2017 UK Newsletter

2017 / 2018

Frontiers celebrates 25 years in the UK Welcome...

In April 1993 we introduced the British and European fishing and shooting fraternity to how easy it can be to travel for their sport with a professional travel organisation behind them providing excellent travel documents, comprehensive pre-trip information and, of course, sound advice from over 20 years’ experience.

This is our 25th annual publication for 2017/18 and in it we have highlighted 25 snippets of information you may not know about us but we think you will value.

I would like to thank all those who have placed their trust in us over the past 25 years.

Tarquin Millington-Drake Managing Director

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#01 Frontiers has existed since 1969, is majority British-owned and has offices in both the UK and USA

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Head to the salt this winter...

An Adventure to Providence Atoll ... or join us at Farquhar Atoll next April

When it comes to the superb Seychelles, we anglers have never been more spoiled for choice...

Alphonse Island, Astove Atoll, Providence Atoll, Cosmoledo or Farquhar... which one to choose and how to decide? GTs, triggers, milks, permit, grouper, snapper or the humble bonefish, which to focus on and with what tackle?

We were involved with some of the earliest expeditions to Alphonse Island. We even ran the place for a few years and our knowledge remains as on the spot and up to date now as it has ever been. Read about our latest expedition to Providence at www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/providence-blog But our service does not stop with great advice. The hotels and restaurants of Mahe and the other islands of the Seychelles have been and are constantly well-researched; your non-fishing partner need not worry! We can advise from the cheapest options to the most luxurious and can provide the ground services to make sure you are looked after throughout your stay. If this is your first saltwater getaway, do not buy tackle; we will lend or rent it to you.

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#02 We lend or rent tackle especially for saltwater with Fin & Game, contact them at www.finandgame.com

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After the latest spring for 130 years

Ryabaga Camp on the Ponoi shines as it has always done

Yes, we suffered like the rest and we sadly had to cancel our first week because it was too dangerous to operate with so much ice about. The second week did not turn out as hoped either.

Previous experience told us that once the ice was out, the fishing would come good very quickly. That was not to be the case because the weather simply refused to warm up. When it did, just a fraction, the change was dramatic. Twelve fish on the Friday, changeover day on Saturday, over 100 fish on the Sunday, and we never looked back. 627 fish was followed by 768, then normality resumed with fishing being influenced by prevailing conditions, a 585, a 773 and a great week to end the spring season with 528 fish. For reflections on this spring and what salmon fishing in Russia has done for us over the past 25+ years read TMD’s blog at www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/reflections-blog

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#03 We were the first on Russia’s Kola Peninsula in 1989 and chose the Ponoi as the gem of the Kola

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#04 We run a last-minute spaces and discounts list. To be on it, email support@frontierstrvl.co.uk

27 years with the Ponoi River Company Frontiers has been an integral part of the foundation, building and operation of the Ponoi River Company since 1990 and the two organisations have worked together to ensure excellence for all those years since. We acted as advisors until 1994, we then managed the operation from 1994 to 2003, and then owned it from 2003 to 2007.

From 2007 to the present day the new owners have done exactly what they said they would do - keeping all that is good and valued by our guests and yet continuing to invest and improve. At no point have they ever sat back and rested, even through the worst economic times. The cabins have been built, the staff quarters rebuilt, boats invested in and upgraded, the dock completely upgraded, lunch areas and lunch tents are now at a standard never seen before and still the staff know their jobs so well and continue to host guests to an incomparable standard on the Kola Peninsula.

On our 25th year of being here in the UK, we would like to recognise our quarter of a century partners for the enormous role they have played in looking after so many guests that have travelled with this office. Ponoi River Company... we salute you and thank you for all you have done and the standards you maintain to this day.

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Steelheading in British Columbia At some stage a flyfisherman’s eye must turn West to experience the majesty and mystery of the steelhead of BC...

The steelhead of BC can be very slippery characters but they are certainly worth the journey, as is the stunning scenery. The season moves quickly as do the fish and thus your choice of guide or lodge needs to be matched carefully with the time of year you can travel. From guides to lodges and even private houses, we know what to recommend to you when.

The earlier you can plan, the more likely we can achieve our first choices for you.

#05 We are a Four Seasons Hotels Preferred Partner - enabling us to give you more benefits

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#06 We are glad that you do not seem to realise that we work from home, so forgive us if the dogs bark!

The never-ending appeal of Iceland...

We are so pleased to say that in a season which was expected to be better, the majority of our guests enjoyed some wonderful fishing in Iceland. In late July a heatwave sadly did take hold for a period. We have delighted in witnessing great triumphs from many who have never caught a salmon and success from sons and daughters.

For that reason, plus the beauty, the drama, the people and the food, your enthusiasm for Iceland (and ours) never waivers. From the tiniest trout rivers to the most famous of salmon rivers, we know it so well and take pride in ensuring that everyone ends up fishing where we think they will enjoy, weather permitting. For us, that is the secret to Iceland. One man’s dream is another’s nightmare and it is our job to give the best experience.

