Welcome to Sporting News

We are very proud to announce the opening of our 4^th season at Tsimane!  The rivers received us in great condition after a quite stable rainy season, and there are now massive schools of small baitfish and sabalos arriving, which means many dorado following them!  These give us an idea of how great the fishing season will be!

This is the most extraordinary season opening since our beginnings in all aspects. The very first groups enjoyed a lifetime fishing experience and Tsimane operation is running better than ever.

Despite the amazing fishing conditions, many improvements were made to the whole Tsimane Lodge operation as new 4×4 vehicles at Pluma Lodge – Toyota Hilux and Suzuki Samurai’s and new Cabins for the host and extra single angler at both Lodges. The staff of guides and chefs are playing

And one of the most important news this season are the new Headwaters Tsimane Camps at Upper Pluma/Itirizama, and Agua Negra in June. These are confortable camps and we decided improve even more the Agua Negra camp to create a lodge environment, with electric power supply, double based cabins with beds, private bathrooms with hot water, a spacious living room and extraordinary location in front of river with a magical view to the Secure River. But the most important feature is new small road and a new 4×4 vehicle, which runs from main camp up into mountains making possible to reach new areas in upper Agua Negra River. The road runs close to the river adding important extra miles to fish. It’s much less physical demanding than Pluma/Itirizama camps and makes the Agua Negra operation a superb new option with untouched virgin waters.

We hope you enjoy this news and we would like to invite all to join us to another season at Tsimane waters. There are some few special available rods for this season. Ask us for more details.

Weather conditions:

Weather has been good throughout the week, temperatures between 25 and 33 degrees Celsius every day dropping in the night to 17 to 22, just perfect for active fish while fishing and a comfortable sleep after full days under the sun.

Water conditions:

Water lever has been very stable, temperature between 18 and 25 degrees depending on the day. Almost every night little rain in the headwaters of Secure River changed the color of the river clearing up quick in the afternoons.

Beginning of the week has been good, many fish has been hooked and landed, luckily some of the anglers landed fish over 20 pounds and a couple of them reaching almost so pursued 30 pounds range! After the third day of fishing, we sight very high activity in the lower beats, a big schools of baitfish and Sabalo was filling up the river with life. Luckily for us, many Dorados , Surubis, Yatoranas and Pacus were following the run making the fishing very exciting for the following days, we had anglers landing more than 30 fish in the sessions.

The run of small baitfish and Sabalo lasted four days and now has passed the lodge and keep going upstream. This has been the first run of fish we have received until now. We have information that another is approaching and will reach our fishing area in a couple of days; for sure we will keep you posted about it.

Best fish of the week.

Two big fish reaching 27 + pounds range has been landed, one on Cachuelas (beat 3) and one on the Canyon (beat one)

Pluma Lodge

We started the week with a few rains that allowed us to start the trip without many concerns; this rains made their influence on the temperature and level of the river. At the lodge´s opening we received some long time guests and was a very productive start with a lot of captures at Coruya zone, place where the morrajas (small baitfish) were making their way up, generating constant hunts of dorados and catfish. Those captures were between the amazing 20 and 25 pounds range!  For our surprise an amazing pacu fishing was discovered in coruya zone, adding more action in a so remarkable fishing area.

By the middle of the week as the second group arrived would arrive, we received John, Jack, Phil, Esteban and the Kier Family.  The Itirizama were in perfect shape with lots of sight casting action and the epic was a legitimate true blood Itirizama bad face resident dorado caught by Jack.

That evening some strong rain fall in upper river and the next day the rain would show up again, but wouldn´t stop our anglers to get what they came for, at Itirizama more than ten dorados were caught and many groups of pacu had been seen. At Pluma the fishing slowed down because of the water conditions but that wouldn´t stop Phil to catch the first cat fish on the fly of 2013 season Coruya sectors still keep giving us great surprises.

Best fish of the week

At May 3rd we were happy to received five guests from Russia, and even the conditions weren´t the very best in terms of water color they managed to get the biggest fish of season, a dorado that weight 36 pounds, caught by Vladimir.

For more information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 5 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

The week of May 4-11, 2013

The week of May 4-11, 2013

Weather Conditions

Air Temp:  Mostly in the high 80s.

Water Temp: 80-82

Wind:  5-15 mph from the East and Southeast

Tides:   High tide at 7:30 a.m. on May 6 kept high tide during the morning hours

Moon Phase:   New moon on May 9

Fishing this week was a tale of two weather patterns as we had 4 days of calm conditions to start the week with a gusty end for our anglers’ week.  We had a full house this week, with approximately half were returning guests.  Four anglers landed their first permit!

