We averaged over 70 fish per day in our boat!

I just returned from a fishing trip to Lake El Salto in Mazatlan Mexico and as usual it was a fantastic time.  My outfitter for this trip is Billy Chapman Jr’s Anglers Inn, I have fished here numerous times and his staff never disappoints.  In fact his staff is the reason to go here, the fishing takes care of itself with help from knowledgable guides.  Anglers Inn slogan is “Service is our Focus” and they live up to their motto for sure.

From the time you clear customs at the airport in Mazatlan you are greeted by an Anglers Inn representative and taken to the van for the 2 hour ride to the lodge, where upon arrival you are greeted with a large margarita and a smile.  While you are enjoying your drinks and a lite snack your gear is being taken to your room .  If you arrive early enough (2 to 3pm) you will be introduced to your guide and taken out for the evening bite.

It’s back to shore around 5:30 pm (depending on time of year) where you have time to freshen up and make your way to the bar for a cold beverage and catch up on all the fishing stories of the day.  Dinner is usually served between 6:30 and 7:00 pm consisting of anything from Steaks to traditional Mexican food, it’s always good and there is always plenty for seconds.

Morning starts at 5:00 am with a knock on the door and fresh coffee brought to your room.  As soon as you make your way to the open air dining room the buffet style breakfast with cook to order omletts will be waiting for you.  We made short work of our breafast and were on the water before first light and ready to throw the first cast at our selected spot just as the glow from the sunrise was peeking over the mountains.  We fish until 11:00 am when it is time once again to eat (yes I gained weight on this trip)more home made food and maybe a margarita or two.  After a short siesta it is time to do it all over again.

In the 3 shorts days we fished my boat (myself and father in law Gary) caught close to 200 fish which included a couple of 7 pounders for the big fish and one of those was caught on top water!  While neither Gary or I caught the double digit fish this time there were several in our group that did and I should also mention that everyday there were multiple 8 pound and 9 pound fish caught.

We obviously had a great time and can not wait to return.  I have posted pictures of our trip that you can check out here http://blog.fishandhunttheworld.com/photo-album/?album=17 

If you would like information on this trip please give me a call Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email me greg@outdoor-connection.com

 Here is some information from the outfitter:

Welcome

All fishermen do some dreaming about the “big ones” now and then.  You’ve just taken the first step to making your own dreams comes true.  We’ve been doing that for fishermen for a long time here at Anglers Inn.  One of the reasons we can is because we’re smack in the middle of the most incredible fishing Mexico has to offer.  But that’s just one reason.  A second reasib, and it’s equally important, is we provide services that match the awesome angling opportunities.

You’d expect any business to toot its own flute.  We don’t have to do that.  There are others who do it for us.  You are probably already aware of what nationally and internationally known anglers who have visited Anglers Inn operations have had to say about the experience.  We’re talking about writers like Bassmaster’s Tim Tucker, top bass pros like Kevin Van Dam, and tackle industry leaders like Dave Pfeiffer, the top gun at Shimano.  If you ever have opportunity, ask internationally known writer and casting expert Stan Fagerstrom how he feels about Anglers Inn.  Or you might want to check with Bruce Holt, the chief executive officer for G.Loomis Rods.  Bruce caught four bass of more than 10-pounds the very first time he fished with us.

We’re willing to bet big bucks the experts we’ve named will tell you Anglers Inn is one of the best fishing operations they’ve ever seen.  And keep in mind that some of these guys have fished all over the world!  If you want a female opinion, check with Katie Watson, the award-winning business lady from Kellyville, Oklahoma.  And try this for size: Katie has

boated a couple dozen bass of more than 10-pounds in previous visits with us.  She’ll tell you one of the things she especially likes, besides the wondrous fishing, is the feeling of security she has while she’s here.

Regardless of where your travels take you, sooner or later things boil down to just people.  Ours are the best.  They take care of every need of each one of our visitors.  And that applies whether you’re fighting saltwater game fish like marlin, sailfish, snook, roosterfish or during the down time you have when you’ve come in from fishing for bass on famed El Salto Lake.

Again—you don’t have to take our word for it. Ask around.  Visit the top angling web sites.

Look at the fishing magazines. Watch television’s fishing shows.  Better yet, give us a call.  We can provide you with references from here to breakfast.  We welcome that opportunity and we urge you to check them out.  We say that in part because there’s another fact of which we’re extremely proud.  Darn few of the fishermen who come here, you see, come

only once.  Most want to come back and eventually do return.

They want to come back for the reasons we’ve just touched on—fishing thrills for anglers of all levels of expertise in a safe and secure environment, beautiful surroundings, excellent food and a hustling staff that’s second to none.

Famous Lake El Salto

There are many jewels in the Anglers Inn crown.  Certainly one of the brightest is famed Lake El Salto.  If you’ve fished enough to know a backlash from a barracuda, you know that plug pitchers from all over the globe say El Salto is the best bass lake the world has ever known.

Once again we don’t ask you to take our word for it.  Others have said or shown it for us. You may have already seen evidence of that on many of the nation’s TV fishing shows as well as in the top bass fishing publications.  Those television personalities and top writers will tell you the same things we’ve already mentioned—Anglers Inn provides service that matches the fantastic fishing to be found at this beautiful Mexican bass lake.

We were the first to introduce the world’s anglers to Lake El Salto.  As a matter of fact, the lake wouldn’t be producing the super action it does if we hadn’t worked with Mexican fish officials to introduce pure Florida strain bass when the lake was still in the process of forming. 

There’s no sweat involved in getting to El Salto.  All you need do is get to Mazatlan.  We’ll take it from there.  We’ll get your gear from the airport and into one of our modern vans. Less than two hours later you’ll be at beautiful El Salto Anglers Inn Lodge.  You’ll be enjoying your favorite beverage while darn near within casting distance of the best bass lake in the business and dreaming (there’s that word again!) about what you’re going to do to those monstrous bass out there in that lake tomorrow morning.  If one of our people isn’t right close to your elbow to take care of your every need, you can bet they won’t be much

farther away.

