Dear friends: It is the least I could do. Fifteen consecutive years of fishing Patagonia should at least qualify me to speak on behalf of a truly dedicated and professional group of friends. I am referring to the personnel at Safaris Outfitters working out of San Martin de los Andes. On the occasion of publishing their new web page, I want to make my modest contribution of a testimony on their behalf.

Let me begin by saying that out of those fifteen years, only the last six have been booked through Safaris. I had previously experienced fishing Patagonia with other well known Outfitters, guides and even ventured on my own on more than a few occasions. Also, I speak for a group of six dedicated friends and fellow fishermen who have accompanied me on these trips and would agree with this statement: Once we found Safaris, we never even considered another alternative! So if you haven't had a great Patagonia fishing experience, call Safaris, pack your bags and get down to Argentina! Over the past years, we have arranged with Safaris Outfitters yearly all-inclusive trips that provided fishing time divided between the Río Malleo, Traful, Aluminé and Collón Curá. These are some of the best trout and landlocked salmon rivers in the world. Rich in fishing tradition since the 1930's, the who's who of trout fishermen make their annual pilgrimage to enjoy these fine pristine waters. Just the sight of the Boca del Río Traful is worth the long jet flight and dusty pampas roads.

The experience is one for all fishermen to enjoy, and even for those who have never caught a fish. The guides and great surroundings will guarantee an enjoyable time We have had the delight of fishing these waters with local, English-speaking, experienced, and very patient guides; one for each pair of fishermen and a driver of a modern and roomy van. The per-day charge included all transportation to and from airports, use of the van, the guides, room and board, and they even provided some of the flies we needed to insure success (which were many because we had beginners that caught more trees than trout). The only incidental expenses were for alcoholic drinks (we contributed generously to the local wine economy in spite of taking down with us a good percentage of the GNP of Scotland).

The guides are excellent, very knowledgeable, constantly working to make sure everyone caught fish and even climbing trees to untangle flies and fishermen from the threatening riparian vegetation (memorable pictures hopefully never-to-be published can attest to this). We have had many excellent trips, great and lousy weather, cooperating trout and good companionship with many stories told (some hopefully for the last time). I cannot do justice in a few paragraphs to the excellent level of service and quality time spent with our friends down south. I can only assure you that we look forward to our annual pilgrimage to Patagonia and our time with friends, companionship and trout. I will be glad to provide specific referrals and a few writings about the fishing and the region gathered over the years. Drop me an e-mail at the address below.

Tight lines! - Rafael Morillo - Rmorillo@Unitechsite.com