Travel Tips From Around the World, with Alberto Rey
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Alberto Rey, a retired art professor and Orvis Endorse Guide with nearly 25 years of experience, shares the lessons from his five-month, around-the-world fishing expedition—visiting 14 countries across every continent except Antarctica. Despite his reputation as a guide, Alberto admits that the dream of 'lights out' fishing every day is unrealistic; instead, he learned that travel is about embracing the journey, not just the catch. He and his non-fishing wife traveled with just two rods, two reels, and a single fly box split between salt and freshwater patterns—carrying everything in a backpack and carry-on, never checking luggage. They relied on local gear, including waders and boots, which saved space and cost. The real discoveries weren’t just in the fish, but in the people—like a chef in Spain whose generosity and food left a lasting impression—and the unexpected places, such as a hidden fly fishing guide in Fiji’s Yasawa Islands. Alberto reveals that the most profound insight came mid-trip: after being overwhelmed by constant new experiences, they lost all memory of their lives back home, entering a state of pure presence. This 'super-saturated' mental state, though initially disorienting, became a form of liberation. He now plans to repeat the trip, not for the fish, but for the transformation. For anglers, his advice is simple: pack light, expect average days, and let the experience—especially the people and places—be the real catch.
Travel with only a backpack and carry-on: Alberto and his wife flew five months with just two rods, two reels, and one fly box, never checking luggage.
Use local gear: At every destination, they borrowed waders and boots from lodges—saving space and cost, and learning from local guides' setups.
Expect average days: The idea that travel equals 'lights out' fishing is unrealistic; some days are mediocre, and that's okay.
The best fishing is often in unexpected places: Hidden guides and unmarked rivers (like in Fiji or Patagonia) often offer better experiences than well-known spots.
People matter more than fish: A memorable guide or chef (like the one in Spain) can make a trip unforgettable, even if fishing is poor.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to Alberto Rey and the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast
Tom Rosenbauer introduces his guest, Alberto Rey, a retired art professor, Orvis Endorse Guide for nearly 25 years, and a multi-talented artist and writer. He highlights Alberto’s recent world trip with his non-fishing wife, covering 14 countries and 29 fishing spots across six continents.
The World Trip: Itinerary and Travel Philosophy
Alberto recounts the five-month journey across the Galapagos, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Fiji, Australia, Japan, Spain, Morocco, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, and France. He emphasizes the balance between nature and cities, and the decision to keep the trip loosely planned, with only half of the itinerary set in advance.
Fishing Realities: Expectations vs. Reality
Alberto debunks the myth that long-distance travel guarantees epic fishing. He explains that only a few days per season are truly exceptional, and most days are average or even poor. The key is to value the environment and experience, not just the catch.
Packing Light: The Two-Rod, One-Box Strategy
Alberto details his minimalist packing: two six-piece rods, two reels, one fly box split between salt and freshwater patterns, and no waders or boots. Everything fit in a backpack and carry-on, with laundry services used throughout the trip.
Using Local Gear and Learning from Guides
At every destination, Alberto used the lodge’s waders and boots—grungy but functional. He also learned valuable tippet tips from guides, such as using 4X diameter with 3X strength, and discovered that fly patterns are remarkably consistent worldwide.
“all touch, all connection with our lives back home. I couldn't remember my phone number. I couldn't remember my address. We were like this little, it was my wife and”
“I’d go back tomorrow just to see him and have his food and not fish. I mean, that's how important that relationship was.”
“The idea that you're going to travel across the world and hit this fishery for one week and that everything is going to be spot on is a little unrealistic.”
Host
Guest
Orvis
brand
Tom Rosenbauer
person
Alberto Rey
person
Spain
place
Fiji
place
Japan
place
albertoray.com
product
Patagonia
place
Sony RX10 IV
product
Salvalinus
other
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