NEW TACKLE STORE IN BUENOS AIRES/ FLY SHOP

 

During my last trip to Argentina, I spent a few nights in Buenos Aires.  During any International Fishing Trip, I try my best to visit local tackle shops to see what local tackle is not available in the United States.  Long time friend, Adrian De Brito, recently opened the Pesca del Plata Tackle Store, www. pescadelplata.empretienda.com.ar.   The store is located on Ex Combatients Juan Sanchez 420 San Fernando-Pcia.de Bs.As.   Adrian has a wide variety of Rapala lures which are not available in the USA such as the metal bill Super Shad Rap, and different colors of Super Shad Raps not available here. Pesca del Plata also has a wide selection of quality Shimano reels and rods, outboard motors and boats, and top of the line camping equipment.  Adrian guides on the Rio La Plata in his free time so can give good advice on local fishing.  He saved the day for me while fishing La Zona for dorado as I was running out of spoons after the first session.  Adrian contacted his supplier and was able to get me numerous No. 6 Wemp spoons in gold coloration which were perfect at La Zona.  

Also during my stay I was able to meet up with long time friend, Nicholas Rosas who operates the Aventura Fly Shop, www.aventuraflyshop.com.ar. 

The Fly Shop is located at Av. Fondo de la Legua 425 Local 13 Boulogne.  Nico has a wide variety of flies, rods, reels, and line.  Plus, Nico is a avid angler often fishing at Rio Lodge on the Parana so can give priceless advice on fly tackle and conventional tackle.  

So, during your next visit to Buenos Aires, make sure to stop by the Pesca del Plata Tackle Store and the Aventura Fly Shop.  You can talk fishing and even make new longtime friends.  Make sure you tell Adrian and Nico that Bob Daly says "hi".  

LA ZONA LOW WATER/ NO PROBLEM!

 

Southern Brazil and Upper Argentina have been in drought conditions for the past few years.  Farmers, ranchers, and others who depend on water are having much issues growing crops and with their livestock.  Many of the famous rivers such as the Uruguay and Parana are extremely low such as many boats cannot even get out due to lack of water.  The past few weeks while fishing for dorado in La Zona on the Uruguay River the water was the lowest locals have experienced.  In the "Zone", one could say it reminded one of a rock field as numerous boulders were either exposed or sitting a few inches below the surface. 

Motoring through this rock field maze was extremely difficult, but our guides Elbio and Alejandro did a great job.  With the water being so low only a few lures would be an option as others would dive too deep and constantly snag in the rocks.  Shallow cup poppers made by Kermett Adams were outstanding when the dorado could be seen attacking bogas in a few inches of water.  When using the popper, keep your rod as high as possible and reel in with super human speed, do not pop!!!  We had our best luck using 2 oz Papa Doctor Spoons in gold coloration. 

These spoons are 5 1/2 inches long and quite thin.  One can cast them a country mile trying to reach the exposed rocks where the dorado sit.  A medium to fast retrieve was required to prevent snagging.  We put a barrel swivel on the rear split ring then another split ring to the barrel swivel then a 8/0 strong single hook.  This configuration allowed the hook the rotate when the giant dorado would make numerous leaps to try and toss the hook. 

Another lure we had success with was a local glider, JAG, which would zig zag a few inches below the surface.  I actually landed a 44 lbs dorado on my second cast with this lure.  We lost numerous lures due to dorado leaping while our braid would cut on the rocks, so long mono or fluor leaders are necessary.  In my opinion, the water levels in La Zona will remain low in the near future, so be prepared for low water conditions where you can catch "mucho grandes" like we did!!!  Best of luck!!!

LA ZONA/ ARGENTINA DORADO JANUARY 2022

 

After a 2 year absence, I am able to travel to one of my favorite fishing destinations on earth, La Zona for monster freshwater dorado.  As some are aware, I have fished this outstanding destination since it opened to fishermen except for the covid lockdown years and the dorado keep getting larger and larger.  2022 was no exception.

  My group of 4 fished for 8 days, Jan 21 to 24 and Jan 28 to 31.  I spent a few nights in my favorite town, Buenos Aires, to see some old friends and enjoy perhaps the best steakhouses on earth.  I again stayed at the Grand King Hotel which is located in the business district near the shopping centers.  The water on the Uruguay River was extremely low around 0.4 meters so numerous boulders were exposed making motoring the boat inside the zone extremely difficult.  The outside temps soared during week 1 reaching 100F. 

The dorado fishing was also redhot as giants  were landed ( I only record dorado over 30 lbs) 2 over 50 lbs, 13 between 40-49 lbs, and 22 between 30-39 lbs, for a total of 37 dorado over 30 lbs including a monster pushing the boga grip to 56 lbs.  We landed 99% of the dorado on gold Papa Doctor spoons reeled in over the tops of boulders.  Guides Elbio and Alejandro did an outstanding job of putting us on trophies throughout the week.  We stayed at the La Zona Hotel which is 5*****.  The bedrooms are very spacious and the dining area is outstanding.  There is a lounge upstairs which includes leather chairs, couches, and even a pool table.  There is a swimming pool on the grounds to relax in and cool off. 

Chef Sanchez was perhaps the best cook I have had at La Zona in all my years.  I went back to Buenos Aires between fishing sessions and visited friend, Adrian, who owns "Pesca del Plata" Tackle Store.  Adrian was able to get me numerous Wemp's spoons which saved the day as I was running out of spoons.  During week 2 at La Zona the outside temps dropped to 59F in the morning shutting down the bite.  For the groups we landed 0 dorado over 50 lbs, 6 between 40-49 lbs, and 9 between 30-39 lbs for a total of 15 over 30 lbs.  So for the 2 sessions we landed 52 dorado over 30 lbs which is fantastic!  On my return I met up with friend, Nico, who owns Ventura FlyShop.  Over all, the trip was outstanding and exceeded my expectations especially with the low water conditions.  Anxious for April to come around as I return to catch more giant dorao in La Zona!!!