WOLVERINE TACKLE SPLIT RINGS

When battling the toughest freshwater fish on this planet, most store bought lures have split rings too weak to put up with the battle. Wolverine Tackle has designed a triple coiled super strong split ring ranging from sizes 4 to 7. The rings come in zinc/nickel with trivalent chromate or stainless steel. The size 7 has a pulling power of over 300lbs.

I highly recommend replacing all your split rings with this brand on your next trophy trip for species such as tigerfish and golden dorado.

In all, it can prevent you from losing that once in a lifetime trophy fish!

Contact sales@wolverinetackleinc.com for information on distributors in your area.

PRIME 2012 SPOTS OPEN FOR LA ZONA/ GOLDEN DORADO

The prime months of January to May for 2012 in La Zona for monster dorado are filling fast. La Zona holds the largest dorado on this planet! It is known as the home of the monster dorado.

With the Amazon fishery being unpredictable the past few years, many of the dedicated peacock bass fishermen are switching over to a chance to battle with one of the biggest battlers on earth, the La Zona dorado. Book now while there are still openings.

Steve Yatomi of http://www.adventuretravelalliance.com/ still has a few openings for these prime dates which will fill fast. Get your deposits in while the spots remain available.

You can e-mail Steve at zato1@earthlink.net

POPPING PLUGS FOR GOLDEN DORADO

With the current low water levels on the Uruguay River in the section known as La Zona, popping plugs have been a good lure for catching monster dorado.

When using popping plugs, use the wrists to impart an erratic pop with the lure spitting and darting.

Noise is a key along with a fleeing action to trigger a strike. When a fish misses the popper, do not stop the retrieve. Instead keep the plug popping across the surface.

A few of the excellent poppers on the market include the Daiwa Saltiga Popper, Klures September Pop, River2Sea Shinn Pop110, and Sebile Splasher.

Test these lures in your local fishery before trying them in places such as La Zona.

ABU GARCIA 7000iHSN

The Abu Garcia 7000iHSN is the perfect reel for battling the giant golden dorado of La Zona. The reel boosts a powerful Carbon matrix drag system which can hold up to one of the toughest fighting fish on this planet!

The reel has a fast gear ratio of 5:3:1 and offers a large spool capacity of 420 yards of 30lbs braid.

I have used this reel landing dorado up to 46lbs and give it a 5 star recommendation.

Currently, Abu Garcia is giving a free embroidered sweathshirt for reels costing $79.95 and up. The give away lasts until Dec 31, 2011.

Thus on your next trip for monster fish such as golden dorado don't get caught losing the fish of your dreams due to low quality equipment. Get a Abu Garica 7000iHSN ASAP!

FISHING BUNGSAMRAN

Bungsamran is quite possibly the most unique fishery on earth. This body of water holds the giant Mekong Catfish, Siamese Giant Carp, monsterous Arapaima, and many other exotic species.

Bungsamran is located in the Bangkok, Thailand district Suichapibahn 1. It was originally a quarry then built into an approx 20 acre fishery with depths ranging from 2 to 12 meters.

Fishermen can fish out of comfortable bunglows on Bungsamran. The bunglows range from basic to extravagant with many including beds, refrigerators and even television.

There is a 7 Seas Proshop located on Bungsamran which has all the current rods, reels, and lures.

The majority of fishing is using large ground lamb/rice balls rigged on a small hook.

There is restaurant service on Bungsamran.

The fishing is fantastic with many broken rods and sore arms experienced each day.

The best way to fish here is to hire a local guide who has all the tackle and experience needed to put you on to the "Fish of a Lifetime"

For more information contact Francois Helias at fishasia@ksc.th.com and check out his website at http://www.anglingthailand.com/

GREAT DORADO ACTION AT LA ZONA

As reported by head guide, Enzo, a 46lbs, 52lbs, and monster 58lbs golden dorado was landed yesterday in the Uruguay River in the section known as La Zona. The water levels are low with the best lures being medium sized poppers. The 58lbs is the largest dorado put in the boat by top dorado guide, Enzo. Enzo is employed by Untamed Angling who controls the 2 fishing permits (2 boats, 4 fishermen) from the ARgentina government.

Fishing has been tremendous since the year began with many dorado over 40lbs being caught weekly.

I have fished these waters 4 times and am heading back in April. Hopefully the magical 60lbs comes on my line.

For more info on this trip contact Steve Yatomi http://www.adventuretravelalliance.com/

WORLD'S STRONGEST FRESHWATER FISH?

