Rod, Reels and Lines
The most popular and widely used rods for sea trout on Rio Gallegos are light 12- to 13-foot Spey rods, together with a 11- to 12-foot micro-Spey / switch rods around 7- or 8-weight and a 9- to 9 ½-foot 6- or 7-weight single-hander. We will strongly suggest that you leave your 15-footer at home as it will be too long in the considerable and famous Patagonia wind. Equipped with these rods an angler can cover most situations.
Whether you’re into a classic gear & pawl reel or a modern drag reel is a question of personal taste. Any good quality reel capable of carrying the associated line and 150 yards of backing should suffice. BUT please check your connections; the sea trout of Argentina are very hot!
Intermediate lines are the common choice for both outfits will address most conditions, but it is a good idea to pack spare lines and sinking tips to cover different high or low water conditions.
Leader Material and Flies
We recommend high quality leader material between 10 and 20 pounds breaking strain.
Recommended flies include Girdle Bug, Yuk Bug, Bitch Creek, Wooly Bugger, Zonker, Sunray Shadow, as well as various bead-head nymphs and various leeches. You can buy flies on location at Estancia Carlota.
At Carlota we adhere to a strict catch-and-release policy. All fishing is fly only, with single or double barbless hooks, and we request extreme care in handling all fish.
Waders and Clothing
Waders and jackets are personal preference items, but we recommend those made from high quality breathable Gore-Tex, or a material with similar characteristics. Waders should be chest-high. Most wading at Carlota is fairly user-friendly, so boots can have either felt or rubber soles. Please ensure that all felt-soled boots are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior to your trip to prevent the spread of invasive species such as Didymo and mud snails are not transported to Patagonia.
Regarding clothing, we favor a layering system. In this part of the world, the weather can be highly variable, so the ability to add or take off layers is advisable. Also, a lightweight quilted down (or synthetic) jacket, can be very useful on cool days later in the season. A buff and cap/hat are always a good idea — remember Patagonia can be a windy place on occasion!
Bring sunscreen for hot, sunny days, though we always have a good supply on hand for general use.
Sunglasses with polarized lenses are another key item. Don’t leave home without them! Also, for safety, always carry a pair of yellow or clear lens glasses for low light conditions.
