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Five Fabulous Fishing Trips

Author: By Jim Chapralis
Too many of us slide into a rut: We fish the same waters for the same species using the same methods year after year. But even though vast, exciting fishing opportunities await at a good many locations around the world, you don't have to go farther than the Western Hemisphere to enjoy a variety of angling experiences.

Hotel Booking Even addicted flats fishermen need to treat themselves to light-tackle fishing for sailfish or other blue-water species from time to time, and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to do it. True, it used to be that fishing dreamy, remote places was enjoyed by mostly wealthy anglers, but all that's changed over the years - nowadays, hundreds of thousands of fishermen with middle-class incomes fish foreign waters and keep coming back for more.

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Travel Agency It's estimated that 1 1/2 to 2 million U.S. anglers fish annually outside the continental United States. A number of compelling reasons have sparked this trend:

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Cheap Hotel * Travel: Our world began to shrink with jet travel, and because of increased flights and routes and competition among airlines (including free flights based on mileage) today, travel to distant areas is usually fast, easy and often inexpensive. For example, anglers can take early-morning flights from many major Midwestern and Eastern cities and arrive in time for a late lunch at fishing camps in Belize.

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Flight Booking * Mass publicity: Years ago, the print and electronic media only occasionally featured foreign fishing hot spots; international fishing is now widely covered in magazines, newsletters, TV and the Internet.

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Travel Agent * Competition among outfitters: As foreign fishing became more and more popular, new fishing camps were constructed, and competition kept rates at very reasonable levels. You can certainly spend a bundle at some destinations, but it's also true that many international fishing trips are priced lower than similar trips in the U.S. For example, in Mazatlan, Mexico (a potent place for marlin and sails), one can charter a 31-foot boat that includes tackle, captain and crew for $350 per day. Four anglers in a party can expect to pay only $87.50 per person (before tipping) - usually far less than a comparable trip in the U.S.

The research study also demonstrates that travel agents are increasing their reliance on GDS systems for hotel information. Nearly 90% of travel agents say that they use their GDS and GDS shopping displays as much or more today than two years ago. Travel agents also report increased use of hotel property Web sites compared to two years ago. Travel agents are less likely now to use printed hotel directories, direct mail, fax, and the phone to gather information about hotels.

Hotel Chicago * Mystique: A fascination exists about fishing foreign waters, glamorized by Ernest Hemingway, Zane Grey, Joe Brooks, A. J. McClane and other acclaimed writers.

Online Booking * Sightseeing: The magnet of international travel has attracted non-fishing family members to participate, if only for sightseeing. Who would pass up an opportunity to visit Costa Rica, Mexico or Venezuela? Interestingly, many non-fishing spouses who tag along just for the travel often decide to give fishing a try - and become enthusiastic angling partners.

Travel Health Insurance Still, a good number of fishermen remain reluctant to travel. The first step in overcoming that attitude involves going with a fishing partner because it usually reduces the cost of the trip (double vs. single occupancy) as well as anxiety associated with international travel.

Hotel Reservation Don't let language barriers inhibit you in foreign settings. Certainly there can be communication problems, but many of the more popular lodges are owned or managed by Americans, and probably 95 percent of their fishing guests speak English. And while some guides and captains may not speak English, they've handled many American fishermen through the years and know how to communicate. I've fished in 35 to 40 countries and language has never been a major problem.

London Hotel Booking Dealing with foreign currency isn't a problem. Most fishing camps require prepayment to their U.S. office or agents (by check or credit card), so you don't need to carry a bundle of money. U.S. dollars are also readily accepted just about everywhere, but obtain a small amount of foreign currency at international airports or banks just in case. Credit cards are particularly convenient for foreign travel because merchants in most major cities readily accept them.

Discount Travel You may need certain travel documents, but they're easy to get. Find out what's necessary to enter and exit the country you'll be visiting. Secure a passport; if you already have one, make sure it hasn't expired. Some countries even require that your passport be valid for at least a few months after your scheduled trip. Countries such as Brazil require visas. Your travel/booking agent will advise you of all such details and can handle airline and hotel reservations.

Orlando Hotel What about tackle and clothing? In some cases, fishing tackle is included in the cost of the trip or can be supplied by the resort or outfitter, but you need to know this in advance. Ask for a tackle suggestion list. It's also very important to obtain recommendations for clothing. For the tropics, you need lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers for protection against the sun, as well as insect repellent, sunscreen and rain gear. Incidentally, you should pack your clothing and other items in soft bags rather than hard suitcases because they're easier to store in small planes, boats and vehicles. Put cameras, EPIRBS, VHF radios, handheld GPS units and other electronic devices in carry-on bags.

Booking Agency Confused about where to go? With an extensive, varied menu of international fishing meccas, much depends on your preferences, budget, vacation dates and other variables. Many great destinations await the adventurous traveler around the world, but to point you in some good directions, let's look at just five all priced less than $2,500 per person (based on double occupancy). Airline tickets and any expenses en route are additional. I selected these fishing lodges in order to provide a variation of species, locations and fishing methods and because they've proved to be consistently productive and reliable over the years.

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