So what can you expect if you visit this bass fishing paradise?  It’s impossible to answer that question with short sentences and words of one syllable.  We don’t blow smoke in talking about El Salto Lake.  While we do control the services we provide, we don’t control the weather or the different levels of angling expertise our customers come with.  Common sense tells you both conditions will have a bearing on the number of fish caught.

We can tell you this: On a typical day our boats average from 30 to 80 bass caught.  It’s not unusual for these fish to have an average weight of 4-pounds, even heavier on occasion.  There was a time in the early days of its existence when El Salto was known as a Numbers” lake.  Anglers got a boat full of fish, but they were nearly all on the small side.  Recent years have witnessed a tremendous change.  El Salto now consistently kicks out more really big bass than any lake the world has ever known.

El Salto Lake has some things going for it you don’t always find where Mexican bass lakes are concerned.  Here you won’t find the drastic draw-downs that plague some of the others.  We’ve already mentioned the pure strain of Florida bass.  That’s something you don’t always find down here south of the border.  Because the lake is situated where it is—on the Tropic of Cancer—it doesn’t suffer from the drought common on certain of the other well known Mexican bass lakes.

There’s plenty of shoreline for the visiting angler to explore.  El Salto covers about 24,000 productive acres at full pool.  It is located at 600 foot elevation. The lake has always opened at full pool. There’s an abundance of cover from pads and shoreline vegetation to underwater timber—even a submerged graveyard.  All told you’ve got about 45 miles of shoreline to work with.  You’ll fish those shorelines out of comfortable Bass Tracker boats operated by experienced Mexican guides.  Many of our guides have been with us for years.  They know where the fish are and your best approach to getting a hook into them.  We

wish we had a couple of bucks for the countless times we’ve had successful anglers credit one or another of our guides for putting them onto the biggest bass they’ve ever put in the boat.

 Our season runs Oct. 1 through June 30.

Getting There

As we mentioned before, getting to the Anglers Inn Lodge at El Salto Lake poses no problems.  You get to Mazatlan and we’ll take it from there.  Lake El Salto is located in the state of Sinaloa about 1 ½ hours from the picturesque port of Mazatlan and about 800 miles from U.S. Border at Nogales, AZ.

Mazatlan is the main gateway city for commercial flights and private planes: You’ll be met at Mazatlan’s International Airport by members of the Anglers Inn staff.  We’ll see that your luggage gets to the Anglers Inn Lodge when you do.  There will be a tray full of our special  Margaritas waiting when you do!

Our repeat customers, and there’s a raft of them, already know what to expect.  They’ve come to anticipate the warm greeting they know they’ll get from the capable members of our friendly staff.  And that reminds us that we want to mention one more time how easy it is to verify everything you’ve just read—just ask someone who has been here!

Buena suerte, Amigo!  We’ll be looking for you.

AIRLINES SERVING MAZATLAN

Continental Airlines  

(800) 900-5000  direct flight from Houston to Mazatlan

America West           

(800) 235-9292  direct flight from Phoenix to Mazatlan

Alaska Airlines          

(800) 426-0333 Flights: San Francisco – Mazatlan, Seattle – Mazatlan,   Los Angeles – Mazatlan

Aero California 

(800) 237-6639  Flight:  Los Angeles – Mazatlan.

Mexicana                    

(800) 531-7921 Flights:  Denver – Mazatlan, Los Angeles -      Mazatlan, Miami – Mexico – Mazatlan

Aero Mexico Airlines 

(800) 021-4000 Flights: Juarez-Mazatlan. (Fly into El Paso, Texas, cross over by car), Las Vegas -

Hermosillo-Mazatlan, Miami-Mexico-Mazatlan.

Light Tackle

If action and variety is your game, you will want to combine a bass trip with one of our fun-filled light-tackle saltwater outings.  The inshore and near shore waters north of Mazatlan are enjoying a growing reputation as the place to wrangle with a dozen or more different species of desirable salt-water gamefish. 

The salty stretch between Lake El Salto and the resort city of Mazatlan is home of some of the finest light-tackle saltwater fishing in Mexico. 

Main game fish:  Dorado, sporty corvine, fierce fighting rooster fish, snook, yellow tail, snapper, amberjack, grouper, seabass, sierra and many more!

Frequently Asked Bass Questions

1. Q.                When is the absolute best time to experience Lake El Salto’s superb top-water fishing?
2. A.                 October through December produce the best sheer numbers of fish on top.
3. When does the pre-spawn fall on the lake?
4. A.             It usually occurs somewhere on the lake between December 15^th and February 15^th.
   1. When can I expect to enjoy spawning-bass action?
   2. A.                 From February 15^th until the end of March, normally.
   3. Give me some idea of the best time to fish for those big post-spawn females in El Salto?
   4. A.                 I would suggest the month of April when the topwater action is excellent.
   5. When is the absolute best month to catch trophy bass on the lake?

A.         Every month is a possibility, but May is exceptional if you like fishing plastic.

What you need to know at Anglers Inn!

TYPICAL BASS FISHING TRIP

Day #1:  Arrive in Mazatlan by air – You’ll be met at the airport by Anglers Inn staff who will see that your luggage is placed in your ground transportation vehicle – proceed to Anglers Inn Lakeside Lodge at Lake El Salto where you will be greeted by the Anglers Inn staff and a tray of the specail margaritas.  Dinner consists of everything from steaks and jumbo shrimp, to meals with a Mexican flare.  Anglers Inn has an open bar policy on all packages.