Having spent the past week fishing multiple species in the ponds around Bangkok, Thailand, I catch in my opinion the strongest freshwater fish in the world! A highlight of the trip was the opportunity to catch the rare and elusive Jullien's Golden Prized Carp (Probarbus jullieni). Catching this particular species is a dream for most carp anglers. The Jullien's Golden Prized Carp is currently on the endangered species list and very few anglers can lay claim that they have landed one. On the particular lake I was fishing I landed 2 in 2 days of fishing with the largest running about 7 kilos. This particular fish hit so hard that the rod was practically ripped out of my arms. I had to case the Carp down the bank hoping not to lose it. It reminds me of a Tanzania Tigerfish with striped coloration on its body and a hugh, wide forked tail which gives it a tremendous fighting ability.
On your next trip to Thailand, get in touch with Jean-Francois Helias at fishasia@ksc.th.com and check out his website at www.anglingthailand.com. Francois knows where these elusive carp are located and maybe you too will experience the
"World's Strongest Freshwater Fish"!

FISHING ADVENTURES THAILAND

Last week I had the opportunity to fish in Thailand under the guidance of Capt. Francois Helias www.anglingthailand.com We fished for a variety of species which were new to me including giant Mekong catfish, snakeheads, alligator gar, chinese common carp, siamese giant carp, barramundi, black sharkminnow, the rare julien golden carp and numerous others. I had caught a few redtail catfish in the Amazon while fishing for peacock bass.
Most of the fishing in Thailand is on private lakes which are stocked. Francois knows the best times and places to put you onto monster fish.
Thailand is a very friendly country. The people are very nice. This is definately a trip I will attempt to duplicate in the near future.

FLORIDA MONSTER LARGEMOUTH BASS

Capt. Eddie Bussard continues to put fishermen on monster largemouth bass. Had a few friends fish with Capt Eddie last week and numerous giants were landed. The season is running a few weeks late so get in while the action is redhot! Check out Capt. Eddie's site at www.basschallenger.com or phone him at 1-800-241-5314

MONSTER BULL REDFISH ACTION

Avid angler, Dr. Gary Clark, once again is catching moster bull redfish with Captain Keith Kennedy of Born To Fish Charters out of Venice, Louisiana. Dr. Clark land moster bulls of 32lbs and 30lbs this past Wednesday. Last season Gary landed a few gigantic reds over 40lbs while fishing with Capt. Keith.
Keith's season books fast so act now while he still has some prime open dates. Keith can provide a package guided trip which includes all meals, accomodations, rods/reels, tackle, and even your fishing license at a very reasonable cost. Capt Keith goes out of his way in search of monster redfish and does everything in his power to make your stay a memorable fishing experience.
Contact Keith at www.rodnreel.com/borntofish/ or (504) 908-3108

MONSTER LARGEMOUTH BASS WITH EDDIE BUSSARD

Capt Eddie Bussard's clients had the fishing day of their lives on Friday Feb 11, 2011. Three monster bass over 10lbs were caught by a party of 2 with the largest weighing in at 13.4lbs!
Capt Eddie uses wild shiners fishing areas such as the ST. John's River in Florida. The ST. John's River is a very well know hot spot for monster bass and obviously Capt Eddie knows how and when to catch these trophies.
For more information check out Eddie's site at www.basschallenger.com or give him a call at 1-800-241-5314

GREAT LURES FOR La ZONA ON SALE

http://www.landbigfish.com/ currently has some great buys on proven monster dorado lures. These have been very effective catching monster dorado at special places like La Zona "Home of the Monster Dorado". The lures I am taking about are the Rapala Magnum 30 in new colors of firetiger and redhead. These lures are made of hard plastic and can withstanding the lure destroying golden dorado. Also they have a select few discontinued models of the wonderful River2Sea DownSider Minnows which are 8 inches long and dive to 35ft. These also will knock the dorados when the turbines are roaring in La Zona.

Act fast before the prices go up or the lures are gone!

S.O.B. SPINNERBAITS

The spinnerbaits made by S.O.B. are the only models I have found to hold up to tough fighting fish such as peacock bass, tigerfish, and the La Zona dorado. S.O.B. uses heavy wire which will not get bent by these species. Also the company will custom make lures to your design. A friend used 1 to 3oz S.O.B. spinnerbaits in firetiger coloration to catch a few moster dorado in October. Spinnerbaits give you the option of buzzing it around the rocks or letting it sink and use a jigging type retrieve.

