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DORADO FLYFISHING
Fishermen from Europe and North America
have been visiting Argentina during the last four or five decades to fish Dorados in the Paraná river. These fishermen have
been seduced by this beautiful fish that according to them, can only be compared for its fighting ability to a Steelhead or
an Atlantic Salmon, with the ferocity of a Barracuda. But in the Paraná River, fishing is done with heavy trolling equipment
or live bait. In the last ten years, a few fishermen have begun to experiment flyfishing for Dorado in some places with extraordinary
results. There is no doubt that Iberá/ Rio Corriente is the best area. Here, the absolute isolation, the pure and clear waters
and the incredible quantity of fish that serve as forage to the Dorado, make this ecosystem the best spot where to cast a
fly. The only way to get the fishing spots in Iberá marshes and Rio Corriente, is by motorboat. During the trip you'll
sightsee and admire the beautiful landscape, fauna and flora. To be efective while fishing Dorado, is very important to
be as silent as possible and to avoid noices in the boat or shores, which could scare the big and smart Dorados (more than
15/20 pounds). The angler must reach mid and long distance casts (50-70ft), specially when he goes drifting, looking for good
spots where to shoot the fly. Mouths of streams, backwaters or where the currents converge are typical places where the Dorado
is hunting. In those places, the little fish are in trouble because they get dragged or are forced to a deep zone, and there
the river tiger finds its prey. The fly should pass these areas with the right speed, action and depth, to produce a ferocious
attack. If you have the right hook, and perfectly sharpened, it will penetrate the hard bone of its jaws. If not, when Salminus
Maxillosus jumps (always the second after being hooked) and shakes his head, the hook will dislodge or be crushed, since the
fish has many little cone teeth and the pressure of his jaws is highly destructive. 9ft rods, #8 or #9 weight, are the
perfect weapon to cast big flies for Dorado. Floating lines for warm water as those used for tarpon or bonefish and a 200-250
grains shooting-head are necessary, depending on the wind, depth and fly to cast. Strong (and not heavy) reel with perfect
drag system and at least 100yds of backing.
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