Day #2:  You will be awakened by our staff half hour prior to breakfast with a tray of coffee or juice.  Please leave tackle outside of room so we can transport it to your boat.  American style buffet for breakfast and then you’ll be on the water before sunup ready to go fishing.  After the morning fishing session you’ll return to the lodge for a hot lunch and a short siesta.  Back to you boat and fish until dark.  Return to the lodge to be met by Anglers Inn staff and their tray of goodies, followed by dinner.

Day #3:  More of the same depending on days of activities.

Day #4:  Same

Day #5:  After a leisurely breakfast, depart for Mazatlan or directly to airport.

Breakfast: 5:30 am

Lunch: 11:30 am

Dinner: 8:00 pm

Fishing from when to when: 6-11am and 2-7pm

Also, is lunch on the boats or back at the lodge. Lunch is served at the lodge. All boats come back in for lunch, then most people take a siesta and go back out in the afternoon.

• Water and Ice:  Purified ice and bottled water is provided in boats and all lodge facilities.  DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen is a must, keep it on at all times when outdoors as from time to time we have a little fellow called a “No-Sec-Um!”  Keep door shut to prevent bugs from entering your room. 
• Laundry service is included in package and will be done daily if desired.
• Fishing license:  Provided at the lodge and included in all the packages.
• Suggested Tipping guidelines (paid at departure):  Our guides and lodge staff at Anglers Inn are very experienced, helpful, and believe that customer satisfaction always comes first.  If a client would like to give a gratuity, you can tip your guide directly at the end of you last fishing session, staff tip will be collected upon departure.  Average tip for guide per person per day is $20 to $25.  Average tip for staff per person per day is $15 to $25. 
• Phone:  We have a cell phone in the tackle shop.  Ask management for assistance.
• Taxidermy service for your trophy bass available upon request.  Ask management.
• Pro Shop open during meals.  Your Pro Shop bill will be settled at the end of your trip.  There is a fishing report posted in the tackle shop where you can check the HOT LURES.

Checklist:

• Rods and Case
• Airline Ticket
• Light Clothing
• Camera and Film
• Reels (3)
• Sunglasses
• Fishing Hat
• Tackle Box
• Proof of Citizenship
• Insect Repellent
• Sunscreen

 If you would like information on this trip please give me a call Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email me greg@outdoor-connection.com

17 For 17 During 2009 Rifle Season!

This is one of my all time favorite outfitters, just for the simple fact that they do everything an outfitter should do for their client.  From the moment you arrive to the comfortable lodge you are greeted with a smile and a firm handshake.  After being shown to your sleeping quarters you are given time to get your weapon of choice sighted in and gear situated.  There will be a brief  orientation where Jim and Scott will assign your guides and find out what species you would prefer to hunt.  With time permitting your guide will give you a truck tour of some of the hunting grounds so you can get a feel for the terrain, on our brief 45 minute tour we saw over 50 deer, including several shooter bucks!

With over 100,000 acres owned and leased you can hunt all week and never see the same spot twice, but even with this much property you get the comfortable feeling that it has all been scouted very well both by guides and trail cameras.

I just returned from the 2009 opening rifle season with a group of my clients where they went 8 for 8! ( I should also mention that I recently spoke with Jim and his second group went 9 for 9 on the second week) I was fortunate enough to capture some of it on film and hope to have it edited and posted for you very soon.  My group was obviously very happy with their results, here are some of their comments below.

If you are looking for an awesome hunt with an outfitter that will do everything with in their power to make your hunt successful then you need to check out Jim and Scott’s outfit.  I will be happy to answer any questions.  You can reach me at 918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com

Greg,

The overall hunt was better than expected.  Scott and Jim go out of their way to accommodate each hunter’s style of hunting.  Weather it be hunting the open terrain hill country for big muleys or the river bottom land for big whitetails.  Also, the food and hospitality was top notch back at camp.

Thanks,

Mike Owen.

Greg,

This was my first time to ever go deer hunting and thanks to Greg I shot my first deer. 10 pointer to say no less. Had an a great time and everyone at Nebraska Trophy Bucks and Birds were awesome! Look forward to going back again.

Mark Worley

Greg,
I want to send a personal Thank You to you and the staff at Nebraska Trophy Bucks & Birds. I couldnt have asked for a more fun,enjoyable and successful hunt. The deer, staff,food and accommodations was more than a hunter should expect.
The first day of hunting I saw approximately 35 deer with about half of them being bucks. We will definitely be going back.

Thanks Again,
Anthony Reiss

Jim Kuhn and Scott Fink both  had owned and managed successful outfitting businesses, before joining their talents together to form Nebraska Trophy Bucks ‘n Birds in 2007.. Jim managed operations in Nebraska’s Sandhills in two different locations, while Scott managed his own in the general area where Nebraska Trophy Bucks ‘n Birds now operates.

Both Kuhn and Fink grew up in rural Nebraska where hunting was part of the lifestyle. Fink still lives on the family ranch, which is part of the hunting area available to the business’s customers. The guides and cooks working for Nebraska Trophy Bucks ‘n Birds are almost exclusively local people who know the land well.

Whether it is for trophy mule or whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, Merriam turkeys, grouse, pheasant or buffalo, when you hunt with Scott and Jim, you’re hunting with local guys who know how to be successful hunters in Nebraska.

Nebraska Trophy Bucks n Birds

Information Packet

About Us

Nebraska Trophy Bucks n Birds specialize in high quality hunts for both big game and birds in Nebraska’s Sandhills.  They offer big game hunting for mule deer and whitetail deer, as well as antelope.  You can choose rifle, archery or muzzleloader hunting for deer and archery for antelope.

Their bird hunting adventures include pheasant, grouse and turkey hunting.  They also guide for coyotes and prairie dogs, if you are into predator or varmint hunting.

Deer

They are fortunate to have a mix of trophy whitetails and trophy mule deer.  They lease some of the best private ranches to provide each hunter with the best opportunity to harvest the deer of your dreams.

