For the serious sportsman, the idea of combining wingshooting or big game hunting with world-class fishing in a single trip is a compelling one. A Cast & Blast—when done right—can deliver more in one itinerary than most trips do in two. But make no mistake: this is a high-logistics, high-reward format.

It can take additional planning. It can sometimes require extra travel flexibility. It doesn’t always line up cleanly on the calendar or map. But when everything clicks? This is the kind of trip you talk about for years.

At its core, a Cast & Blast is a combination itinerary that pairs quality fishing with wingshooting or big game hunting—typically within a single trip. Sometimes it all happens from one lodge. More often, it’s a carefully coordinated plan that links two distinct locations—each chosen for peak conditions and optimal logistics. For seasoned anglers and traveling sportsmen looking to maximize their time away, there’s no more efficient or rewarding format.

Start with One Passion, Then Add the Other

Most Cast & Blast trips begin with a primary focus—either a key fishing goal or a specific hunt. The second activity is then layered on based on geography, timing, and logistical ease. Expect one pursuit to lead, and the other to complement. Trying to split time and quality evenly between both almost always leads to a compromise.

Timing Defines Everything

Trying to do too much in too little time is the most common pitfall. In regions like South America or Europe, you’ll need at least a week to make it work. More than a week tends to be ideal. While a few operations—like certain lodges in Alaska—offer both activities in one location, most Cast & Blasts require a mid-trip transfer. A well-placed travel day makes all the difference between a seamless itinerary and living out of a suitcase.

Follow the Overlap

When Cast & Blasts work best, it’s because the seasons align:

  • Argentina in April: late-season trout, prime red stag, peak duck and dove shooting
  • Bolivia: dorado fishing and high-volume dove shooting, from the same regional hub
  • Alaska in September: silver salmon in the rivers, ducks over the decoys
  • Spain: driven partridge and trout in the Pyrenees during the fall

But seasonal overlaps are rare. Many good Cast & Blast pairings live in the margins of each season. That’s why it pays to work with someone who knows the calendar inside and out.

Be Prepared to Move

Less than 10% of Cast & Blast trips happen entirely at a single lodge. Most require travel between two locations. This is where planning with experienced destination specialists makes the difference—coordinating commercial flights, private charters, ground transfers, and lodge hand-offs. Done well, it’s seamless. Done poorly, it’s frustrating.

Consider a Charter

For those with limited time, private charters are worth every penny. They cut down transfers, open more fluid combinations, and eliminate travel headaches. In many cases, they’re the difference between a rushed hand-off and a seamless transition.

Not Every Idea Works—And That’s OK

There are good combinations. There are great ones. And then there are ideas that sound better on paper than they do in practice. Our experts don’t just sell trips—they filter out the mismatches. Not every location or time frame is right for a Cast & Blast. Sometimes it’s better to recommend two separate trips rather than force one.

A Cast & Blast done right is one of the most satisfying trips you’ll ever take. But it requires more than Google searches and good intentions. It’s built on firsthand knowledge, fine-tuned logistics, and decades of experience on both sides of the fence.

Trust the experts. Be flexible. Prioritize quality over convenience. When everything lines up, the payoff isn’t just memorable—it’s unmatched.

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Hank Ingram joined Frontiers in 1999. With his background as a fishing guide in the American West and owner of a custom construction company, Hank has played a key role as a fishing/ shooting specialist and consultant to lodges. He is the head of the South America Fishing and Shooting Departments and has traveled, fished and shot on four continents with Frontiers.

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