Proving that the family that fishes together stays together, Gene and Michael R. of Colo. were met at Turneffe Flats by family members Suzy and Jonathan S. of Wash.  This family has fished with us several times in past years and they choose Daniel and Michael as their guides. They changed angler pairings throughout the week and worked a bit of good natured competitiveness into their fishing day.  Although everyone had daily shots at permit, Jonathan landed his first permit with Michael. Turneffe Flats has become an annual angling pilgrimage and we hope to see them again next year.

Tom and Mary M. of Tex. visited for the first time.  These two anglers arrived ready to tackle the bonefish and had dreams of permit in their future.  Mary would usually fish the morning for bonefish, returning to the lodge for an afternoon of rest and relaxation while Tom would head back out for an afternoon of fishing.  Mary was amazed at the number of eager bonefish and on Thurs. morning had landed 8 before lunchtime.  With guide John’s patient instructions, this angling pair’s skills progressed, culminating with Tom landing his first permit on Fri. morning.  Congrats Tom!  On Fri. morning, Mary spent some time with our cooking staff learning to make empanadas, a dish she had struggled to make in the past.

First time flats anglers Nick F. and Jon G., of Ill., had one heck of a trip.  Over the first few days, fishing with Dion, they honed their bonefish radar under near perfect conditions.  Each angler hooked two permit during their trip with each landing one.  Both permit were their first.   Their partners, Stephanie and Amy, enjoyed searching for manatee with guide Abel and the Atoll Adventurers and also enjoyed plenty of lounging poolside.

Carrying over from the previous week, Jon and Estelle B. spent a total of 10 days fishing with us after travelling all the way from Australia.  Jon spent nearly every waking sunlit hour fishing the flat in front of the lodge before getting in his skiff.  Although he had spent the previous week with guide Willie, this week he fished with Dubs and joined another return guest, Doug C. of Colo. for a portion of the week.  After Jon left,   Doug carried on by focusing nearly all of his efforts on permit.   He reported that he “had his shots,” but did not get a permit to cooperate.

Angling legends Steve and Gina Abel of Calif. joined us again.  They have been visiting Tflats for over 20 years and brought angling friends Greg and Tina S. to fish the flats for the first time. Also joining the Abels were Diane and Bill C., who enjoyed our Atoll Adventure program.  The four anglers rotated their fishing pairings with veteran guides Pops and Willie.  Both Greg and Tina landed their first bonefish and Steve reported hooking several large bonefish on Tues. afternoon, losing a huge fish as the hook straightened out after it ran around a coral mound. We enjoyed hearing the tales of past fishing at Turneffe and we look forward to their return.

Lifetime memories with family and friends are just part of a trip to TF.  Graduations and weddings are on tap next month and there’s no better gift than trip to Turneffe Flats.

For more information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 5 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

John Gendall Flyfishing & Blechenyden Bach Accommodation

Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lake National Park, South Island.

This is a personal recommendation because I have known John Gendall for close to 15 years. He first guided me in New Zealand, then he came to work with me in Russia at Ryabaga Camp on the Ponoi for five seasons where he was superb and we have kept in touch ever since. Many of my friends fish with John each year and I have no doubts in recommending him for a really personal fishing experience in New Zealand. John is truly one of the good guys…

Tarquin Millington-Drake

John Gendall and Polly Anderson operate a small authentic luxury fishing lodge in Nelson Lakes National Park. With a maximum occupancy of 4 guests you assured personalized authentic service both on and off the river to the highest standard.

John and Polly offer an intimate and luxurious style of accommodation in the charming cottage privately situated on the large private property. The cottage, built in 1945 and recently restored, overlooks Black Valley stream, has an open fire and large comfortable bed and even a pet eel! Enjoy home cooked in meals in the main lodge, which consist of organic NZ meats, vegetables and seasonal fruits.

John has guided in the South Island for 18 years and fished all his life. Needless to say he has a few tricks up his sleeve. John is also a well-travelled fisherman, guiding on the famous Ponoi river in Russia and on the Snake river in Jackson Hole, USA.  John’s enthusiasm for the sport and environment is infectious.  

 John’s long time friend and second guide is Jonathan Greensmith (Greenie). Jonathan’s extensive knowledge of both Canterbury’s and Nelsons backcountry is attributed to 16 years guiding and flying helicopters in these regions. Jonathan is extremely personable “classic Kiwi” with an uncanny ability to put clients onto the “big ones “.

Location is paramount when it comes to a fishing trip, John has three major catchments to choose from and over 30 different rivers within 1hrs drive, thus ensuring quality fishing to all levels of fitness and abilities in all weather conditions throughout the fishing season

The area also has a host of options for the non-fishers which John and Polly are happy to facilitate, these include lake and National Park walks, Marlborough wine tours, horse riding, Abel Tasman beach’s, Nelson shops or simply feeling welcome to relax around the lodge with a book.

For more information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 5 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

The owner of the Breidalsa river send me this picture taken at the top of the Breidalsa watershed on Monday. He feels that unless there is a major heatwave, water height are looking good for the whole season!