The wide Goose Creek Valley is excellent whitetail habitat for growing whitetail bucks.  The valley is made up of open hay meadows, wood lots and shelter belts; this mixture of woods and meadows makes the perfect whitetail habitat.

On each side of the valley is the Nebraska Sandhills, the place trophy mule deer call home.  They glass the open hills in the morning and search the cedar filled canyons for bedding mule deer in the afternoons.  Their evening hunts take place on alfalfa pivots or other food plots; this is a great chance to harvest your big mule deer buck.

Hunts include meals, lodging, guiding and transportation during the hunt.

Antelope

The antelope on their leased land are not hunted with rifles, there is no rifle season in their area and the antelope bucks grow to be very mature.  If you’re a bow hunter and you want a trophy antelope, we have the bucks for you!

Hunts include meals, lodging, guiding and transportation during the hunt.

Turkey

They have some of the best Merriam turkey hunts available!  They have a large turkey population and they have been virtually un-hunted for many years.  This is your chance to bag a big tom.

Hunts include meals, lodging, guiding and transportation during the hunt.

Upland Bird

If you want to hunt wild birds, they are the place for you.  Their swamp bottoms and fields are a super habitat for our wild pheasant and grouse.  If you want to bring your own dog for a couple of days, please give them a call.

Hunts include meals, lodging, guiding and transportation during the hunt.

Start the morning off hunting pheasants, head back to the lodge for some food and trap shooting, then spend the afternoon and evening hunting wild grouse/prairie chickens.  Three pheasant limit (pen raised birds) and three grouse/prairie chicken (wild birds) per day.

Prairie Dogs

Experience the thrill of Western United State varmint hunting!  Prairie dogs offer plentiful targets, so bring plenty of ammo.  They offer prairie dog hunts from March to August.  Hunts do not include lodging.  Expect to shoot 150-250 rounds per day.

FAQ

Q: What caliber rifle should we bring?

A: Anything over a .243 but most importantly, the one you can shoot the best with.

Q: What type of hunting will I be doing?

A: We use a variety of hunting techniques, we have tree stands, ground blinds and we also do lots of spot and stalk hunts. We can basically cater your hunt to the type of hunting you want to do. If you like sitting, we’ll put you in a tree or ground blind near the hot spots. If you enjoy getting after the deer in the hills, we’ll send you out on some spot and stalk missions.

Q: What type of food and lodging is provided?

A: We provide comfortable lodging with soft beds, satellite TV and 3 home cooked meals per day. You won’t leave without having to loosen your belt a notch or two.

Q: What if I come to hunt a mule deer but see a nice whitetail, is my permit good for that?

A: Your permit is good for either species of deer.

Q: Are tags guaranteed and what is the cost?

A: Tags for non-resident hunters are offered after the resident hunters application period is over. You can then go online and buy your permit and print it out on your home printer. The tag cost was $209.00 in 2009 and you will also need a $13 habitat stamp which can be purchased with your tag online. www.outdoornebraska.org

Hosted Trip Set For February 2010!

You’ve heard about it from your friends or you may have seen it on TV, now it’s your turn.  We are hosting a Peacock Bass Fishing trip on the Rio Negro aboard the Amazon QueenII

I hope you can join us.  Please take the time to read the details below and you will see that this is truely a trip of a lifetime.  For more details give me  a call Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email

greg@outdoor-connection.com

Here are a few of the highlights about the Amazon Queen and the trip itself. 

• Maximum guest 20 with a crew of 34
• Yacht 3 story 103 foot
• Cabins with 7 foot ceiling and private bath
• Double occupancy per room
• 6 days of fishing 7am to 5pm
• Fiberglass 17 foot Nitro Bass boats
• Traditional anglers are provided with Falcon rods and Shimano Reels
• Fly anglers bring their own equipment
• Trip is Friday to Sunday
• Fly out of Atlanta or Miami to Manous charter flight to Barcelos 1 hour included in cost Water taxi to yacht
• If high water use back up dates.  Outfitter will advise ahead of time.
• Price is $5450 (not including flight to Manous, right now flights are around $1200)

 The rate is a $500 discount for our group. 

We will be cruising in luxury and in fresh water everyday.

Boarding the elegant Amazon Queen II, guests enter a floating 103-foot luxury hotel. Inside, they’ll discover air-conditioned staterooms with 7-foot ceilings, wide bunks and private baths, a grand dining room, comfortable bar and a well-stocked gift shop. On her top deck awaits a spacious observation lounge, perfect for relaxing and swapping fishing stories while the spectacular Amazon rain forest glides by. 

Featuring state-of-the-art power, navigation and communications, the Amazon Queen II is the perfect home base for a once-in-a-lifetime fishing adventure. Guests depart each morning in Nitro bass boats with their partner and an experienced native guide. After a day of the most exhilarating fresh water fishing on the planet, they return under fiery sunsets for dinner, camaraderie, a nightcap and good night’s sleep.  Since her maiden voyage in 2004, the Amazon Queen II has set a new standard of luxury and adventure for 20 guests served by a crew of 33.

Peacock Bass

Speckled Peacock Bass

Fishing Tactics

Below, we’ve included a few tactics for catching trophy peacock bass. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Our guides and staff are experts and know boatloads of tricks that’ll make your outings very successful. In the meantime, take a look.

Work Top to Bottom

When fishing peacock bass it’s best to try a topwater approach first. Use bigger lures like topwater plugs and be ready for multiple casts. It sets them off because they think it’s an interloper.

For smaller surface baits, try propeller plugs, poppers or walking spook baits. Only after working this method for a while should you switch to subsurface tactics, using jerkbaits (like Peacock Minnow, Crystal Minnow or Red Fin) and buck-tail jig rigs.

