WHY CHOOSE US: Testimonials

Oscar and Justiniano,

First, I want you to know how grateful I am for the opportunity to fish Argentina and Patagonia!  Many fishermen go thru life dreaming of a “Fishing Expedition” like the one we experienced last month.  Thank you for giving us this opportunity. 

Fly Fishing Patagonia and Project Healing Waters teamed up with our sponsors to provide this trip of a lifetime.  The rivers were crisp and clean and the fish exceeded any expectations I had. The efforts of your guides, camp crew and support staff made this trip one that will be never be forgotten. 

Today’s Soldiers have deployed many times into harm’s way and have fought the good fight.  This generation of Warriors has asked for very little in return but many have paid the ultimate price for peace.  Some have lost limbs, sight, post traumatic stress disorder and their youth, but still drive on with their future and still ask for nothing in return.

Your staff has given us a chance to do the things that we did prior to our time in combat. The time on the river gave us peace and time for our souls to heal.  Me gusto mucho!

God’s Speed!
Patrick Valdez, Command Sergeant Major, US Army  

To all,
Just wanted to express the gratitude and humbleness that is in my heart for this amazing experience we had on our last trip.  I would never have thought that travels that caused many of our injuries would have resulted in travel to some of life changing and amazing places that help us heal from our injuries.  The kindhearted people that fall under the umbrella of PHWFF have not only provided new endeavors that will be ingrained in our minds and hearts forever, but have also provided amazing mentors and great friends that will last a lifetime.
V/R
SFC Brian Manicni, 2010

Thanks to all of you at PHWFF, Coordinators, Financial backers and to the Crew in Argentina for making this an experience of a lifetime.

Thanks for helping to dull the knives that continually penetrate our hearts, mind and our souls.  The great memories we are being exposed to on these outings allow for the sharpness of these mental and physical daggers to lose their piercing ability.  With the hope that the mental, physical and spiritual dagger will soon  not be as piercing as we replace the horrendous with hope.

Justi and Oscar,
I want to thank you for the amazing time in Argentina. It was more than anything I could have imagined and is an experience i will never forget. Thank you for the generous gift you gave us, without the two for one deal I don’t know if anything would have happened. You did an amazing job planning and executing everything. The guides were the best. They knew exactly were to go and were both very fun and knowledgeable. Everything about the trip was top notch and you have my extreme satisfaction. It means a lot to have your support in helping wounded soldiers recover from their injuries. Once again thank you for everything.
Thanks for everything,
Josh Cadenbach, 2010

Happy New Year! I just wanted to give you some feedback on our recent fly fishing experience in Patagonia. We had such a fantastic time… Julian was an excellent guide; he was personable, attentive, knowledgeable, and a patient teacher. I also thought the lunches were delicious!  Paul has been on many guided fly fishing trips, and he said this one was by far the best. We both hope to come back some day and will definitely be recommending your company to others.
Thanks again for everything!  Kate Cohban, 2010

I just wanted to thank you for a few great days of fishing.  My wife and I enjoyed the entire experience. Julian was great, very professional and experienced with the rivers and area.   I definitely want to come back for an expedition with a few friends, hopefully very soon. A. Kazior, 09

The trip was simply superb and we all enjoyed it to the full. It was extremely well organized and professionally run and we were very well looked after the whole time. In particular, we were very impressed with Julian and Niko who did a superb job at looking after us and nothing was a problem for them. They are two very nice professional young individuals and made the first half of the trip in Patagonia a wonderful experience for us. With not brilliant conditions on the Colon, they put us onto good fish and the camping was great fun.  Adrian and Pancho did such a good job in camp, they worked hard and always with a smile their faces!
P. Davies, 09

 In a word, “Perfecto”.  We had a great trip.  The fishing was excellent; both quantity and quality. These fish fight like tigers, it’s like a whole different species.   The scenery was spectacular + varied.  The food was very good.  The operation was efficient and organized. The people (Alex, Poncho and Adrian + bus driver) were friendly, helpful, patient and courteous. Special kudos for Alex.  He is the triple threat of guiding – great raft/boat operator, very knowledgeable and experienced conservation minded fisherman and pleasant affable, unhurried person.  I trust he is well compensated.
Two other “events” that I think illustrated that your group has the right approach.  1st. It was misting during the second half of the bus ride to the put in point.  The driver took his time, drove safely etc.  Secondly,  the 3rd night camp site has a very active bee hive in the base of an old willow tree.  I was alerted to this fact by Poncho (who we liked a lot) and asked to avoid the area.  I asked how long it had been there and was told 5 yrs.  That’s wonderful.  P. White, 08

