Monster Golden Dorado at La Zona

La Zona Lodge owner, Hector Bradanini, recently reported the catch of a 68 lbs golden dorado by a Brazilian Angler in La Zona.  The monster was landed on a Rapala Mag 18.  Currently, the official IGFA all tackle golden dorado record stands at 55 lbs 11 oz which was landed by Andre de Botton in La Zona on January 11, 2016.  This record has been shattered numerous times especially in the past year. 

However, many including myself do not want to go through the hassle of requirements set forth by the IGFA such as weighing the fish on land which puts an enormous amount of stress and possible death.  At La Zona, all dorado are released to grow into these huge sizes. As I mentioned a year or two ago that the size of the golden dorado would drastically increase since the government does not allow fishing next to the Salto Grande Dam.
My reasoning was there are an abundance of 30 lbs dorado which grab your lure before the monsters get their chance!  For once, it appears I am correct!  There are a few opening remaining for this year at this magical fishery.  No place else on earth gives you the opportunity as La Zona to catch 50+ lbs dorado! 

Xmas Gifts/ Fishing Reels

Looking to buy someone that last minute Xmas present?  If you have a fisherperson in your life consider a quality reel made by Shimano or Daiwa.  Tom Ashby of the American Legacy Fishing Company located in Evansville, Indiana is one of the top sellers in the USA of Shimano reels.  Both Daiwa and Shimano have recently come out with new baitcasting models.

I have dealt with Tom for many years and always get a great deal.  If you sign up for his newsletter you get 10% off on your first purchase.  Check out his website at www.americanlegacyfishing.com or give him a call at 18774026350.

Xmas Gifts/ Pug Poppers from Old Dog Lures

Dave Killalea has been constructing timber lures for many years down under in Australia.  He knows the best models to use for his local fish such as big barramundi.  He has a great selection of Pug Poppers

which I will be using on my trip to Papua New Guinea for giant trevally and dogtooth tuna.  Dave handcrafts the lures using some of the best timber on the market.  Many of his lures would catch lots of fish found in the USA such as walleyes and largemouth bass.  He makes a new batch of lures monthly and distributes them throughout Australia.  You can order directly from his website which is www.olddoglures.com

Xmas Gift/ Guided Louisiana Redfish

Capt. Keith Kennedy of Born To Fish Charters has been putting anglers onto trophy bull redfish for numerous years.  Keith is based out of Venice, LA and offers numerous packages with his guided trips.  The top value is the 4 night, 3 days of fishing which includes all meals, accommodations, and guided fishing including all tackle.  Keith motors out into the Gulf area where the big reds are found.  Having had the opportunity to fish the best waters worldwide, I can honestly say that bull redfish are right up there with some of the brutes caught elsewhere in terms of drag burning battles.

I have written numerous times in the past about this trip and cannot say enough good things.  Capt. Keith goes out of his way to make sure you have that dream fishing trip!  You can find him on Facebook or give him a call at 504-908-3108

Xmas Gift--Guided Bass Fishing Trip on Lake Toho/ Florida

Looking to give someone a last minute Florida Trophy largemouth bass guided trip as a Xmas present?  Capt. Durwood Day guides fisherman to trophies on Lake Toho.  Lake Toho is located SW of the town of Kissimmee.  Avid bass angler, Dr. Gary Clark recently fished with Capt. Durwood and highly recommends his services.  Gary says Capt. Day can provide instructions to new fisherman and teach new techniques to veterans. The Florida Fish and Game says there is an healthy population of trophy bass on Tomo waiting to be landed.  Give Capt. Day a call at 407-719-0215.

Last minute Xmas Gifts for the Fisherperson in your life

Looking to get a few last minute Christmas gifts for that special fisherperson in your life?  Kermett Adams of www.klures.com makes the best wooden choppers and poppers on the market.  These lures have been tested over time by the toughest fish on this planet including peacock bass, golden dorado, PNG bass, and many others.Each lure has wire through construction and comes with heavy duty split rings and hooks.   Kermett has recently introduced a new line of monster wooden lures to handle saltwater species such as Giant Trevally.  Kermett hand crafts each lure and paints to your specification.  I have used these lures for years and cannot say enough good things about them.  Contact Kermett through his website or send him a message through Facebook.

Custom Fishing Rod Sleeves

When I returned from a Giant Trevally fishing trip out of Misima Island in Papua New Guinea earlier this year,  I noticed a few of my rods were scratched most likely from the abuse they receive while motoring to various reefs.  These Nano Carbon based popping rods are a huge cost sometimes pushing the bill in excess of $1000 each!  It make sense to me to find a rod sleeve capable of protecting my investment.  The issue with standard spinning rod sleeves is the diameter to too small to fit over the massive rod eyes found on these popping rods.  Searching the net, I came across a company, RodWarriorUSA.  The company is based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA and makes custom made rod sleeves out of neoprene.  The rod sleeves come in various colors and custom labels can be added.  The sleeves are made out of 2mm neoprene and covered in fade-resistant fabric custom made to the length of your rod and diameter of the rod's eyes.  Each sleeve has a clear pocket information tag and a cord lock to attach the sleeve securely.  I recently put all my GT rods into each specific sleeve and they look great.  For more info on the rod sleeves give Pete a call at 267-471-6492 or email him at rodsleeves@gmail.com.  You can also find more information on their website.