Remember-work top to bottom. Keep this basic tactic in mind and you’ll significantly improve your odds of catching trophy tucunare.

Aggressive and Nosey

Peacock bass move to strike when they see other tucunare feeding on baitfish or trying to shake off lures. To take advantage of this aggressive behavior, cast quickly and accurately to the area where the fish are feeding.

Fish as a team. It’ll help you take advantage of peacock’s that get riled up when other fish fight lures. When your partner hooks one, be ready for double hookup opportunities. Do a short sub-surface cast to catch one of the peacocks aroused by all the activity.

Don’t Stop

Peacock bass often hit surface bait hard, causing explosions that can leave you stunned. Don’t just stand there, though. Work the bait in a rapid retrieve across the surface. This’ll keep the peacock interested. If it’s interested enough to give you several surface strikes, but can’t seem to get a hold of the bait, grab a jerkbait or bucktail jig-rigged rod and cast to the last place you saw the monster. Work the area for at least five minutes trying different baits. Tucunare are persistent; you should be, too.

Change the Menu

Experiment with bait. Most of our anglers have trophy level success with big topwater plugs. If these draw strikes but no hookups, move down to a smaller propeller plug, popper or walking spook baits. If the surface approach just isn’t working, go under with a jerkbait.

Trolling

Try slow trolling along banks and through deeper lagoons with your bait dragging about 25-40 yards behind the boat. Make sure to rip the lure forward every few seconds.

Keep Moving

Don’t spend too much time in water without hits. Peacock aren’t shy. If nothing’s biting, nothing’s there. So try about 50 casts in the same area. If this activity doesn’t attract tucunare to you (especially big ones that get sick of all the noise), move on.

Pattern Tactics and Terrain

Lagoons can isolate thousands of fish. Cast to visible shoreline cover and the deeper waters at the center. Fish a lagoon thoroughly for 45 minutes. If there are no strikes, baitfish or activity, move on. Rocks of all sizes-especially boulders- concentrate butterfly and royal peacock bass. At rock structure, try up to a dozen casts with a topwater plug for big
peacocks. Then, try a jerkbait and fan cast the area. In running water, hit eddy pockets with a white 1Ž2-ounce bucktail jig-make it hop sharply. Rapid vertical presentation is essential, so use spinning gear wheneveryou can.

At sandbars, begin with big topwater baits before trying the subsurface approach. Peacocks like the deep-water drop-offs at lagoon mouths, sandbars, rocky shoals and pockets
at tributaries, so target them. Try crisscrossing the surface first. Focus on rocks, submerged timber, brush or other isolated cover. When on the Rio Negro, cast upstream, retrieving with the current across the point. Make sure to hit the calmer water on the points’ down-current side, as well as the points themselves.

When working timber, the hotspots are trees three to 10 feet off the bank, submerged two to six feet deep. Cast to the bank and retrieve as close to the trees.

Remember, your guide will know how to put you on some of the best spots!

Fishing Equipment

Here is one of my favorite parts.  Unless you are flyfishing you do not even have to bring your own gear!  They provide Falcon Rods with Shimano reels, that is as good as it gets!

Fishing equipment is furnished at no additional cost as a service to our anglers. We furnish three quality rods and bait casting reels (Shimano and Curado), 80-lb. Spectra line and all the lures that are needed for the week’s fishing. Still, you may bring your favorite gear and lures if you wish. This aggressive jungle species is well suited to fly-fishing, leaving many fly-fishing world records to be set. An 8/9 or 9/10 weight fly rod is recommended. Reels should have a good drag, hold at least 150 yards of backing and be spooled with weight forward bass taper floating and intermediate sinking lines. For leader: we suggest 6-8 feet of 17-25-lb. monofilament.

Spinning or Bait Casting Tackle We use medium to medium-heavy largemouth bass tackle. For rods we suggest six to seven-foot bait casting rods rated for 25-30 lb. line. Due to the strength of the fish and the abundance of structure, we strongly suggest Spectra 80-lb. test braided Kevlar lines (really, these fish snap Spectra 50-lb. with ease); for monofilament, the “Magnum” 14/40-lb. line (14 lb. diameter), with standard reels of at least 100-yard capacity. While fishing for peacock bass, there is no need for steel leaders, in fact, they can be a disadvantage since they take some action out of the lure. Note: Always inspect your line after a strike and after fighting a fish.

I hope this information has helped and that you are as excited about this opportunity as I am.  For more details on this hosted trip please give me a call Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email

greg@outdoor-connection.com

One Hunt Two Tags

Caribou season is almost here and last years hunt is still fresh in  my mind; that’s why I featured this outfitter for the month of August.  For more details or questions call Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com

Quebec Caribou – Two for the Price of One
If you enjoy hunting big game then the opportunity to hunt caribou in Quebec is a must stop on your tour. This is the
place where they hand you two tags when you book your hunt. No trophy fees or extra cost for the second animal, just
a two animal hunt for the price of one. What makes this so appealing? Well, for a guy like me who likes to pack the
freezer with meat, there is the obvious advantage. On top of that, we all head out on each hunt with the thought of
the Boone and Crockett trophy that we will be bringing back to town. Some where between that thought and the
thought of going home empty handed, comes the reality of sitting in our stand/blind or stalking up on an animal that is respectable but, will not put our name in any book. On a one animal hunt you are forced to decide – fill my tag and the
freezer or wait on the big boy that may or may not even be in the area. Here, you feel great in this situation in that you are filling a tag, putting some meat in the freezer and by afternoon will be back out looking for the Booner.
Our hunt started with a flight to Montreal and an overnight stay at the Hilton. That evening, our outfitter met with us and all other hunters heading into his camps. This was the perfect time to ask questions and get a general feel for what to expect the next week. After the meeting we ate dinner and headed to bed as our morning would be early.
The next morning we boarded a Calm Air flight bound for Kuujjuaq. The flight would take two hours. Once we landed
we boarded another for a short forty minute flight to our camp.