I am still here in TDF now. Awesome place…everything about it is first class. The food is gourmet and incredible and the staff and guides are awesome and I’ve definitely made some friends here. So I’m enjoying it immensely. Fishing’s good but catching that illusive 14 Kilo trout is proving difficult as always with big trout. It’s hard, cold fishing however and I’m not used to that, so I’m kind of freezing my ass off as well and too I am not the most experienced fly fisherman in the world to say the least and this Tierra Del Fuego wind is tough to deal with. But what a great experience to come here. So thanks! In Corrientes up north it was great fishing…I loved the Dorado strikes and fights. They have to be the hardest fighting fish in fresh water pound for pound and I am so glad I went and experienced it. The guides and everyone there was great so thanks for that as well.  Back in touch in a week!  B. Tuttle, 07

 Just a few words to thank you for the kind attention we received at Estancia La Pelada. Our group had a wonderful time there and thoroughly enjoyed our great fishing for Dorado, Palometas and Surubi.  Oscar was a great host and we had a super time with him. Please pass on our warm greetings and affections to Augusto, Maria Jose, Marcelo and all the staff at La Pelada who made us feel equal or better than at home. A hug to all and many thanks.  C. Barrantes, 09

I have traveled with (FFP) previously and their strengths include: the most competent and dedicated guides in the region, customer service on the trip, and they treat you like a king in terms of comforts like food, wine, accommodations etc. and most importantly very good quality NRS cata-rafts which other outfitters did not have.  Tthis makes fishing extremely comfortable and you are not tucked down inside a cheap quality raft – you have a casting platform and great comfort and range from the bow or stern of the boat.
The big attractions for me was the float trip.  Not many other outfitters do real multi-day floats and it’s a specialty of the top Guide Oscar Dono. I really enjoyed being out on the land and being able to fish my brains out early, all day and as late as I wanted. It was very comfortable and the food was amazing.  The Caleufu is a great river, fairly wide ( like the Petite approximately and with a great deal of variety in scenery. ) The other rivers are all fantastic and there are a couple new rivers I have not fished.  R. Dorcus, 09

I just wanted to thank you for two great days of fishing (Nov 9th and 10th).  My wife and I enjoyed the entire experience; I even went back for a second day.  Julian was great, very professional and experienced with the rivers and the area.  I definitely want to come back for an expedition with a few friends, hopefully very soon.  A. Kazior, 09

I can not say enough good things about nico and how accommodating and friendly they were. Nico worked so hard to find fish and put us in the right place.  I will definitely be in touch with you in the future.  Would still love to go after dorado.  I also appreciate that you delivered what you promised and that there were no hitches or unpleasant surprises.  R. Warren 08

 Now that we’ve done the trip, it’s amazing what we got for the money. It was really a huge bargain.
M. Newman, 08

Peuma Hue is a fabulous and beautiful estancia and the people who own and run it our very friendly. I wouldn’t miss staying there for anything and the fishing in the area offers everything an experienced angler would want – maybe more!  B. Johnson, 06

We just arrived back home yesterday, and I wanted to thank you for arranging to have Oscar be my guide on the 24th – the experience was incredible, and definitely has me excited for my trip to Alaska next summer (as well as trying out all the lakes and rivers here in the Orlando area).    Oscar was incredible, very patient (I only hooked him once), and I really appreciated his knowledge and enthusiasm for this sport.  I couldn’t have asked for any better a day.  B. Staffeld, 07

 What an incredible experience you and Marcelo and all of your staff have made for Elly and me at Peuma Hue. This is a very special place in Argentina and all of the World. Each day was an amazing adventure – hiking, riding, rafting, condor watching and your hospitality is not surpassed anywhere in the World.I hope to bring the rest of my family here someday. The very best to you and everyone at Peuma Hue.  G. Palmer, 06