There are a few spaces still left as follows:

Breiðdalsá afternoon 23 July to 28 or 29th July 2-3 rods for five-six days.
Combo Breiðdalsa & Jökla five days from afternoon 30 July to noon 4 August 3 rods.
Jökla six days afternoon 7th to noon 13th August 4 rods.

For more information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 5 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

Frontiers were at the Sportfish Show on 11th and 12th of May in the wind! It was a well attended show with lots of interest and activity.

Our very own Tarquin Millington-Drake was interviewed by the Fieldsports Channel and features in their report. Have a look here and start watching from 10.56 on the clock. 

Thanks to Sportfish and Farlows for a great weekend.

For more information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 5 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

Dear All,
Ryabaga seems to be shaping up in great form from what the team in camp can see.
The weather is good, temperatures in the +6+10 range, sunny.
No snow left in the ground around camp, big tent is up!
The river is clear, no ice left in seems!
Dropping fast, guides rock an inch under water.
Boats are ready and some in the water as I write, no fish reports yet.
Ryabaga will be on-line next week to recieve photos and daily updates.
All together a promissing Spring for a great kick-off of the 2013 season,
Those magical Home Pool evenings will soon be upon us.
fingers crossed!
Best, Steve

Belize River Lodge Report

Several breezy days and plentiful natural bait in our fishing areas made fishing for the big Tarpon both very challenging and frustrating for some anglers over the past three weeks.  Many times there were big fish well within easy casting distance but good casts of popular flies and plugs were often completely ignored.  Those fish seemed to be feeding on their favorite food or had already been satisfied and wanted nothing to do with our offerings.   However, staying with them often proved very worthwhile as every once in a while a big one would attack and jump a few times before throwing the hook, or sometimes actually getting hooked and landed. 

Eleven Tarpon 60-130 pounds were landed.  An estimated 25-30 more were jumped and lost after a few jumps even though some seemed to be well hooked.  Their many spectacular jumps and runs certainly helped them to escape.  Most anglers pursuing big Tarpon during this period have great memories of "the ones that got away" and several anglers fishing for Big Tarpon for the first time got their wish and pictures of the experience.

Of course the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence and anglers from the Lodge often fished the Long Caye area and anglers staying at the BRL Long Caye Outpost Resort often fished the mainland and river mouth.

 Two lady anglers each caught two big tarpon, during this time.

Elvin Sr. landed his very first tarpon, an 80 pounder up the Belize River on a breezy day.

Elvin Jr. got four jumps from a 100 pound tarpon that ran straight away from the boat taking out line and almost all backing before breaking off.  

Another day while targeting Permit Elvin landed a 10 pounder and John C. landed a 12 and a 15 pounder.  The very next day at the same time and same location those permit would not eat any of the popular patterns no matter how well presented.  

The best snook day by a single angler was seven, ranging from 4-15 pounds, all on the same Bend Back Deceiver.  Other anglers also caught snook with Half and Half chartreuse and red and white Clouser type flies, in the Rivers and mangrove Flats areas. 

Another unusual incident was a double hook up of a Cobia and a Tripletail by two anglers in the same boat.  As both fish were being brought near the boat the two lines tangled and both fish escaped; double hookup, double loss.

 For more information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 5 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

Bonefish, Cudas, Ladyfish, Crevalle Jacks, Cobias, Tripletail and Snappers rounded out the catches.   

The Big Migratory Tarpon are still here and we expect them to stay around through June and July.  Tripletails, a frequent visitor immediately before the migrants arrive, have stayed around for a much longer period than usual.

The beautiful Mayflower tree is in full bloom right now after having bloomed once before this year.  Seed from the first flowering are still on the trees along with the new flowers.  The magnificent Royal Poinciana, or Flambuoyant has just started to flower and they should be in their full glory during the month of May.

Reservations open for 2013/14 season

It's time to start thinking about planning your next bonefishing trip. Bookings are brisk for the upcoming October 2013 to July 2014 season, so do get in touch if you are considering a first-time or a return visit to the Delphi Club. Don't leave it too late to get the week that you really want.

We look forward to welcoming back many old friends for what will be the fifth year of the Club's existence. Rolling up to Rolling Harbour is, happily, becoming a habit for many.

There's great bonefishing to be had right throughout the season. There are no dud months. Yes, the chances of a brief cool front may be a bit higher in January, but this past January offered up some of the best conditions of the entire season.

If you want to have your own houseparty, taking over the whole Club, there are lots of possibilities in May, June and July.
If you're a numbers person, consider fishing for the big schools in November and December.
If you're desperate for a permit, try May, June or November.
If you're keen to avoid the depths of winter, December and January offer a worthy alternative to snow and fog.

Whatever your preference, get in touch ASAP.