We met four other hunters who were on the last day of their hunt at our camp. They had all tagged out except for one
guy was was still holding out for the Booner – again a great feeling on a two tag hunt. Our bags were unloaded in our
quonset where we would call home for the next six days. Elvis, the head guide at our camp met and showed us around
the camp. A fully operational bathroom with hot shower was definitely a plus. The cook house was full of snacks and fresh baked cookies – this place was only getting better. Over the next five days our group would harvest nine caribou – one shy of our limit. Our hunting days consisted of everything from three mile hikes to pulling up on to shore and getting behind the nearest rock. Days ranged from 60 degrees and sunny, to 20 degrees and snow. On day three of the hunt, we literally lived through all four seasons every two hours. We watched in amazement as weather system after weather system moved through. This is a hunt you definitely want to wear layers. The migration was not strong through our camp. Our total caribou sightings was in the ballpark of 300 over the five hunting days. However, the caribou that did come through were very respectable bulls and each of us came home happy.

If you have not tried a caribou hunt yet, you need to. They are fun, exciting and hard work all at the same time. There is no telling how long the two tag hunts will be available, in fact the NWT dropped most of theirs to one this year. Caribou numbers in Quebec have been stable, but don’t wait too long. You will love this hunt.  One thing for sure I’m going back.

More Details About the Outfitter…

Our History

For over 24 years we have provided caribou hunters with the best access to North America’s most substantial caribou herds: the Leaf River and the George River herds. The Leaf River herd, with a population in excess of 550,000 and 450,000 for the George River herd, offer big game hunters a once-in-a-lifetime caribou hunting experience.

Seasoned hunters from around the world have sought after this majestic trophy. Few have afforded themselves the luxury of visiting Canada’s northern frontier to experience the joy of hunting this great migratory beast first-hand

The Team

In 2006, our hunters had again more than 50 potential record book entries during the course of this season of this season making it one of the best of our 25 year history.
For the 10th year in a row our hunters harvested 1.9 bulls per hunter.

However, due to weather conditions making movement impossible for some weeks. I am pleased to advise you that for the first time since we introduced the guarantee we will take hunters back for free next year. Unfortunately 6 of our guests were not given the opportunity to harvest anything during their stay; 3 of them being archers in August (which is a guaranteed hunt) and 3 rifle hunters in September.

This shows you how well our unique system really works. As you know when you book a hunt with us we do assign you a camp; we select your camp only the night before your departure to Kuujjuaq following Johnny’s advice, making sure I put you on the game.

This year we ran 11 sites at any given time.  We decided to move 20% of the hunters to a more productive site in order for them to complete their hunt; those that I couldn’t help due to the weather, are simply coming back for free.

Lodging

With over 32 well located camp sites throughout our hunting territory, we monitor the migration year after year. Only nine to twelve of our camp sites are in use at any given time. In this way we can offer hunters greater mobility and a wider selection of camps than any other outfitter in the region.

To make sure we send you to a place where there are caribou, we only assign you to a camp on the morning you arrive in Kuujjuaq. This is how we can back our hunts with the best guarantee in the industry. We’re not selling you a stay in camp – we sell you the ultimate hunting trip.

Experienced Guides

Guests are guided in their hunt by fully trained, experienced professionals. With a policy of 1 guide for every 3 hunters, our guides insure a pleasurable and successful hunting experience. Guides have worked with Safari Nordik for an average of 15 years.

The Game

Tourism Quebec, has included us among the Best Caribou product in the industry.

Why hunt with us?

• Number One success ratio in the industry (1.9 caribou per hunter) for the past 10 years.
• Best satisfaction rate in the industry.
• Success story year after year.
• Boone & Crockett and Pope & Young record racks every year.
• More than 32 sites to keep up with the herd.
• Six sites north of the Leaf River.
• The biggest hunting territory in Nunavik.
• More than 15,000 square miles of prime hunting grounds.
• No hidden costs.
• We only assign camps when you arrive in Kuujjuaq in order to select the best possible camp site for your hunt.
• Fair chase and ethical hunting.
• A Twin Otter plane with Instrument Flying Rules to get you to most camp sites.
• The Leaf River herd has a population in excess of 550,000 caribou.
• In business for over 24 years.
• Great accommodations.
• The same guide team with an average of 15 years of experience.
• One guide for every three hunters.
• Inuit partners.
• Member in good standing of: North American Hunting Club, Foundation for North American Wild Sheep, Boone & Crockett Club, Pope & Young, Rocky Mountain ELK Foundation, Safari Club International, QUEBEC Federation of Outfitters and Tourism Quebec.
• Best guaranteed hunt of the industry.

Itinerary

STEP 1: Get to Montreal

Packages either begin in Montreal or at any International Airport in the Continental USA.  Parking in a secure area is included in the package. If you fly, you can catch a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel.

The forms you’ll need to get the weapons across the border will be sent to you or you can also download it from the web: http://www.cfc-ccaf.gc.ca Your Outdoor Connection agent will work with you on this.

STEP 2: Hotel accommodation

Your first night will be spent in Montreal. We always use a first class accommodation to insure your first night is relaxing and enjoyable.

Say goodbye to civilization! The next morning you’ll head for your adventure in the tundra.

STEP 3: Flight to Kuujjuaq

From Montreal to Kuujjuaq, air transportation is provided by First Air, a Commercial airline service, offering regularly scheduled flights aboard a Boeing 737 on a two hour flight. The only way to get to Kuujjuaq is by air or sea.

STEP 4: Arrived at Kuujjuaq

From the air, you will see the rugged terrain of the tundra.  It will give you an idea of what lies ahead. Once in Kuujjuaq, you will be met by members of our team who will direct you to your next flight.