Certain spinnerbaits are manufactured with a R-bend in the wire where you tie your line or attach a leader while other types have a closed loop. The models with the R-bend, the leader snap is able to ride up the wire arm often resulting in fouled casts. To prevent this I take a small piece of shrink wrap and slide it over the R-bend and heat it to fit snug over the neck to prevent the snap from sliding.

Dorado fishermen should definately include a few of these spinnerbaits in their tackle arsenal!

Check out http://www.soblures.com/

SEBILE LURES BOUGHT BY PURE FISHING

Pure Fishing, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Jarden Company, recently announced the aquisition of Sebile lures and Sebile lures SA. Sebile is a leader in quality freshwater and saltwater tackle. Sebile created such lures as the Salt and Sun Splasher, Magic Swimmer, Salt and Sun Stick Shad, among others. Sebile lures have caught practically ever fish on earth and have won numerous awards at tackle trade shows.

DAIWA'S DEAD OR ALIVE FISHING LURE

The Daiwa Dead or Alive fishing lure is a side swimming topwater hybrid swimbait plug which is designed to imitate a severly injured baitfish. It is made of wood, double jointed and features a bill positioned on the side of the baits head. The whole lure is curved and the hooks rest inside the inverted U shape. It has a large spinner blade on it's tail for added noise, action, and flash. It has 1 red eye and 1 black eye. It comes in Rainbow Trout, Fire Tiger Perch, Ayu, and Bass Bass colorations. Models come in 5 inches (1 3/8ox) or 6 inches (2 3/16oz)

I have 1 of these lures and plan on experimenting the retrieves on the golden dorado of La Zona in a few months. Believe it would be a great lure on monster peacocks and largemouth bass.

LARRY SCHOENBORN PASSED

International fisherman and host, Larry Schoenborn, passed away yesterday. Larry hosted the fabulous fishing television show "Fishing The West" which featured fishing shows from around the world including Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Larry also sold and hosted many International Fishing Trips. One of Larry's shows was on the Alaska Peninsula lodge Painter Creek. The show really influced me to book a trip to the lodge and I have been fishing the Alaska Peninsula for around 21 years now. I also have a copy of Larry's "Fly Fishing for Peacock Bass" which is a must for all fly fishermen in search of monster peacocks.

Larry will be greatly missed by all. God bless him and his family!!!

RAPALA X-RAP MAG30 NOW IN FIRETIGER COLOR

New for 2011 is the fantastic Rapala X-Rap30Mag in firetiger coloration. This lure dives over 30ft and is constructed of hard plastic. It is a great lure for golden dorado at La Zona when casted into the fast water produced by the dam turbines. The firetiger coloration has been know to be a killer on the monster dorado. One of the best sites to check out these lures and other new and discontinued models is http://www.landbigfish.com/ They have a few of the good discontinued River2Sea fishing lures available for purchase on a limited basis.

CHICAGO SPORT FISHING/HUNTING SHOW

With the fishing shows now in full swing, now is the time to spend some time at a show to get rid of that cabin fever. The Chicago Show is currently being held and is one of the biggest in years. Numerous tackle vendors, fishing lodges from around the world are at the show to help you with your fishing plans this year. Whether it be a trip to Africa or a local salmon charter on Lake Michigan the info in available at the show. Numerous tackle vendors such as Sebile, Strike King, and others are available to show their new products and to answer questions you might have. Numerous Hall of Fame Anglers will be giving seminars at this years show. They include Kevin Van Damm, Al Linder, Babe Winkelman, and other top anglers. Also this year there is a hunting section in the show where you can book exotic hunting trips to Africa, Alaska, and numerous other destinations.
So spend a day at a fishing show. Take along your family and enjoy the day!

MONSTER DORADO LANDED AT LA ZONA

Angler, Chuck Larsen, had the opportunity to once again fish the Uruguay River in a section known as La Zona "Home of the Monster Dorado". On January 24th, Chuck landed the dorado of his dreams, a massive 56lbs golden dorado.

The current World Record All Tackle Dorado as recognized by the IGFA was caught by Andre L.S. de Botton on 11-Jan-2006 which weighed in at 55 lb 11 oz. So, if properly weighed, Chuck has a chance of landing a World Record.

