Besides knowing yourself- your desires, abilities, and proclivities-know your intended destination fully. That includes every facet from guides, boats, country, weather/season, tidal/lunar profile for your stay, culture, political stability, and economic stability of the Lodge itself. Unfortunately, certain lodges and camps go broke for lack of adequate capitalization and cash infusions over time. All these features are crucial for you to review! If you hear rumors that your outfitter does not know about, try to check them out for yourself: even ask the Lodge owner directly!

Do not forget the stability of the transportation: usually, this involves airlines. As this is written, the air carrier for Kamchatka appears to be going out of business and outfitters are scrambling for a replacement! Also, check the political stability of the country of your destination. My personal belief is that relations between the U.S. and Venezuela will continue to deteriorate as President Chavez dukes it out with America and holds hands with Iran- this may not bode well for Los Roques, or things make work out. The point is be clear-thinking and shamelessly inquisitive. I subscribe to the Angling Report ( www.anglingreport.com/) because of its unbiased and honest destination reports and assessments.

Always check out your prospective guide, and doubly verify them if they own the destination you're headed for. Although they may suit the (desireable) personality goals of your outfitter, they may not suit you. Be sure it's going to be a good match! I personally like guides whose competence is flavored by an excellent sense of humor and an optimistic patience. Some guides are slightly more quiet, but they can respond quite well to jokes and are capable of patience and optimism without any difficulty or strain whatsoever. Sometimes there's a cultural factor. I'd think that a Russian guide might be a tad more expressive than a Mayan guide- but there's exceptions everywhere!

Be your own guide!! Jan Maizler www.flatsfishingonline.com