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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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