STEP 5: Flight to the Hunting Camp

Your flight to camp will take between 45 to 55 minutes either on a float plane or a Twin Otter.  Since most of our camps have landing strips, the probable choice will be on Air Inuits Twin Otters.

We decide on your destination camp only at the last minute to counter surprise moves from the migration.  That is how we have achieved the highest success rate of the industry.  Any outfitter boasting a 90% success rate on 2 bulls should have no problem offering you some type of  guarantee…

STEP 6: Arrival to camp

Finally…. The Hunting Camp.

Here we are! Your home for the next few days.  Not many outfitters have the level of equipment and organization in its camp. Most members of our team have been working with us for more than 10 years. What better testimony for a hunter than a team that works together to insure the success of your hunt.

One you’ve settled in, you will meet the camp manager, the guides and the cook. Once that is done, you will be ready for the hunt.

STEP 7: The Hunt

Trust your guide and camp manager! Take the time to talk to them! Tell them your expectations. Once you have covered the basics, you are ready to head out to the tundra. If this is your first time, trust the guide; he is there to help you enjoy your trip.

For those who have been to Alaska, relax, you can hunt small game, black bear or fish at no extra costs except for the necessary license.

STEP 8: Your game

The Leaf River Herd is now the largest caribou herd in the world! Hunting caribou is far different than hunting other big game animals.  The fact it migrates all the time can make this either an easy hunt or a tough one!  But it is a quite a hunt! You will enjoy every minute of it!

STEP 9: Back to Montreal
When back at the Montreal airport, recover your luggage and head for the hotel shuttle. Our personnel are already at hand to recover the caribou meat, antlers and capes from the cargo area.  Everything is brought back to the hotel where a refer unit provides the necessary cooling to protect the harvest of your hunt.

STEP 10: Heading home

Whether you’re flying or driving, leaving the same night or the day after, we will be there to make sure you get your game and trophies at the time you choose!

If you are flying, we will re-wrap your game to meet the airline’s requirements to insure a non-hassle check-in and return flight.

Caribou Guaranteed Hunt
In 2003, we proudly introduced the first fully guaranteed hunt in the caribou outfitting industry. As shown on the success ratio table, the our logistics’ team had no changes to make in their methods in order to guarantee the harvest of at least 1 adult bull caribou since our ratio table is the genuine portrait of each of our hunting seasons.

All these years of success were achieved without resulting to unacceptable tactics such as hunting from planes or helicopters and have always respected the fair chase principle. Every caribou was harvested sportingly in one of our camps while respecting the ethics by which we and hunters live by. We don’t sell you a camp; we sell you a caribou hunt. We assign camps to hunters according to how the migration is happening on the day you arrive in Kuujjuaq. Our many hunting sites spread over 250 miles from east to west and 125 miles from south to north cover approximately 15,000 square miles. In using this method, we have had to move less than 3% of our hunters.

Why do we guarantee our hunts?
Because WE can back up our harvest statistics!

As most hunters know, caribou outfitters in Quebec, like most outfitters, run very good operations of which they can be proud. On the other hand, there are a few that pretend they’ve had a success ratio of 95% or more over many years, even though this is COMPLETELY FALSE! Instead of pointing fingers at who may or may not be lying, we decided to back our advertised success rate with the best written guarantee on the market! Again, what did we change in our package in order to be able to guarantee our hunts? The answer is simple: NOTHING! It is still the same good hunt with the same method of fair chase. All this in the best caribou hunting grounds in North America and with an incredible group of dedicated guides and staff who have been with us for an average of 15 years! With us, whatever camp you are in, you should be able to harvest 2 mature bull caribou sportingly, making that trip of a lifetime a hunt to remember!

Our great success is largely due to our 24 year knowledge in organizing caribou hunts, but especially to the experience and knowledge of Johnny May. Johnny has been our partner since the beginning. He lives in Kuujjuaq year around. Johnny has spent all of his life in the tundra. He is among the world’s best bush pilot’s of his era with over 33,000 hours of flying over that magnificent country, watching and studying caribou behavior.

Following Johnny’s advice, I am able to select which one of our 36 possible camp locations I must open to put you on the migration to insure a successful hunt. At any given time we keep 8 to 12 camps running, deciding on your final destination only when you arrive. With our unique system, all of our hunters are able to harvest two mature bulls respecting fair chase! This is why we have decided to upgrade our guarantee to 2 MATURE BULLS!

So Come on and join us and witness first hand our first class hunt!

We’re waiting for you in Kuujjuaq!

The first thing I want to say about traveling to Belize is for an international destination it is very easy to get to, with no overnight stay required in a major city before you arrive at the lodge.  Deb and I left Tulsa connected through Dallas then straight to Belize City.  From there we caught a puddle jumper on Tropic Air for the 20 minute flight to San Pedro.  Daniel from the lodge was waiting for us, took our luggage to our water taxi and 7 minutes later we were at the pier in front of the lodge, where we were greeted by Deni and Bob. 

For those who have never been to Belize, the scenery is what you see on post cards, absolutely gorgeous.  The average water depth from the main island to Ambergris Caye is only 8 feet, it is crystal clear and because of the reef it is very calm.

Belize is known for flats fishing on the fly, especially at this lodge, but they offer so much more.  Neither Deb or I are experienced at fly fishing, so we opted for spin fishing on the reef the first day.  After breakfast, we started the day by meeting our guide Gilberto at the pier, after introductions were made we were off to catch our bait (sardines).  With just a couple of tosses of the casting net Gilberto had a livewell  full of sardines and we were off to the reef.  It didn’t take long before Deb and I had the hang of it and we were bringing in the Red Snapper.  They weren’t huge but put up a good fight on the light gear we were using and they were just right for the frying pan.  We kept what we caught and then just before noon headed to a secluded beach where Gilberto prepared one of the best shore lunches I have ever had.  He cooked our morning catch over an open fire along with fresh vegetables, plantains and local seasonings.  We washed it all down with several Belizean beers.  What a great day!

