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!!!
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