Thank you for sharing this blessed place with us! Dad and I have had an experience that we will never forget. From the majestic mountains, to the strong horses, the extraordinary private concert in the chapel, to each delicious meal – I have been challenged and nurtured in this wonderful place! Hasta pronto!  E. Palmer, 06

 I hope you enjoy the pictures, because I know I sure enjoyed my trip to Argentina and my duck hunting experience there.  I really am appreciative of the opportunity that you gave me and I will recommend Fly Fishing Patagonia to anyone who plans on making a trip down south.  N. Huffeldt, 06

That was the best fly fishing trip I have ever taken mainly because Oscar was the most hospitable, friendly, and knowledgeable guide I have EVER had.  We all had an unbelievable time.  M. Doswell, 05

 Our trip with you was fantastic! We did a multiday float in Kamchatka and the service and food you provided on your expedition was much better. And the trout fishing was incredible! We loved seeing all the different environments and fishing the different waters.  It was perfect and we’ll return!  L. Sinchetti, 08

I just want to say thanks for everything!  The trip truly was the trip of a lifetime.  Oscar would always say he has good news and he has bad news, well I’ve got good new and bad news.  The good news is the trip exceeded our expectations; the bad news is it was so good it would be impossible to ever repeat. Got our trip DVD last week.  Thanks a lot!  It was a great trip and it’s nice to have the DVD as a memory.  The trip was a real eye opening experience for my son, so much so that he changed his college major to Spanish and International Business.  He’s already planning on a semester abroad in Argentina!  G. Johnson,  06

 I just wanted to thank you once again for being such a fun “camp director”! I know that isn’t your title but when we left for home, it was like leaving camp and all the friends you made. You did a fantastic job of pleasing everyone and I just wanted to reiterate my pleasure. If you are ever in California or Montana, please give us a call and we would love to host you.
p.s. Tell Okie “howdy” for me too! He’s a great guy and a lot of fun!  D. Travis, 07

Just a note to thank you most sincerely for a wonderful trip. It will be a highlight of our lives. It was just magic to have everything done for us. The accommodation, the entertainment etc.etc. Don has sent his picture to half of N. Zealand. Went to the physio this morning and he has done his shoulder in and no more fishing till it settles. He is still making excuses and singing like the inevitable Jack in the Box.
Hope your next trip is going well. Take care. We will always have fond memories. The invitation to visit us is sincere. Kind regards and many thanks for your wonderful organization.  H and D Wallace, 07

 I’d have to say that this was one of the best value trips ever.  I hope it can stay like this but I fear currencies will come and go.  Also, logistically, it went ultra smooth and we just had a great time.  I also appreciate not being nickel-and-dimed during the trip.  I was stunned not to get a bar tab or fly tab or whatever.  Wow.  What a deal!
E. Schmidt, 07  

Your web page came up fairly high on a search and it was nice to be able to talk by phone.  A personal contact is always more effective that just an email exchange. Justi was knowledgeable and focused on what was important to me.  Very responsive.
The guides were excellent and just what we needed.  Julián was great for both of us and helped my wife catch her first fish on a fly.  He was a good match for having both of us on the boat.  Oscar also was so good.  He is very talented, knowledgeable and passionate about fishing.  He was a good teacher, though I was not a great student.  I learned a lot from Oscar in just one day that gave me much more confidence on larger waters.
Here is an example of how Oscar approaches his work.  On our last day when he was to take us to the airport he was about 10 minutes late. Of course in my mind I was wondering what was going on, had he forgotten, etc.  Turns out his car had broken down and he had to arrange a new vehicle on the spot.  He did it and managed to get us to the airport on time.  Aerolíneas Argentina was delayed (surprise) and Oscar went in with us to make sure we were all set.
That seems to be reflective of the commitment to service that both Justi and Oscar have.  Keep it up, it is great.
G. Swaffar, 07

 I couldn’t have enjoyed Oscar or Alex more.  They were enjoyable to be around and extremely helpful. -  The Caleufu Wilderness portion was fantastic!  The fishing was some of the best that I’ve ever had. -  I couldn’t have had more fun.  Thanks to you all.  M. Megown, 07

