Rapala Magnum 40

Rapala has recently introduced the Magnum 40 to the USA.  Previously, this lure was available only in Australia.  The Mag 40 has a massive lip allowing it to reach depths of up to 40 feet.  It was recently awarded the "Best Saltwater Hard Lure" at the ICAST 2017.  This should be a fantastic lure for the huge golden dorado at La Zona.  I anxiously await to try them out!

JACKALL GANTAREL

Besides fishing, one of my other hobbies is collecting fishing lures.  Having a "tackle store" in my basement, I have thousands of lures for multiple species.  While fishing for Yellowcheek on my recent trip to China, despite my low catch rate, I predominately used the Jackall Gantarel and Gantarel Jr. lures.  These are jointed body lures representing bluegills.  With a steady retrieve they swim slow and natural, or give it a twitch and the lure turns 180 degrees sometimes triggering a strike.  The body has a wire through harness with rotating hook and natural looking pectoral fins. On a steady retrieve the lure dives about 3 feet.   They come with feathered hooks, but I replaced them as I deemed them not very strong.  Am anxious to see if these lures can hold up to the fierce golden dorado of La Zona.

La Zona News

With water levels coming back to normal, fishing for golden dorado in the zone has been fantastic according to La Zona Lodge owner, Hector Bradanini.  Numerous dorado exceeding 40 pounds were landed the first weekend in July.  After a conversation with Hector regarding other options from La Zona Lodge,

it was decided that an option to fish for huge surubi catfish can be added to your trip.  A possible schedule would be to fish golden dorado inside La Zona for 4 days then fish for the surubi outside the zone for 2 or 3 days.

 This would take place during the good season for surubi which is July and August.  For more information contact Giulianabradanini@gmail.com