Untamed Angling which is ran by Marcelo Perez and Rodrigo Salles, have a great blog with weekly updates on the fishing conditions in La Zona and other lodges they run. Check the blog out at http://www.untamedangling.blogspot.com/

La Zona is filling up fast for 2011. There are a few openings for prime spots remaining. Contact Steve Yatomi at http://www.adventuretravelalliance.com/ for more information.

PESCARTE FORUM

Looking to get the best advice on peacock bass, dorado, and other South America fish, check out the KALUA International Peacock Forum at www.kaluapesca.com.br/english/forum3/index.asp

Here you will be able to ask questions to some of the best fishermen in the world. Also you get frequent updates on the top tackle, fishing conditions, etc.. Also you can get any advice you want before booking your next fishing trip. Here you will also meet many new friends. Give a forum a try and I think you will enjoy it.

TOPWATER GOLDEN DORADO ACTION

With the waters in the Uruguay River starting to recede, now is the time to stock up on some great topwater or shallow running lures which can stand up to the punishment the dorado enforces! Kermett Adams of http://www.klures/ has designed an arsonal of lures designed just for these beasts!

The RIPPER CHICO is a topwater ripper lure which is 6inches long and weighs 1.5 ounces. Cast this lure near the exposed rocks in La Zona and "rip" it with fast long jerks.

The JAWBREAKER is another topwater lure which is a beefed up buzz bait. Cast again near the rocks and reel in as fast as possible. This lure has a body of 3 inches and a total length including the buzz blades of 5.75 inches. The lure weighs 1.75oz

The GRAND SLAM is a shallow running crankbait which runs about 2 to 3 feet below the surface. The lure is 5 inches long and weighs 2 ounces.

The DALY DIVER, my favorite, is another shallow running crankbait which runs about 2 to 3 feet below the surface. The lure is 5 inches long and weighs 2 ounces. The action on this lure is slightly different from the Grand SLAM.

The HOTDOG is a surface walking lure. While reel keep flicking your wrists to provide a zigzag action around the exposed rocks. This lure is 5.5 inches.

The SEPTEMBER POP is a surface popping lure. Jerk the rod to produce a popping noise. This lure is 4 inches and weighs 1.5 ounces.

I personally have tried each of these lures in La Zona, THE HOME OF THE MONSTER DORADO.

All the lures are made of high quality wood and wire through construction. Triple split rings and Owner hooks are provided on each lure

So, get in touch with Kermett to catch the dorado of your dreams!!

GIANT SWIMBAITS=GIANT FISH!

On your next fishing adventure consider tossing giant swimbaits such as the SPRO BBZ and the Triton Mike Bucca Bull Shad. These lures can get up to 9 inches and weigh over 5 ounces. Angler, Jake Tippee from Alabama uses the Bull Shad to land monster smallmouths up to 9lbs!
Don't let the size of the lures prevent you from using these fantasic lures. These lures will catch monster peacock bass, gigantic golden dorado, trophy largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus practically every freshwater and saltwater fish that gets to trophy sizes.
When casting these lures you will need a heavy duty baitcasting rod. I prefer Pete Maina heavy action casting rods combined with either a Shimano Curado 300E or Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 7000iHSN spooled with 60lbs PowerPro braided line.

GIANT TUNA NETS RECORD PRICE

Earlier this week, a 754 pound bluefin tuna sold for a whopping $396,000 in Tokyo. The winning bidder owns, Kyubey, and upscale sushi restauuant in Tokyo. Roughly the tuna sold for $526 per pound!!! Guess I have been fishing for the wrong species all these years!!

IGFA launches New All Tackle Length Record category

Starting Jan 1, 2011 IGFA launched a new way to have a World Record Fish. Now, there is a catagory for the longest length of numerous species. This is a 100% release category where the fish must be returned unharmed. Also, fish that are entered for the All-Tackle Length category are not eligible for the weight categories. A few of the rules are as follows:
--All fish entered for the All-Tackle length records must be measured on an official IGFA Measuring device which can be purchased on the IGFA website.
--Gaffs are not allowed to land fish for All-Tackle length records
--Photos must include the full length of the fish on the measuring device clearly showing the position of the mouth and tail.
--Photos must include a close-up of the fish's nose and tail on the measuring device
--Photos must include the angler with the fish.
--Photos must include the rod and reel used to make the catch
--The line must be submitted to IGFA with the proper application

Check the IGFA website for more information and a list of eligible species and minimum Lengths! Or write jvitek@igfa.org or phone 954-924-4246 with questions or concerns