02 Apr 2023
Martin and his team are first class. The friendliness, customer service, and professionalism are the best I have experienced on an all-inclusive guided fishing trip... and I've been on quite a few. We did a three night/four day camping trip and then two day trips (staying at a beautiful perfect waterfront hotel). The 'camping' was glamping - large tents, cots and air mattresses, etc. And it was all set up and waiting for us after a long day of fishing. After hors d'oeuvres and plentiful adult beverages, the in-camp chef provided amazing meals. And Argentinian wine was always on the table. In the morning, we were treated to a full hot breakfast before heading back onto the river... the crew took care of packing up everything and leap frogged us during the day to set up the next glamping site. Oh, and the lunches on the river were almost as good as in camp - table cloths, wine, etc.
I would give the fishing maybe 3.5 stars... BUT, we were late in the season and it was our first time ever chunking big streamers all day long for trophy trout. It is a trophy fishing trip - at least ours was - and the possibility of true monster trout (ten pounders) exists. We did catch a couple 3-4 pounders and one 5+, but the numbers and size of fish relative to four decent fishermen continuously fishing for 8-10 hours a day was less than I expected. This has nothing to do with the enthusiasm and expertise of the guides, and more to do with 'fish being fish' and the late part of the season (and probably our unfamiliarity with dragging big streamers in deep fast water all day long). If I were to go back, it would be in December or January.
What sets Outfitters Patagonia apart from others is the genuine friendliness and personableness of Martin and his guides and crew. From even before we officially booked, Martin was easily and promptly accessible, answering any and all questions and making the often complex process of airplane tickets, licenses, international payments etc., very easy. Once on the ground, he 'held our hand' from the airport to the river. He took us to the best restaurants in town (always staying with us and helping us sort through the menu and engaging in enthusiastic conversation), completely sorted out the hotel, and catered to our every request. His English is as good as ours and his business is professional in all aspects. His guides even took us to an 'off the tourist path' gaucho store on the way back from the river one day so we could buy authentic souvenirs.
For us at least, an Argentinian trout expedition was a once in a lifetime bucket list event, and I am certainly glad I found an outfitter like Outfitters Patagonia.