Argentina January 2024.
Despedida lodge, our signature lodge on Rio Grande.
It is always pleasant to start the new year with a stay at Despedida lodge on Rio Grande. This year, as every year we have been at Despedida, we were met with open arms and brilliant service. Many thanks to the lodge staff and our guides for a super enjoyable stay.
This year's group of fishers consisted of 2 fishers from Germany, Daniel and Reinhart. 2 from Argentina, Ignacio and Cesar. Niklas from Sweden, plus yours truly. A fantastic group who truly appreciated good food, brilliant service, experienced guides and exciting fishing. Thank you all for a wonderful stay.
Niklas was visiting Despedida for the second time and set things alight immediately by landing a super strong, bright 9-kilo fish on the first round of day 1. What a flying start to the trip. Niklas really felt at home and landed 24 fish during his stay. That is brilliant, and we congratulate him once again. We would not be surprised if Niklas is found along the banks of Rio Grande next January as well :-)
The other fishers in the group were in Rio Grande for the first time. After a few days' fishing, everyone had new large fish in the net, and the smiles grew wider and wider with each passing day. Daniel had his dream fulfilled already on the first day with a bright and strong 10-kilo fish on a single-handed rod and a small nymph. That one will be remembered forever. Congratulations Daniel on the fine fish, and on all the other fish that made your fishing dream complete.
There was also plenty of fun for Reinhardt, who tried a double-handed rod for the first time. This was a small challenge on the first day, but after a few rounds and using the wind, the fishing became very enjoyable for Reinhardt. One fish after another was landed on both double-handed and single-handed rods from 2instincts. Proper fun and well done Reinhardt. PS, those cigars were excellent. We hope you bring them on the next round :-)
Cesar was a little unlucky, losing several large trout during the first few days. But then everything held all the way in on day 3. What a fine trout Cesar caught as his first in Rio Grande, 10 kg straight away. After that, Cesar caught several fine fish, and we thank him for brilliant entertainment around the dinner table in the lodge. Absolutely excellent, and many thanks.
Ignacio has done quite a bit of fishing, but not much for large sea trout. He was therefore ecstatic when he came in for lunch on day 1. From his smile we all understood that something big had happened on his first day in Rio Grande. And quite right, Ignacio's first fish was a female of 9.5 kilos, completely silver-bright and straight from the sea. What a start for Ignacio. Later in the week, this would prove to be only the beginning of fantastic fishing for Ignacio. Congratulations, and a big Arriba.
Our guide team, Tommy, Carlos and Gringo, once again did a brilliant job, and we thank you for work well done. You all contribute to good fishing under all conditions. You know this, boys. Good luck with the rest of the season. We will speak by the water soon. Big ARIBA to you from 2instincts.
Yours truly also had the opportunity to do some fishing. I was given freedom to explore new pools, as the river had changed somewhat after a medium flood not long ago. I find that extra enjoyable, and there were some fine moments with good fish in new places. Excellent, and thank you for the trust.
This was some of what we experienced on the trip to Argentina this time. The temperature was lovely, and the atmosphere in the lodge and in Buenos Aires was pleasant. At the moment it is also very inexpensive to eat a good dinner in Buenos Aires. The Norwegian krone is currently strong against the Argentinian peso.
Thanks again to everyone who made this trip another great experience. I hope we meet again soon, because this was enjoyable.
Best regards
Helge Vetås
2instincts
PS, booking for January 2025 starts soon. Please get in touch for details :-)