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#07 We have a website dedicated to Iceland www.frontiersiceland.com

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The mountain gorillas of Uganda and Rwanda...

At the last count there were only 880 mountain gorillas left in the world spread between Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. They share over 98% of our genes and time spent with them is truly magical.

Read about our recent experience in Uganda at www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/gorillas-blog to learn about what such a trip is actually like and how your day is shaped.

Though not for the very young this is a wonderful family experience, which will be remembered for ever. Frontiers has experience and knows how to build in a trip to see the gorillas alongside other safari adventures.

#08 We are a member of the Virtuoso network of travel agents - that means extra value and perks for you!

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#09 We have had a highly regarded nonsporting bespoke travel service for over 20 years led by Lara MacDonald. lara.macdonald@frontierstrvl.co.uk

The Galapagos Islands – Charles Darwin’s “Enchanted Isles” This volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Pacific Ocean provides an unbeatable wildlife experience for the whole family. Many of the marine and land animals of the Galapagos are found nowhere else on Earth and because of the islands’ isolation, the creatures have no fear of man.

The most practical and comfortable way to explore the islands is by boat which travels between islands, mostly at night, and makes two stops each day. Frontiers have been working with suppliers in the Galapagos for over 30 years so are well informed to advise on the multitude of boats to suit all needs. Read about our recent experience on board Lindblad Expeditions’ Endeavour II at www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/endeavour-blog

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#10 Our shooting clients receive a 10% discount on lessons, gun storage and equipment from Calvert Sporting - ask for your password and contact them at www.calvertsporting.co.uk

High volume in South Africa Argentina’s dominance over high volume shooting is under threat...

Ask most guns if they would rather shoot pigeons or doves and the majority would pick pigeons. With this in mind, Richard headed to South Africa to learn more about the pursuit of the rock pigeon.

Rock pigeon will decoy readily. They are fast and manoeuvrable, making them a very challenging quarry and therefore more interesting to shoot than doves. Access from the UK couldn’t be easier; an overnight flight from London to Johannesburg and you can be in the best shooting fields a few hours after you touch down.

Join Richard in April 2018 - email fishshoot@frontierstrvl.co.uk

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Partridges in Spain These days estates in Spain really know how to roll out the red carpet. Their all-in prices include transfers, gun loan, cartridges, in fact everything except tips, making for a good value, very smooth and easy trip.

Their ability to offer single gun/pay for your own birds and shoot what you choose options makes Spain even more appealing for many.

The question is where to go? Give us your brief and we’ll look after you. Nobody knows the options in Spain better.

#11 We quote prices as quoted to us by the lodges in their currency, fully transparent

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#12 You can pay in GBP, USD or Euros, in the UK or USA 18

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The power of the King...

It pains us all to admit it but the truth is our Atlantic salmon, however big, simply are not as scarily strong as the King, chinook, spring or even tyee salmon as some call it. If in the right place at the right time the chances of hooking something of over 20lbs are probably greater than for Atlantic salmon with very few exceptions. There is also the issue of price, the King is King there too with a week’s trip far more reasonable than most high profile Atlantic salmon destinations. In fact, the only downside might be the distance because Alaska, Canada and Chile are the strongholds of these mighty fish. One more possible downside, they do not rise like our beloved salmon, you do need to get down to them and fish slow and deep.

The best time varies from watershed to watershed but late June and most of July cover the best for the northern hemishere, January to March for the southern hemisphere. These fish are suffering in certain areas so picking the right location is key. If you fancy feeling power from a freshwater river fish like you have never experienced, at a reasonable price, in stunning scenery, give us a call.

#13 Refer a friend and you both enjoy ÂŁ100 credit towards your next trip

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#14 Frontiers introduced Tierra del Fuego to the fishing world in 1972

#15 We are proud to have represented the Kola’s most respected fishing operation for the past 27 years Ryabaga Camp on the Ponoi

The Sporting Greatness of South America...

In terms of fishing and shooting (or non-sporting) South America easily matches Europe and more, and nobody knows their way around South America like Frontiers who introduced so much of the great sport there to the sporting traveller.

The seatrout of the Rio Grande are perhaps what first tempted us all south back in the 1990s and they remain the greatest of temptations to this day. One guest had six fish over 20lbs in his week this past season before heading further north for giant rainbows and then the delicate spring creeks of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Throw in the options to shoot doves or fish for dorado and you really do have a sporting medley. Other clients prefer to spend lots of time exploring the huge estancias and their multitude of rivers and lakes for two or more weeks without rushing around.

Even heading south to shoot pigeons or duck in the winter can be matched up with dorado fishing. The options are limitless and we have pieced together literally thousands of sporting adventures over the years. So when the time comes for the big South America adventure, we’ll be there to look after you from the moment you touch down to the final take off.

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#16 We believe it is as important to tell you when you should not go

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The fishing phenomenon... that is Lake Thingvallavatn Frontiers were first to bring this extraordinary fishing to the attention of our clients in the UK. At first, there was concern about fishing a lake but this is no ordinary lake fishing. There is little hurling a flyline out as far as you can, quite the opposite, short lines and stealth can be critical.