 Thank you for putting together such an unforgettable trip for us. We loved every part of it and grew so much.  You answered all our questions so many times and it all went so smoothly. Oscar was amazing. We all loved him. What a great guide. All three lodges were incredible. We could not have had better food or service. Argentina is a very special place and I am glad to have had the chance to visit. Please come visit us in Oregon if you get the chance.  You did so many great things for us. We all wish we would have stayed a little longer in Bariloche. It’s such a beautiful at Peuma Hue Lodge. Kau Tapen in Tierra de Fuego was also wonderful. The staff and food excellent. Misty and David and I went to Ushuaia –which was very beautiful. I loved driving thought he Andes. You are blessed to live in such a beautiful country. Please come visit us in Oregon. Thank you so much!  E.  Michell, 05

How are you? We want to thank you so much for putting together a wonderful trip. Fish were caught and a great time was had by all. It was hard to come back to Oregon after being in a sunny, beutiful place. Justin and I both would like to go back and explore the northern half. Go to Corrientes and fish for the Golden Dorado and see the Iguazu Falls. Justin would liked to have spent more time with Oscar. Justin hopes that you and Oscar will come to Oregon sometime and fish with him. Everyone treated us like friends and family and made us feel welcome. Thank you again for making this a great adventure.  M. Mitchell, 05

 Just a note to thank you for my memorable trip to Argentina. I especially appreciated all the little extras you provided…..like the clothing buying excursion!!:)))….. to make our experience so great!!  Hope to see you again.  H. Carmichael, 07

Jill and I showed our pics to some friends (one who has picked up fly fishing in the last year) and are starting to talk about another trip where we can make it to the Patagonia part we missed.  Jill and I were depressed that we missed the second half,  We had a great time with great friends.  Jill said it was the best trip she ever had!  Looking forward to the next one.  My favorite aspect of the Argentina experience was the people.  Including Justi and Oscar. By far they provided our group with the most personalized travel experience we have ever had.  Thanks for all the attention to detail!
You and Oscar do a first rate job and we won’t make a trip back without talking to you. Thanks all for the great time!  R. Wentworth, 07

We could not have enjoyed it more!  The fishing was probably the best we’ve have ever experienced.  I cannot give too much praise to the staff.  The guide, Alejandro, was first-rate.  The camp-builder and cook, Fernando and Juan, were true professionals.  We felt almost pampered.  You are providing a top-drawer product.  Congratulations.  It was a truly memorable experience.  G. Sandison, 07

Diane and I have decided this trip was the most organized program we have been involved with, and with three weeks to fill, that was a tall order.  We have to commend our fearless leader, Ernesto, who found maybe the best outfitters, Flyfishing Patagonia, in Justi and Oscar (Okie).  These two guys love their craft and have fun doing it.  That made us very much at home with them and the people we met, in Argentina.  We felt we sampled much of Argentina in the three weeks traveling from one great adventure to another.  How unique. In between, we toured the great city of Buenos Aires and sampled her great culinary establishments and tango shows.
C and D Travis, 07

The best two weeks of my life!  Many thanks for having such a great team of guys and having such an efficient set up. I couldn’t have imagined everything being so efficient and well organized. Get your laughing gear round these cheekies pulled out of the Limay. First one is the 3kilo the second is 4 kilo. I have just done the conversion rate and that makes them 7lb and 9.3lb respectively. The two largest trouts that i have ever caught.  Many, many thanks.  W. Boscawen, 06

What a fantastic trip!!!  I am ready to go back tomorrow but would prefer supersonic direct travel between Orlando and Bariloche.  Oscar, thank you so much for everything.  If you want any other pictures I have tons but am just sending these 4 now.  Justi, I can send you a cd of them all if you want.  Best Regards,  T and M Bettis, 06

Thanks for checking in on us. Having a GREAT  time. Great day on the Manso River  yesterday, about 30 each. Big fish on the Limay today….having a great time. I think I´m staying here….Call you when we’re done……red meat ………Rob Dorcas, 05

 It really was a fantastic trip. I have guided canoe, kayak and hiking trips for an adventure travel company for 20 years and so was quite interested to see the level of service you offer. It was excellent. I really would give you some suggestions if there was anything that I could think of but it was all outstanding. I really enjoyed the guides, Oscar really inspired me with the improvement in my fishing from his coaching.  M. Scriver, 05

Many thanks for a wonderful experience.  You guys rock!!  R. Rotter, 07