Hi Larry!
My college buddy and fellow obsessive angler and I are treating ourselves to a trip to the Rio Parismina Lodge in late April for our 40th birthdays. While we realize they can provide most if not all of the tackle, much of the fun for us is in preparation for the trip. Whether needed or not we'll be making up leaders, tying bucktails, experimenting with rigs that may not work and generally trying to stretch this trip into a 3 month experience (much to the amusment of our wives)!
We're taking our own gear and like I said whether needed or not we'll fish with it at least some of the time. We both have 8' Albright travel rods that are medium to medium heavy. Not ideal boat rods but have the stuff for 1-2oz rigs. Attached is my Van Staal 150 with plenty of 65# Power Pro on one spool and 50# on another. Bob has the same rod with a shiney new Shimano Saragosa matched to the rod with the same line as myself. In addition to my homemade bucktails I'm going to rig some leaders in advance too, and after seeing one of your other posts can't resist the idea of experimenting with some form of jigging spoon rigs.
I'd love to hear any opinions you have on leaders, terminal tackle and artificials for fishing out of the Rio P. lodge. How long for the leaders? Colors for baits? Top water, subsurface...?...any thoughts you have would be invaluable. We will be sure to trust our guides but our compulsion to experiment and try new things is irrepresible. Seeing you do the same is why we love your show.
If "necessity is the mother of invention" then, in my opinion, when it comes to fishing, I think obsession and creativity must be the father!
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with all our fellow fisherman on this forum. It is sincerly, very much appreciated!
Warm Regards,
Chris