone to land hard fighting double figure fish that could go over 20 pounds. We recommend fast action 9/10 ft. rods, for 7/8/9 weight lines.

Spey rods perform excellently on the big lake, so if you prefer double-handed rods, this is a great place for you to bring that kind of tackle when conditions are windy.

It is important to know that during calm wind days, presentation becomes extremely important, and that is why single rods are recommended in those situations.

When fishing at the Barrancoso river, we suggest 8/9 ft. rods for #6/7 weight lines. This river does not require long casts in most cases, a presentation is important, and to be able to handle and mend line properly.

Reels We strongly suggest for Lake Strobel large arbor reels, with good backing capacity (100 meters) and excellent breaking quality, because even though it’s a lake you are fishing, these trout usually make long and explosive runs.

Lines and tippets: Our guides suggest guests bring a floating and an intermediate line for all the rods guests will use during their stay.

We also recommend to bring lines known as “shooting lines”, models such as RIO OUTBOUND and OUTBOUND SHORT, AIRFLO 40 PLUS, AIRFLO SNIPER, ROYAL WULFF AMBUSH, or SCIENTIFIC ANGLERS DISTANCE, (both floating and intermediate lines) to use at the lake for the rod weight you will be using there (#7 #8 and #9 weight rods are the recommended ones). This type of line allows anglers to cast further under windy conditions, making it easier to gain distance, cover more water and accomplish that with less effort.

We suggest the use of heavy tippets (12-15 lbs) in order to be able to land and avoid cuts in rocks underwater when playing.

When fishing at the beautiful Barrancoso River, we suggest weight forward floating lines, with 9 ft. leaders (8-10 lbs), although this river receives almost no fishing pressure, due to the clear waters, fish can be very spooky and challenging at times.

Flies Streamers/Wet flies We suggest buggers, scuds, regular Leeches, balanced Leeches, weighted and unweighted in assorted colors, especially: -Bead head Wooly buggers, orange,black, brown and olive are very productive (sizes 6/8/10) (rubber legs perform well on occasions, some popular colors are white or yellow).

- Balanced Leech and non balanced Leech in medium to small sizes, black, olive, blend of black and purple (sizes 6/8/10/12) tied with UV dubbing, combining different colors of bead head such as orange, chartreuse and red.

-Dolly Lama, size 4/6, and similar big streamers, such as a Leech It is good to have weighted and unweighted flies. In some of the river pools, it is necessary to go down fast, so heavily weight big streamers are useful. Same patterns described before.

Dry Flies With regard to dry flies, big and medium-size attractor flies work well, such us Chubby Chernovyl, Chernovyl Ant, Fat Albert, Parachute Madam X, Gypsy King,(sizes 6/8/10), Royal Coachman among others. Morrish Mouse and Mr. Hankey for mouse patterns are good to have a couple on your fly box if conditions are suited for that.

Nymphs Medium and small nymphs perform very well, such as Hare´s Ear, Bead head Prince, Scuds (olive green, gray/olive blend, orange), Cooper Johns (red), Bead head Pheasant tail, San Juan worm, Squirmy worm, etc (size 10/12/14), Midge larvae (red, orange) (size 12/14) The Mop fly can be very effective on sizes 6 and 8, both chartreuse and orange patterns. *It is very important that flies are tied in very strong heavy wire, to avoid bending or breaking of hooks when playing or landing big fish, such as Mustad, Tiemco, Daichi, Kamasan, Owner, etc, to name a few, 2x and 3x strong wire.

Clothing: Weather in Patagonia can vary greatly from day to day, from sunny, hot and calm with only t-shirts needed, or they can be very windy, with cold rain, where you will need to be bundled up.

Anglers coming to the lodge should be prepared for a variety of weather situations.

The best advice is to bring lots of water wicking (capilene/polypropylene) layers. Long underwater bottoms and tops, fleece pullovers, and of course we recommend Gore-tex jackets and waders.

Bugs are not an issue, but you should have lots of sunscreen and polarized sunglasses, very helpful for the protection and for spotting cruising fish when conditions are right.

Remember, in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite those in the northern hemisphere. The air temperature in the Strobel area is not particularly cold, but the wind blows constantly and creates a chill factor that can be uncomfortable. So be prepared to dress warmly. Clothing strategies should be based on the "layering system," the idea being to trap heated air generated by your body between multiple layers of insulation. The layering system also allows you to adapt to air temperature, body temperature according to activity level, and whatever Mother Nature dishes out.

Here is the formula preferred by our staff:

1…Base Layer: Start off with a synthetic fabric next to your skin. This is often a pair of thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) and they usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition. According to your individual metabolism, pick what is best for you.

Synthetic (non-cotton) materials retain little moisture and "wick" moisture away from your skin. This is very important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up.

