Customer's Testimonials
" My name is Carlyle Stout. I'm 57, live in Ashland, Oregon and am a real
estate attorney in real life. This is my recommendation for Dario Damonte,
one of the best fishing guides and outfitters I've ever known.
How does an angler in North America chose a fishing guide in a fabled far
off land like Patagonia? It is difficult to surf the Internet and make an
intelligent choice. The photos always look good and the web sites are
usually slick. How does the angler evaluate a guide's competence? His
personality? His knowledge of the area? His guiding skills? These arte
intangibles that can only be gleaned by personal experience. Hence the the
ultimate yardstick is personal references from experienced anglers who have
booked the guide for a season and then booked him again. Two good seasons
says a lot more than one. Consistency is one of the hallmarks of an
excellent guide.
I served in the Peace Corps in Guatemala in the 1970s. I'm fluent in
Spanish. I've traveled extensively in Mexico, Central America, Spain, South
America and especially Argentina. I've fly fished for 35 years, primarily in
Oregon where I live, but also in the Madison Valley in Montana where I've
been going every summer for 25 years. I've used the services of a lot of
guides. I know that a guide can make or break a fishing trip.
I've booked Dario Damonte for two years in a row and I'm booking him again
for a third year in February 2007. Dario knows the rivers in northern Patagonia
like the back of his hand.
The first year my wife, 25 year old son and I booked a 3 day float on the
Rio Alumine. The week before we arrived it rained non-stop and blew out the
river. It was chocolate brown. Dario knew 5 other rivers in the area and we
fished each one of them on day trips from our camp in Lanin National Park.
The setting and scenery were enough to take your breath away and the fishing
was outstanding. His knowledge of each river and the stretches of water were
very good. We always caught fish. He knew his fly selection. The second year
the Alumine was clear and on fire. We, my wife and I, caught 12 fish per
person per day and the average was a 17 inch rainbow. We also didn't see
another angler for 2 days.
Dario is a patient instructor and speaks very good English. My wife really
appreciated the time he took with her. She was so stoked she wanted to go
back next year. The lunches and meals were quasi-gourmet served with fine
Argentine wine, usually a Malbec, or sodas. We ate like kings. My wife and I
like camping and Dario offers camping float trips and non camping lodge
accommodations. I've done both. I recommend starting with camping and
finishing up with a lodge. I spend 7 days fishing every time I go down and
float for 3 days and then stay at a lodge for the next 4 and fish different
rivers during the day.
A foreign fishing trip can be expensive, especially if you bring your kid or
spouse, but Dario's prices are very reasonable. He gives very good value for
his services. And last he is a joy to be with. We spent hours around the
campfire or in the lodge talking about soccer, politics, fishing, Patagonian
history or culture. Dario makes each trip a very memorable experience.
If you want to talk with me more about Dario, I can be reached at
cfstout3@gmail.com or at 541 776-2020. "
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