I could have fished every day, but since I was on my anniversary I had Deb plan a few days of activities as well.  I thought since we were on an island I was somewhat safe, no malls.  But Deb did find where to shop in San Pedro, only a 20 minute bike ride along the beach from the lodge.  They even supply the bikes free of charge.  We spent the day checking out local vendors and then stopped for lunch at Caramba’s for the best seafood ceviche I have ever had.

Another choice we both mad with the help of Deni, the lodge’s customer service manager, was to check out the Manyan ruins.  We took the water taxi into town, boarded our own private plane (a Cesna 150),took a 25 minute flight to Orange Walk, and landed on a strip right in the middle of a cane field.  Our tour guide, Nate, was waiting with our van when we landed.  A short 5 minute ride took us to our boat, for the 1 ½ hours ride up the New River to Laminai.  Along the way Nate pointed out many different species of plants birds and animals.  Nate wasted no time in starting the Mayan ruins tour once we docked our boat.  During the 2 hour tour we saw four temples with numerous artifacts.  Deb and I climbed to the top of the High Temple, to enjoy a spectacular view of the jungle.  Coming down was tricky, those things are steep.

During our 6 day stay we took a couple of days to do absolutely nothing, except lay around the pool, eat, nap in the hammock right next to the water, eat, take a stroll up the beach, and eat some more.

On our last day we had to try our luck with the bonefish and our guide “Kachu” did not disappoint.  He put Deb and I on our very first bonefish ever.  We also were on the lookout for permit, snook, tarpon and Jack Crevalle.  On the last 15 minutes of our day I was fortunate enough to hook up a 20 pound Jack that all but spooled me.  I guarantee I did not have more than 30 feet of line left before the Jack stopped his initial blistering run.  Fifteen minutes later I was posing for my hero shot with my catch of the day and one awesome guide, his name suits him well.

There is way more to do at this lodge than I have mentioned.  You could spend two weekshere and still not do everything.  Belize is a world class diving and snorkeling destination.  If you can work it into your schedule I highly recommend it.

In addition to all of our activities, during our stay we experienced unbelievable food and enjoyed a private villa right on the beach complete with a hammock on our balcony to enjoy the ocean breeze.  What really makes this lodge memorable is the staff.  Deborah and I never wanted for anything.  It wan’t very often we had to ask for something, but if we did it was taken care of right away.  The entire staff from the chef  to our fishing guides, was very friendly and accommodating.  We can’t wait to go back with our family so we can share the experience with them next time!

More Details About El Pescador

El Pescador’s beachfront lodge and villas are situated on 40 private acres with ambiance, specializing in fishing, diving and eco-adventures. We are family-owned and operated with emphasis on creating camaraderie and an authentic Belizean experience. El Pescador is proud of our philosophy to protect and nurture friendship, adventure and the environment.

El Pescador has long been known as a world-class fishing destination offering outstanding flats fishing for bonefish, tarpon and permit.  El Pescador has been the only resort on Ambergris Caye specializing in saltwater flats fishing since 1975. Since coming under new ownership in 1997, the resort has established itself as an eco-friendly tropical getaway, including a recent commitment to offset all carbon emissions generated by its guests flying to Belize. Donations are made on behalf of guests to a local Belizean non-profit organization, Green Reef Environmental Educational and Coastal Research Institute, to offset the carbon emissions used to travel to Belize.  El Pescador was also among the key organizations to implement the new Law protecting bonefish, tarpon and permit as catch and release species.  This is the most all encompassing legislation of its kind worldwide. It is great news for Belizeans, anglers, tourists and conservationists alike.

Forbes Traveler has named El Pescador resort as one of the Top 10 luxury Eco-Resorts in the world.

El Pescador is a serene and gracious establishment on the doorstep of the world’s largest living Barrier Reef.  El Pescador offers accommodations in guest rooms within its colonial style, mahogany main lodge, as well as in 1, 2, and 3 bedroom luxury beachfront villas.  The villas are perfect accommodations for couples seeking romance and privacy, and for families and small groups traveling together.  All rooms and villas are beachfront and have unobstructed views of the Caribbean blue waters.

In addition to fishing, this first-rate resort offers all the eco-adventures which take full advantage of Belize’s exotic flora and fauna. Scuba diving, snorkeling, manatee watching, cave-tubing and zip-lining, and Maya archaeological explorations are just a small assortment of the activities available while staying at El Pescador. 

• Forbes Traveler named El Pescador resort as one of the Top 10 luxury Eco-Resorts in the world.
• Only Belize hotel with carbon emissions program to off set guests’ flight footprint.
• Bonefish, permit and tarpon protected as catch and release species.
• Family owned and operated
• Accommodations include standard rooms as well as 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas
• All rooms and villas are beachfront with unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea and Barrier Reef
• Complimentary use of gym, kayaks, canoes, bikes and Wi-Fi internet
• Full restaurant and bar plus on-site massage room, gift & fly shop and Dive Shop
• Specializing in light tackle salt water flats fishing for tarpon, bonefish and permit
• On-site PADI instructor and dive master focusing on small, intimate customized dives. Max 7 divers.
• On site fishing host – offering complimentary casting lessons
• On-site guest services manager / concierge
• Family friendly
• 3 pools
• Docks on both the ocean side as well as the lagoon side (for kayaking, birding and fishing)
• Nightly rates as well as customized package rates available.
• Perfect for anglers, divers and their families  Anyone wishing to enjoy an authentic Belizean experience

I highly recommend El Pescador to anyone that is looking for that paradise setting.

For more information call Greg Ray 918 407 2586 or email greg@outdoor-connection.com