2…Thermal Layer: Your second layer of insulation should match the weather and conditions you are going to be fishing in. Lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions and heavyweight for really frigid days. Fleece is an outstanding choice here in tops and bottoms, or overalls. The new merino wool is also a good choice as, like fleece, it stays warm when damp.

3... Windstopper/light jacket: Sometimes wearing a Windstopper/light windproof jacket, under your wading jacket is useful, when conditions are cold/windy.

4… Outer Shell (Rain Jacket & Waders): Your final layer should be a breathable rain jacket and waders.

Rain Jacket: High-quality Gore-Tex® type products are the best. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof and breathable. Rain jackets must be seam-sealed, multi-layered, of QUALITY construction and from a recognized outdoor clothing company.

Jackets specifically designed for fly fishermen are the most comfortable and practical.

Waders: Stockingfoot, breathable waders are the way to go. You will experience little or no moisture build-up inside the waders, even after a long hike; they wear like iron, and are comfortable to be in all day: and they take up a fraction of the space in your luggage as compared to the old-style neoprene waders. For safety, we strongly recommend wearing a wading belt at all times.

Wading Boots: Normally, it is not necessary to wade deep, neither at Strobel lake, Barrancoso river and other waters fished at Estancia Laguna Verde, but, it is important to have good “grip” in your boots, to walk over big rocks, gravel, sand, and other wading conditions. For this reason, sticky” rubber Vibram soled wading boots are recommended. They’re also much longer-lasting than felt soles and are more environmentally friendly in reducing unintentional transport of New Zealand mud snails from river to river. Felt-soled wading boots are allowed. Metal or carbide studs can be useful on occasions. Gravel guards are a must.

Wading Staff: If you use a wading staff on your home waters, then bring it to Argentina.

It will come in handy.

Socks: Anglers should bring enough socks to alternate on a daily basis. For a week's fishing trip, three pairs should be fine. Do not wear the same socks every day, but alternate, leaving one pair to dry and air while wearing the other set. Wool, polypro or a combination of both are the best choices in sock material. Try on your socks with your waders and wading boots before you leave for your trip to ensure that you have plenty of room to move your toes. Being unable to move your toes and cramping of your feet in your wading boots are the biggest reasons for numb toes and cold feet.

Wool or Polypropylene Gloves: Fingerless gloves are great for cold, rainy days. Neoprene gloves are fine but retain a lot of water when wet. We have had the best success with synthetic or wool gloves.

Fishing Vest or Tackle/Vest Pack: For vests, we like a high-quality product, in a 'shorty' model. Choose one that has room for a rain jacket, or camera in the back.

Small Day Pack: This can be an important article to include while packing. We like a waterproof, top-loader daypack that can hold extra gear, clothes, flies, camera, snacks, etc.

Fishing Hat: Look for a hat that is comfortable, relatively waterproof, and that has a good size brim to shade your eyes and face.

Line clippers, Pliers, Hemostats, & Hook File: Essential to any fisherman and should not be left behind.

Polaroid Sunglasses: Good quality polarized sunglasses are a must. Polarized sunglasses not only let you spot fish more effectively but protect your eyes from the intense sunlight experienced in Patagonia, as well as hooks. Smiths, Action Optics, Costa del Mar and Oakley make some of the best. It is advised to bring two pairs, as sunglasses tend to break, get lost, or fall into the river more often than other items of gear.

Camera: Waterproof digital cameras are handy. SLR cameras with a good zoom lens (28 - 80) are the best. If you are going to take your expensive camera equipment, make sure you have a waterproof case for it.

Sun Protection: Though usually not hot, the ultra-violet rays of the sun in this part of the world are very intense and will burn even the most sun-seasoned anglers. Brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and frequent use of a strong sunblock (SPF 40/50+) are highly recommended.

Striping basket: If you normally use stripping baskets for fishing, you should bring yours. They are useful for casting longer, easier, and also protect your line from abrasion.

Global Rescue and cancellation insurance When traveling to remote locations in search of some of the best fishing on earth, it is important to have reliable medical services and evacuation insurance.

Estancia Laguna Verde strongly suggests anglers hire Global Rescue travel service before their trip.

http://www.globalrescue.com/elv/

In a similar fashion, it is always a good idea to buy trip insurance for your booked dates, just in case of any issues that may cause you to cancel the trip.

Small Fly shop at the Lodge To add to our service, we have a small fly shop provided with caps, shirts, souvenirs, etc.

Loaner tackle Our Lodge has a well supplied loaner tackle room with extra equipment to borrow in case it is needed, such as waders, boots, limited clothing, Rods, and Reels, etc. Use of those items is free of charge, except in case of breakage or loss of items borrowed, where the cost of replacing the item will be charged to the guest.

”Looking forward to having you fishing with Us. The ELV Team”