gear

Toon Ken´s Fishing Tackle:

     Depending on the river´s condition, you may want to use different fly lines, usually fast sinking sink tips and full sinking lines are used at the beginning of the season. As the water level decreases, lighter lines are more convenient. Trust your skills and bring a floating line, you won’t regret it, traditionally fishing the Rio Grande was about deep sinking lines, but evolution in construction materials of rods and lines, now allow us to use all of our tackle efficiently and with enormous success.

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT:

Rods:
     We've tested many rods on the Rio Grande. For a single-handed rod, we've found a 9, 9½ or 10-footer for a No. 8 line to be about ideal for covering the water and for optimal sport. A rod of this size makes casting easy with the normal downstream southwest wind, while an 8 or 9-weight helps you to drive your line into a contrary wind when necessary. Given the Rio Grande's moderate flow and generally even gravel bottom, you'll find an 8 or 9 capable of doing battle with even the river's largest sea trout (15 to 25-plus lbs.), while it insures the most action with smaller sea trout (4-9 lbs.). Light two-handed rods are increasingly popular and allow anglers to cast a comfortable line with less effort, particularly on windy days. Mending line is also easier with a 2-hander. We encourage you to bring one of 13 or 14 feet for a 8 or 9-weight line. If you are new to 2-handers, our guides are expert instructors and will help you learn quickly. Among rod makers Sage, Thomas & Thomas, Scott and G Loomis are excellent choices for Rio Grande fishing. It makes sense to bring a back-up rod as well.

Reels:
     A quality reel is crucial for playing big sea trout. A strong, smooth drag is a must. Reels (and spare spools) should have capacity for the fly line and 150 yards of 20-pound backing. Appropriate reels include Abel, Tibor, Hardy, Lamson, Scientific Anglers, Ross, etc.

Lines:
     To be well prepared for Tierra del Fuego, anglers should include at least three lines to accommodate variance in water levels and wind conditions. Weight-forward fly lines are generally used on the Rio Grande. Floating lines are typically most useful in low water conditions and during early morning evening hours, when sea trout are inclined to be nearer the surface. Also a sinking shooting taper is very important .The Teeny T-200 and T-300 lines have proven to be excellent, and at least one or both of these lines should be considered as must-bring items. Sinking-tips, and sinking poly-leaders are also used a lot. Intermediate lines are also effective in some conditions.

Leaders:
     Experience on the Rio Grande indicate that sea trout aren't particularly leader-shy. While reasonable stealth should be exercised, your chief concern is to bring monofilament in sizes that will turn over the array of fly sizes and patterns you'll be using. Spools of mono should include 15, 12 and 10 lbs. breaking strengths. Made-up leaders aren't necessary since a few feet of mono will do fine. Maxima Ultragreen is a good choice. While fishing, be sure to check your mono regularly for casting knots and abrasions, and after each fish caught test your leader knots. For floating lines is good to have knotless tapered leaders from 9 to 12 feets with 0X tppets.

Waders:
     Wading isn't difficult on the Rio Grande. However, we recommend chest waders for warmth, to get to that occasionally fished cut-bank, and to manage deeper water when crossing the river. Fine choices would include L.L.Good choices are Simms Gore-Tex Guide, and Patagonia SST+ Breathable Waders or any good 3.5 mm neoprene wader. Given Tierra del Fuego's climate and water that can be in the 40's (F.), be certain to pack long johns, wool or fleece trousers and wool socks. The river's gravel bottom isn't mossy but you might find that the security of felts aids in concentrating on casting and playing fish by keeping your mind off your feet. So a good pair of wading boots are a must .The bottom also calls for gravel guards. Be sure to use a wading belt.