The doubters are now convinced, the proof is in the very high rate of returning guests.

When it comes to the fish, guests agree there is no substitute for the words ‘experiencing it to believe it’ - we have heard this time and again.

Fish over 10lbs are caught regularly, one guest caught four 12lbs fish in an afternoon! The best for our guests so far is 27lbs.

#17 Each of our travellers enjoys their own account where they can manage their interests, trips, personal information and accounts 22

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#19 All our fishing travellers are offered a free casting lesson

What about Greenland?

Would Greenland be an excuse to go fishing or would fishing for arctic char be an excuse to go to Greenland? Either is possible and both are excellent excuses.

#18 We have owned and operated lodges in Russia, Iceland, New Zealand, the Seychelles, Alaska and Bahamas – we know what to look for

We went to Greenland this summer because we are asked regularly ‘what about Greenland?’ So we thought it best to go and see for ourselves. We examined quite a few operations over the winter. There are some really wonderful, non-fishing outfits that Frontiers non-sporting or Bespoke/Elegant Journeys department work with and there are a few fishing operators who have built camps on specific rivers. What appealed to me about the operation we chose is that you can do both – be a tourist and fish – and you certainly do not fish the same valley, or watershed, unless you want to. This jives with our comments above about what your reasons might be for going to Greenland. Whichever way you see it, this was a really enjoyable and educational trip with lots of fish caught in interesting ways. To read more of TMD’s blog go to www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/greenland-blog Tel +44 (0)1285 700 940

www.frontierstrvl.co.uk

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Fin & Game

200 x 195 76 #20 Our clients enjoy a 10% discount for fishing and shooting equipment at Fin & Game – ask us for a code

I don’t know about you but with each trip I plan, the tackle recommendations grow more and more specific. The sink-tip options for salmon and steelhead fishing, for example, are ever-perfected but they are complex. Saltwater trips seem to offer more and more species but with each new species, a new rod or rig of some sort seems to be required. I can also tell you, as I am sure is the case in other industries, margins are driven by sales success, which, in my view, is contrary to good advice.

Yes, I own a tackle shop in Kelso but my concept is different, particularly when it comes to my work with and for Frontiers’ clients. Advice based on sound knowledge is key and ensuring that each client travels with the exact right equipment, without spending a fortune, particularly if this is a first step into a different kind of fishing, is the objective. That is why we lend and hire tackle as part of our service to Frontiers’ clients.

Tom Leslie - Founder, owner Fin & Game, Kelso 24

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www.finandgame.com

#21 We can hold airline seats for you while you plan

Deplar Farm...

Iceland’s top destination From moulded seats in the swimming pool especially designed for viewing the northern lights to one of the best equipped spas we have seen in a long time to heli-skiing to salmon and char fishing, hiking... the list goes on. Deplar Farm, set in the stunning Troll hills of north-west Iceland, is a global destination in itself for private individuals or complete parties. If you want to spoil a loved one or have a party, this place is stunning. We know, we have been there!

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Mixed species mecca in Costa Rica Few lodges combine excellent mixed species fishing with plenty to do for non-fishing party members but Zancudo does just that.

Excellent offshore fishing for marlin and sailfish, beaten only by Guatemala, which still ranks up there as the top sailfish destination. Costa Rica outshines Guatamela for its awesome inshore fishing for the legendary rooster fish.

For the non-fishers there is an endless selection of activities to keep you busy while your fishing partner is away for the day. Enjoy eco tours, stand up paddleboarding, surfing, zip lining and nature walks.

To read more about Zancudo visit Richard’s blog www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/zancudo-blog

#22 We understand that leisure time is often more valuable than money

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#23 We introduced Christmas Island to the flyfishing world in 1985

Our famous Saltwater Guide Each autumn we produce the definitive guide to saltwater flyfishing. It has 72 pages dedicated to saltwater flats and bluewater fishing and covers 40 lodges across the following countries: the Bahamas, Florida Keys, the Seychelles, Mexico, Belize, Christmas Island, Australia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama and Mauritius.

If you would like a copy please email support@frontierstrvl.co.uk or alternatively view online at www.frontierstrvl.co.uk/saltwater

#24 We also introduced Alphonse Island in the Seychelles to the world in 1995

Most important of all ask us for advice - just five minutes on the telephone can be a huge help in making sure you and your non-fishing partner are well advised.

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#25 We like to talk to you!

Please call for a chat so we can advise you better

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

Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate. Our ATOL number is ATOL 3315.

ABTOT may also provide financial protection for some of the holidays we list and full details can be found on our website. Our ABTOT number is 5309.

Photo Credits: Frontiers Travel Ltd, George Gunn, Barry & Cathy Beck, Adrienne Comeau, PH Alejandro Martello, Villa Maria Lodge, Michael S. Nolan, Lindblad Expeditions.

Copyright Š 2017 Frontiers International Travel. All rights reserved.

Kennet Cottage Kempsford Gloucestershire GL7 4EQ Tel +44 (0)1285 700 940 Fax +44 (0)1285 700 322 Email info@frontierstrvl.co.uk www.frontierstrvl.co.uk