Finn De Vries’ Patagonia Adventure: Chasing Giant Sea Trout with Rapala lures

Our good friend and loyal customer, Finn De Vries, recently embarked on an epic fishing journey to Patagonia, chasing the legendary sea trout running up its pristine rivers. Equipped with some of his favorite Rapala lures — Countdown, X-Raps 10 cm, and Original Floaters 9 & 11 cm, Finn shares the highlights, challenges, and unforgettable moments of his trip.

The Adventure Begins

Patagonia is the kind of place that humbles you the moment you step off the plane. Towering mountains, wild rivers, and that crisp, biting air set the scene for one of the most exciting fishing experiences imaginable. Finn’s mission? Target massive sea trout making their annual run into the rivers. These fish are not only beautiful but also fierce fighters that test even the most experienced anglers.

Gear Spotlight: Rapala Lures in Action

Rapala Countdown

The Countdown was Finn’s go-to lure for diving straight into strike zones. With its precise sinking rate and realistic wobble, it allowed him to target deeper pools where trout were holding. A steady retrieve with occasional pauses consistently produced explosive strikes.

His best color choice:  MD, BMD, SCPL, RTL and KS. 

X-Raps 10 cm

For clearer stretches of river, the X-Rap 10 cm was ideal. Its tight wobble and flashy finish perfectly mimicked fleeing baitfish. Finn notes that casting across open water and using a “jerk-and-pause” retrieve often enticed the biggest trout.

Best colors, pretty much the same as the Countdowns - trout a natural colors.

Rapala Original Floaters (9 & 11 cm)

The Original Floaters were perfect for shallow runs and riffles. The 9 cm lure worked for cautious or smaller trout, while the 11 cm created a bigger profile to provoke reaction strikes from larger fish. Finn used these extensively in faster currents and shallow flats.

Best colors: SPD by far - he had our custom paited SPD in 9 cm size 

Reading the Rivers

Finn emphasizes that Patagonia trout are clever and love ambush spots. He focused on:

• Weed edges and shallow pools

• Undercut banks and submerged rocks

• Riffles and current seams

Patience and observation were key — spotting rises and casting just upstream of likely holding spots often led to dramatic strikes, with trout exploding on the Rapala lures in spectacular fashion.

Memorable Battles

One of Finn’s standout moments was a remote river pool, over 10 km from the nearest road, where he hooked a massive sea trout — estimated at over 5 kg — on an X-Rap 10 cm. The fight was intense, with leaps and runs that tested his tackle and skills. Thanks to the strength of the Rapala hooks and the lure’s realistic action, he landed the fish safely for photos before releasing it back into the river.

Finn’s Tips for Patagonia Sea Trout

1. Vary your retrieve – mix steady, twitching, and pause techniques.

2. Match the hatch – choose lure sizes and colors to mimic local baitfish.

3. Focus on structure – trout hide near banks, rocks, and current seams.

4. Patience is key – multiple casts may be needed to trigger strikes.

5. Respect the rivers – practice catch-and-release to preserve this amazing fishery.

Final Thoughts

Fishing Patagonia for sea trout is a dream for any angler. Finn’s journey shows that with the right lures — Rapala Countdown, X-Rap 10 cm, and Original Floaters 9 & 11 cm — and careful observation, you can experience unforgettable battles and breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or just dreaming of Patagonia, Finn’s adventure proves one thing: these rivers, these trout, and the right lures create memories you’ll never forget. 🌊🎣