Equipment Needs for Fishing and Hunting in Patagonia

We get asked continuously what gear is necessary for Fly Fishing and Hunting in this part of the world, and unfortunately, we have also seen many visitors show up poorly equipped to handle the conditions in Patagonia. So here's our honest opinions on the right Fly Rods, Reels, Lines, Waders, Boots, and other gear we think are solid choices based upon our own experience;, and we've included a number of direct links where you can buy the gear you need at fair prices from reliable vendors. You can also go to Shopping to find specific vendors that we rely on, and every purchase you make helps us keep publishing this magazine free to readers.

Fly Rods

Fly Rods that work back home in your favorite trout stream, may be completely unsuitable for Patagonia! Both the conditions, and the fish you may run into are different. Winds, water current, and the occasional Monster trout all translate into the need for Fast Action rods, and good quality reels and lines. (You would also be well served to spend some time learning to properly load and shoot your new big stick before you come down here with it.) Here's our recommendations with links built into them to make it easy for you.   If you want the best regardless of price: Sage Z-Axis Fly Rod in 6 or 7 weight (if you're going to Tierra del Fuego after Sea Run Browns, go with a 7 or 8). This is arguably the best rod on the market, its casts beautifully and accurately, and it has the power to punch out long casts into the kind of wind that is normal down here. Other options for slightly less investment are the St. Croix Legend Elite (I have a 5 weight that I love)  , or the Orvis TLS Power Matrix Fly Rod. If you want a great rod at bargain basement price (I use one of these a lot), pick up the TFO Lefty Kreh Professional Series .

Fly Reels

If you set the hook on a 6 kilo Brown Trout in the Limay River, and you brought a crappy reel with a poor drag system; you'll be hating life in about 5 seconds. Bring a decent reel and good line with you to explore the waters down here. A Lamson Litespeed from Cabela's is a great start; or choose from any of these other Top Brand name Fly Reels . I'm also a big fan of Orvis Fly Reels, of which I own about 6 or 7 in different weights and arbor configuration. Personally, I prefer Orvis Large Arbor Fly Reels so I can pick up line quick when I need to. Orvis Wonderline WF Floating and Orvis Depthcharge Sinking Fly Line are the only ones I use, and I've been using the same well-cared-for lines for the past 7 years in Patagonia. They last.

Waders

Buy whatever brand you like as long as they are comfortable, breathable, and give you room to climb up and down rocky banks and maybe wear a pair of long johns underneath if it's early season. I prefer Simms Freestone Waders, but I have also had two pair of Orvis Waders for over ten years that just keep hanging in there, even after I loaned them to my nephew last year who put them through the big-boy torture test on the Malleo River. (The waders passed the test, and my nephew hammered a beautiful Rainbow). Finish off your waders with a good comfortable Orvis Wading Boot, and you might want to think about switching to one of the new rubber soled types. The authorities in Patagonia are serious about preventing the transmission of aquatic deseases to this part of the world, and felt soled boots are a major culprit. 

The Orvis General Fly Fishing Catalog and Cabelas Fly Fishing Catalog can help you get set up with proper Rain gear, hats, Rain hats, Sunglasses, lip balm, sunscreen, General Clothing Requirements, Camera, Waterproof bag for your wallet, camera,etc.