I'm happy to help!

Pat,

First and foremost... I haven't seen a permit yet. I don't even know what they look like in the water. Which is upsetting, but their time will come. I have confidence I will catch one, hopefully a real sized tarpon too...

Are you set on going to fish taimen? Because I could easily set you up with the lodge we worked for in Alaska. I know at least one of the guides from last season did not work out and will not be returning. Let me know if you want to do that and I will get you in contact with Bob.

As far as taimen go, I only know one person that ever guided over there. I guess only secondhand know someone. I guided Rachel Andras in patagonia and her husband used to guide taimen fishing in Mongolia. She said he loved it. They still run an outfitter http://www.andrasoutfitters.com/ I'd check it out and maybe contact her. She's really nice and easy to talk to. It couldn't hurt to try.

I don't know what other angle you could work. Generally speaking lodge owners are looking to hire guides for cheap/free, so if you really wanted to go there it might be beneficial to say you wanted to guide and talk about how you work for TCO and guide for them (even if you don't). Guides, who will cook and clean etc.. are more useful than just someone who would help out with camp.. You get what I'm laying down?

Anyway I'm always happy to help, especially if you wanted to head to Alaska to work for a summer. Tell the boys at TCO I say whats up.

Brian