Prices held at same level

For the third year running we are holding our prices steady. We compete on level terms with many less exquisite lodges. You don't have to pay more to enjoy one of the best Bahamian bonefishing venues.

We don't think there's a more beautiful location. Amazing views over a perfect, deserted beach. Total tranquility. Awesome architecture. Bird life to beat the band. And stunning food & wines, great atmosphere, extraordinary comfort, a wonderful team of guides and prolific catches of bonefish. What's not to like?

Get lost in the wilderness of the Abaco Marls and experience an environment utterly devoid of human impact.

And just because your partner doesn't fish doesn't mean she, or he, won't love it too. The Club was meticulously designed to please both fishers and "nons" equally.

The Delphi Club Guide to the Birds of Abaco

There's a delightful new book on the publishing horizon. After nearly two years of fieldwork, the Club's photographic guide to the bird life of Abaco will roll off the presses in coming months, possibly in time for Christmas. With amazing photography contributed by many Club guests, some of whom have obviously missed their true vocation in life, the book is written in lively style by Club member Keith Salvesen (aka Rolling Harbour) with the most exalted production values overseen by experienced art publisher Sally Salvesen.

The print run will be just 600, so this is going to be a collector's item - with a price tag to match of around $125.

To register your interest, let us know now. We'll then keep you posted as publication looms.

Now also available at the Delphi Club...

* The latest range of Thomas & Thomas saltwater rods
* The latest Hardy saltwater reels and rods - and at very reasonable prices
* A wide selection of Costa sunglassses
* Beautiful ceramics from Richard Bramble of England, including a large oval plate featuring the Abaco Parrot.
* A masssive chest of local and other fly patterns.
* A new shipment of wines from France
* Spectacular sunrises
* All the blues in Nature's spectrum
* A billion-dollar beach.......!

For further information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 1 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

 Farquhar Blog: 6 – 13 April 2013

If you’ve been reading our weekly catch ups, long time client and friend Rob Ramsey has been on Farquhar. This week the rest of his mates joined us on the island. To make sure that the island wasn’t taken over by a full scale American invasion, Headquarters sent us three South Africans- apparently to keep us in check. Considering Wayne Osborne and his mates Jeff and Dean have been on trips with us from the company’s conception, you’d think HQ would know better than to send these fishing fanatics and mischief makers to keep  us in line. Those of you who’ve had the opportunity to meet these practical jokers would hardly be surprised to know that we were soon corrupted by the Buffalo Rule from the get go.

It was however also clear from the get-go that the group was taking their fishing seriously. The night before at the guides planning session Jako said “Alright boys, two weeks to go- let’s give it the full treatment” and so we were on that slipway ready to roll before the morning sun had shrugged off the palm tree horizon.  So it was still early days when Bill opened the scoring, in an early week GT shootout that’s becoming a weekly tradition. True to form, that big ol’ fish came cruising along the beach without a care in the world. Bill derailed it’s flight plan with the black brushie, and what resulted was one of the best GT eats you could possibly ask for. Wayne, not to be outdone, showed everyone what GT fishing at Farquhar is all about. Later that week he landed a 120cm behemoth on the flats. The smaller fish might take the fly with spectacular abandon, but watching a massive fish of that calibre casually inhaling the fly is a spectacle that would make most anglers come apart at the seams. Wayne managed to keep it together though, and it was up to Jako to ensure the fish came to hand. The fish had managed to weave its way through several bommies, and must have been surprised to see Jako follow suit. In a spectacular display of underwater aerobics he was only just able to wrap both hands around its massive scoots. Coincidently Wayne also landed three triggers, a fish he had previously battled come to grips with. Just to cap it off, Jako netted a large free swimming Yellow Margin Trigger after the fish had refused to take any of the flies being offered. Hey, it counts, right? To prove it wasn’t entirely “Wayne’s Week” Jeff stole the limelight on the last day by boating a large Dogtooth Tuna on fly, earning strutting status for the flight home.

So while it was the end of the week for the South Africans, we had another week of the trans Atlantic contingent to keep us going for another week in fishing paradise. It should be a good one, these guys are just getting in the swing of things, and so to is the fishing.

James Topham

For further information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 1 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk

We have the following dates available on either the Breidalsa or the Jokla rivers or a combination package...these rivers have very comfortable lodges and wonderful staff along with some superb and great value fishing...

Breiðdalsá afternoon 23 July to 28 or 29th July 2-3 rods for five-six days.
Combo Breiðdalsa & Jökla five days from afternoon 30 July to noon 4 August 3 rods.
Jökla six days afternoon 7th to noon 13 August 4 rods....
Jökla six days afternoon 22nd to noon 28 august 5-6 rods....

For further information please contact Tarquin Millington-Drake on 0845 299 6212 Ext 1 or at tmd@frontierstrvl.co.uk